The importance of a Post Secondary Education, higher learning or tertiary education is realized in almost every profession. The business world today is operating in global markets that typically demand a highly educated work force. The advantages to the business in hiring educated workers are immense but the advantages to the educated worker are not only enormous but measurable in terms of their overall career success as well as monetary success.
Post secondary education refers to any schooling received after completing high school, including those who have received a GED, which is commonly referred to as secondary school. Most institutes of higher education require a high school diploma or a GED certificate before enrollment. A variety of different types of learning institutions qualify as post secondary schools, such as:
- Trade
- Vocational schools
- Colleges
- Universities
- Technology
- Career schools
- Academies
- Seminaries
The significance of the distinction between secondary and post secondary schools becomes clear when you realize that a primary and secondary education, from the 1st grade through the 12th grade, is compulsory while post secondary education is considered optional. Another obvious distinction is the method of payment by which the education is paid for. The state provides free public schooling for primary and secondary schools but post secondary institutions require tuition to be paid by the student or the student’s family. Assistance for tuition fees may be obtained through student loan programs, scholarships and grants.
Post Secondary Education Degrees
The choice of attending post secondary schools is typically made as the student is finishing up their high school years. Depending on the career path chosen, the degree field may be decided upon later. Following is an overview of the types of degrees offered by post-secondary education:
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs focus on a particular field of study without the full educational requirements. The certificate is not a typical degree but it does officially signify that you have completed the studies and are skilled in that area of study. For students adding certificates to an existing degree, this can add substantial weight to your resume.
Diploma Programs
Similar to the certificate program, a diploma is not a degree yet validates the students’ abilities and skill level through the successful completion of all of the required criteria. Diplomas earned under this category are often compared to the completion of vocational or trade schools.
Associate’s Degree
A two-year degree is called an Associate’s Degree. This degree is often the start or foundation of a four year degree. The post-secondary education received at this level focuses on three areas, general education requirements, the required classes towards your college major, and, of course, electives.
Bachelor’s Degree
The Bachelor’s degree is a four year degree and is the standard degree for a four year term at accredited college and universities. More and more businesses are starting to require a college degree, and in particular, a bachelor’s degree, from applicants. While this may assure the employers of a skilled employee, it also garners the employee a more successful career.
Master’s Degree
The Master’s Degree is an advanced degree that builds upon the completed Bachelor’s degree. This academic achievement is granted to students who have mastered a field of study. These graduates will be acknowledged as highly skilled in their respective arena. The salary of an employee with a Master’s degree is understandably much greater.
PhD Degree
The PhD degree is often called a Doctorate. This is the highest academic degree earned by most colleges and universities. Just as the Master’s build on to the Bachelor’s, the PhD degree builds on the Master’s degree. You must successfully complete one before starting the next. Post secondary education that includes a PhD involves two major disciplines, mastering the subject and expanding the known information of the subject matter within their field of study.
Why Post Secondary Education is Important
There are a number of reasons why a post-secondary education is important and why every high school student should consider the decision very carefully. Perhaps the greatest reason is the wealth of career opportunities that are provided by the earning of a degree. The training for your career starts in higher education.
Employers are eager to hire graduates not only for the training in school but also the dedication shown by the student to invest in his or her own future. A post secondary education may not necessarily guarantee you the career you want or when you want it, but it certainly makes you a more attractive candidate for prospective employers.
Another great reason is the financial compensation given to an employee with a degree is often more lucrative than an employee without a degree. Studies have proven this, in fact, a college grad could earn up to twice as much over the length of the career offering a grad greater stability and financial security.
The connections made throughout the college experience may garner untold perks along the way, be they instructors, fellow students or previous alumni. Post secondary education degrees have been known to open some particularly difficult doors to pass through which again, offers more choices to grads.
Whatever decisions you make regarding your education and your future, remember that in today’s global market, knowledge is power. The more education you have, the more you will be prepared to meet the challenges that will come your way throughout your career. A post secondary education will give you the training to confidently face your future.
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