Are you thinking about going back to school but aren’t sure which level of education to attain? Here are some major factors to consider when deciding whether a certificate, associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree is right for you.
Career Opportunities
Whether you are fresh out of high school or choosing a degree later in life, ask yourself what you want to do with your degree. Once you determine your career goal, a South College advisor can help guide you to the appropriate program. There are several careers that simply require a certification or associate degree in order to be hired, while other careers are more competitive and require further education.
Remember, your level of education can be used to compare you with other prospective employees. Depending on the position and company you pursue, opportunities for career advancement and promotions may be impacted by each candidate’s education.
Time
Certificates, associate, bachelor’s and master’s all demand a different number of credits, and therefore, they require different amounts of time dedicated to earning them. For example, a certificate or associate degree requires less credit hours than a bachelor’s or master’s, so they can often be completed in two years or less whereas a bachelor’s degree may require four years.
Whether you are a full-time or part-time student can also play a role in how quickly certain degrees can be earned. If you already have a degree and are looking to further your education, ask your advisor if any of your credits transfer.
Coursework
Before committing to a program, ask yourself if you are willing to put in the effort to complete the work. Master’s degrees might require a more extensive class load, while an associate degree might steer more directly toward one topic, lessening the class load.
Unemployment Rates and Earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015, earnings and unemployment rates directly related to education. Earnings for full-time wages and salary workers are greater when a higher level of education is attained. Students who plan to quickly join the workforce may prefer an associate degree while students who may want to further a specialized education at some point may prefer a bachelor’s or master’s.
At South College, we know all students are different. That is why we offer programs at a variety of education levels. See what academic programs we offer today!
