Has your dream been to study abroad and now you’re not sure which way to go certification wise? We’ve got you covered as this article is meant to help students understand cert, diploma and degree programs. Knowing the difference will help you choose the most suitable program for you in order to enjoy your study experience maximally. Are you ready? Let’s go.
Certificate
Certification programs are mainly specialized in a single skill set or industry area. For example, plumbers, welders, electricians, etc. These programs may have very little if any academic coursework because they are very specialized in a particular field. To further enhance specialization, many such programs require an apprenticeship program for completion.
Types
Higher Certificate: This program can be done at vocational, technical schools and community colleges for about a year. They are specialized and industry-specific and will improve your performance in the workplace. It could run for one to three years.
Advanced/Graduate Certificate: Such programs can be done at 2 and 4-year institutions as well as at the aforementioned institutions. The program is career-focused and the goal is to enhance professional skills and/or specialization. It can run for one to two years.
Diplomas
They are similar to certificates but are more in-depth and are also awarded through community colleges, vocational, technical schools and hospitals. It offers people efficient ways to change careers, as the programs are more focused than degree programs. It could run for one to two years of course work and on the job training.
Types
National Diploma
The focus here is on knowledge and skills in particular fields. Students who successfully complete a National Diploma course can enrol for a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree in the same field of study. It runs for one to four years.
National Professional Diploma
Candidates can use this program to upgrade their level of education and get a ‘qualified’ status. For example, you may have a flair for teaching but don’t have the necessary qualification to teach. You can study a National Professional Diploma in Education to get your full teacher status. It runs for two to three years.
Degrees
Degrees are awarded by colleges and universities for professional fields and can run from two to six years. Academic degrees can be held at different levels including the following:
Associate Degree
An associate degree is a two-year degree program awarded by a community college or technical school. In some cases, four-year colleges and universities also award associate degrees.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is a four-year degree that is granted by a college or university. Bachelor’s degree-awarding institutions require a specific course load and a minimum number of credits to graduate.
Master’s Degree
A master’s degree is a post-graduate degree because it can only be gotten after obtaining a bachelor’s. They run for about two years and usually require some level of student teaching, research, and writing a thesis.
Doctorate Degree
A Doctor of Philosophy- PhD is also a post-graduate degree and includes more years of study and intensive research. It supersedes a master’s degree and varies in length but ranges from three years and above.
When students understand cert, diploma and degree programs, they can make informed decisions which will favour them. We’re convinced that you’ll choose wisely.
Good luck!
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