Colleges and Universities A summary of the many paths through higher education Brought to you by the CB West Guidance Dept.

Degree Types Undergraduate Associates 2 year program Bachelors 4 year program Graduate School Masters 1 or 2 year program after earning Bachelors degree Doctorate year program after earning Bachelors OR Masters degree

Associates Degree 2 year program after High School Community College, some trade schools Enter workforce, or transfer to earn Bachelors degree (2 additional years) Many solid career options ( median salary shown ) Physical Therapy Aids- $52k /yr, much faster than avg growth Occupational Therapy Asst.- $53k /yr, much faster than avg growth Radiologic Tech - $54k /yr, faster than avg growth MRI Tech- $65k /yr, much faster than avg growth Nuclear Tech- $69k /yr, faster than avg growth Dental Hygienist- $70k /yr, much faster than avg growth Paralegal- $49k /yr, faster than avg growth

Bachelors Degree 4 year program after High School 2 years if transferring from community college What most people think of as “college” Some careers require specific degrees; others will accept “related” degrees. Some also require licensure exams. Career Options vary widely by field Petroleum Engineer- $130k /yr, much faster than avg growth Software Developer- $90k /yr, much faster than avg growth Med/Health Service Manager- $88k /yr, much faster than avg Logistician/Supply Chain Mgt- $73k /yr, much faster than avg Personal Financial Advisor- $67k /yr, much faster than avg growth Convention / Event Planner- $46k /yr, much faster than avg growth

Masters Degree 1 – 2 year program after Bachelors Degree Some are part of “accelerated” Bachelors programs for 5 total years Graduate School vs. “Undergrad” A Bachelors in the same field is NOT REQUIRED Benefits vary by Field / Not necessary for some careers Depending on the field, it may be better (or necessary) to gain work experience prior to earning a graduate degree. Nurse Anesthetists/Practitioners- $96.5k /yr, much faster than avg Statistician- $75.5k /yr, much faster than avg growth Occupational Therapist- $75.4k /yr, much faster than avg growth Healthcare Social Worker- $44k /yr, faster than avg growth Mental Health/Marriage Counselor- $40k /yr, much faster than avg

Doctoral Degree 4 – 8 year program after Bachelors Degree Can go part-time while working full-time Masters Degree not necessary Graduate School vs. “Undergrad” Benefits vary by field / Not necessary for some careers Some accelerated programs exist, but are highly selective Physician/Surgeon- $220k /yr, faster than avg growth Dentist- $149k /yr, faster than avg growth Pharmacist- $116k /yr, about as fast as avg growth Lawyer- $113k /yr, about as fast as avg growth Physical Therapists- $80k /yr, much faster than avg growth Psychologist- $69k /yr, about as fast as avg growth

Earn 2 year Associates Enter Workforce OR Transfer to earn Bachelors (2 more years) Earn 4 year Bachelors Go to Grad School OR Enter workforce Earn Masters OR Doctorate Enter workforce

How to Decide? You MUST focus on what's best for you, not what everyone else is doing. Salary and job growth were shown, but interest and aptitude are highly important. You can always change your plan, but research now so you have an idea of what’s out there. If you’re interested in a career that requires grad school, give yourself options by choosing a different (but related) undergrad major. For example, a Business related major for undergrad if planning to become a corporate lawyer or Industrial Psychologist.