Types of Degrees & Training Chapter 4 – College Bound

Journal What type of degree would be best for your educational or career needs?

Types of Degrees or Training Certificate of Training License Apprenticeship Associate Degree Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor’s) Graduate Degree (Master’s) Doctorate (PhD) Professional Programs

Certificate of Training - Pros Short Term – hours to a few weeks to complete Could upgrade Employment Status Could upgrade pay status Some business will pay for this training All levels of degrees will have some type of certificates of training Examples: Lifeguards, EMT, Nurses, etc are trained in CPR

Certificate of Training - Cons Short Term – may not be in-depth May limit your employment status May minimize your pay

License - Pros A standard that you have to meet May have to take a test License may be reciprocal – meaning it is valid in multiple states Examples: Teachers, Lawyers, Cosmetologists…..

License - Cons May be short term or long term Could involve additional course work to renew - $$ Costs money to take the test Could be limited to one state

Apprenticeship - Pros Work and learn Some get paid Training can last 6 months to a year Example: Carpenter, Electrician, ……

Apprenticeship - Cons Paid less than regular workers (if paid) May need to sign a contract (commit to work for that company for “x” number of years in return for your training)

Associate Degrees - Pros Usually takes 2 years to complete Some fields recommend it Cost of education is less Some companies pay for you to continue your education Local colleges offer many associate degrees – Sinclair Pays better than a certificate Most credits will transfer to a four year degree Some athletics – could advance your skills and then go to an upper division for last 2 years More options for employment Examples: Bookkeeping, Office Manager, Chef…..

Associates Degree - Cons Usually a smaller school so there are fewer opportunities for school involvement May stay at home and commute

Bachelor’s Degree - Pros Wide variety of school offer undergraduate degrees in many subjects More opportunities for employment after graduation More opportunity for financial increases

Bachelor’s Degree - Cons It takes 4 years to complete, and maybe more Four years of education is expensive Study time: need to put the time into study if you plan to succeed May need to leave home to complete your major

Master’s Degree - Pros Further education in your chosen field Helps you specialize More opportunities for increased pay More opportunities for a variety of employment Can work while pursuing a higher degree Some employers will pay for part/all of your courses Example: Teachers can get a master’s to become a principal or a guidance counselor.

Master’s Degree - Cons It may take an extra 2+ years of education Increases your expenses More study time is required May need to relocate to a different school May become an over-qualified person without work experience

Doctorate - Pros Expands knowledge in your chosen field of study Helps you specialize More opportunities for increased pay More opportunities for a variety of employment Examples: Teachers may get a PhD in order to teach at a University or to become a superintendent

Doctorate - Cons It may take an extra 2 – 3 years of education Increases your expenses More study time is required and some research May need to relocate to a different school or area of the country May become an over-qualified person without work experience

Professional Degrees – Pros Expands knowledge in your chosen field of study Helps you specialize More opportunities for increased pay More opportunities for a variety of employment Increased status Example: Doctors, Lawyers…..

Professional Degree - Cons It may take an extra 4 – 6 years of education Increases your expenses More study time is required, some research and internships May need to relocate to a different school or area of the country May need to pass a test for licensing