Degrees

While obtaining a degree does not guarantee employment or a particular income level, having a degree can at least increase the chances of achieving these benefits. Two benefits that most individuals achieve from receiving a degree are a lower rate of unemployment and a higher income compared to individuals who do not have a degree.

There is a wide range of types of degrees, so how do you pick the right degree for you? It is best if one focuses upon areas that they have an interest or an aptitude in. Some individuals know exactly what they want to study but for many people this is a topic that requires great research. Most colleges do not require the student to select their degree before starting courses, which will give the student the opportunity to experience courses and subjects to help them decide what interest them. Additionally, most colleges and universities will assign a student an academic advisor who should be very helpful in offering guidance and information into what degrees that school offers.

Types of Degrees:

Associate Degree (AA) is a degree awarded from a community college, junior college, business college, or a four-year university. The degree is typically equivalent to the first 2 years of a bachelor’s degree. It is the lowest in the hierarchy of degrees.

Bachelor’s of Arts Degree (BA) is a degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that typically takes approximately four years to complete at a college or university. The course work of this individual is typically focused in the liberal arts such as Political Science, English, History or any of the Humanities.

Masters of Education (M.Ed) is a postgraduate degree focused in the field of education that is awarded from a university. This degree is obtained after one acquires a Bachelor’s degree. It typically takes approximately one to two years of additional study after a Bachelor’s degree to obtain a Masters of Education

Education Specialist (Ed.S) is an advanced academic degree that is acquired after one has received their Masters degree. This degree focuses further into the field of education. It typically takes a student an additional year after their Masters to acquire this degree.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D) is the education equivalent to a Ph.D. This research-based degree is the highest degree given in the field of education, or a terminal degree. This degree takes several years past a Masters degree to achieve and includes coursework, a comprehensive exam and a dissertation.