Navigating through higher education opportunities
July 25, 2012
When pursuing higher education, there are many different program and degree options depending on your academic level and potential career path. Choosing the right one for you is often the first step to heading back to school.
GED
For those adults who did not get a chance to receive their high school diploma, the General Educational Development Test can be taken to prove secondary educational proficiency. This is often the first step for adult students seeking higher education. Anyone 18 or older can take the GED test, as well as some 17-year-olds who meet specific criteria. Testing centers can be found throughout the nation and cover reading, writing, math, science and social studies.
ESL
English as a Second Language, or ESL, refers to the study of English by speakers of different native languages. Due to the nation's large immigrant population, students wishing to improve their English can find ESL courses at most colleges, universities and even community centers. You can even take ESL classes online. A good resource to use when seeking courses is Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, a professional U.S. organization.
Degree
This most commonly refers to the first two higher learning degrees. An associate's is generally a 2-year degree often found at community colleges. Since they are quick and comparatively inexpensive to complete, an associate's degree is a great way to enter the workforce or prove your dedication to a certain company. For example, a minimum of an Associate of Applied Science is generally required by employers in order to receive a mid-level technology position.
A bachelor's degree generally requires another two years of schooling, or 60 additional credit hours. This is often the most popular degree that students pursue, as most colleges and universities are four-year institutions. The term "college degree" was historically applied to a traditional four-year accredited program, but this has changed with the times. Now there are all kinds of degrees, students and educational paths.
Advanced degree
These higher degrees demand the completion of a bachelor's program. They include master's, doctorate and post-doctorate degrees, and generally take an additional two to six years to complete, are highly competitive, expensive and work intensive. However, if money is a problem for these driven students, they can often find scholarships for adults or awards specific to their field of study.
Professional certification
Certification programs are specialized to a certain professional and educational advancement, and help prove your knowledge, experience and skill level to an employer. To receive a professional certificate, most students need to pass a test specifically created for the particular industry, and the certificate program prepares you for this test. Often, certification programs are shorter than degree-based programs, and may be a sensible option for students pursuing certain technical, healthcare or other niche fields.
