Opportunities for Success
Different careers require different types of education and training. You can complete some degrees in a short time; others take longer. Some are specific, focusing on the skills and knowledge you need for a particular job; others are more broad. On the next page you’ll find a chart that explains the type of education required for different jobs.
Most college degree programs are divided into undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Undergraduate programs are usually for people who don’t have a four-year bachelor’s degree. Graduate programs are higher degrees for people who have already earned a four-year degree. And professional programs offer more advanced degrees in professions like medical and veterinary science, social work, and law.
If you haven’t already explored the career pathways and jobs that interest you, take time to do that now. What kind of higher education do they require?
Degree/Program: CERTIFICATE
Job Description
Some certificates prepare you for entry-level professional jobs, like legal assistant or secretary. Others add to the education you already have and increase your existing job skills, like emergency medical technicians.
- Bookkeeper
- Daycare Worker
- Medical or Dental Assistant
- Truck Driver
How Long? High school diploma or GED. 1 to 2 years of higher education
Degree/Program: APPRENTICESHIP
Job Description
Apprenticeship programs combine classroom study with on-the-job training. Apprentices or trainees learn skilled trades, like plumbing, masonry, firefighting, or carpentry.
- Electrician
- Fire Fighter
- Stone Mason
- Welder
How Long? High school diploma or GED. 2 to 3 years of higher education
Degree/Program: ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
Job Description
Associate’s degrees often concentrate on the skills you need for a specific career, like electronics or early childhood education. With some associate’s degrees, you can transfer to a four-year college, complete just two more years of college, and get a bachelor’s degree.
- Administrative Assistant
- Engineering Technician
- Human Resources Specialist
- Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
How Long? High school diploma or GED. 2 to 4 years of higher education
Degree/Program: BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Job Description
Bachelor’s or four-year degrees require general and specific courses. Usually, students choose one or two subjects to study in depth. These subjects are called majors or areas of concentration. Teachers, writers, engineers, and entry-level managers usually have these degrees.
- Architect
- Cartoonist
- Computer Programmer
- Stock Broker
How Long? High school diploma or GED. 4 to 6 years of higher education
Degree/Program: MASTER’S DEGREE
Job Description
Master’s degree students usually have a bachelor’s degree, some work experience, and the desire to continue studying a subject. These programs build on the information you learn in undergraduate classes and help you advance your career. People often earn Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees to get ahead in the business world.
- Hospital Administrator
- Marriage and Family Counselor
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- School Principal
How Long? High school diploma or GED. 6 to 8 years of higher education
Degree/Program: PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
Job Description
Professional programs require advanced study of a specific profession like veterinary science, law, or social work. To work in these career fields, you often have to pass a state or national exam. Professional degree programs prepare you for the exams and the work world. Professional degrees include MD for doctors, DDS for dentists, and JD for lawyers.
- Chiropractor
- Pharmacist
- Priest or Minister
- Social Worker
How Long? High school diploma or GED. 7 to 9 years of higher education
Degree/Program: DOCTORAL DEGREE
Job Description
Doctoral degrees are the highest degrees offered by colleges. They are awarded in broad subjects like history, biology, and music. These programs can take many years to complete. Doctoral candidates must research an original topic, write a lengthy research paper, and defend their research in front of a panel of experts.
- College Professor
- Economist
- Psychologist
- School Superintendent
How Long? High school diploma or GED. 8 to 10 years of higher education