College degrees generally fall into five categories: doctoral, master’s, bachelor`s, diploma and certificates programs. Each degree varies in length, requirements, and outcomes.
Let’s discuss these degrees in detail.
Doctoral Degree
This is the highest educational degree that can be acquired by any student. It is suited and of use to such students who want to know any subject in great depths – all about its concepts and are interested in research and gaining insight into the specifications of the subject. You can opt for the doctorate program only after completing your master’s education. And this is the only education program that has no definite duration. At the end of it, you are required to submit a thesis paper on the research conducted by you, under the guidance of a tutor or mentor, and only when it is approved, do you get the degree. And the knowledge that is precise and accurate.
You do not require to be an intellectually excellent individual, but a keen interest to study, learn, and research is definitely a requisite.
Master’s Degree
This is a two-year program typically. It is quite common as students generally with keenness towards their field of study pursue masters after basic graduation. Thus it makes having a bachelor’s degree essential. This is the time of specialization. You get to choose your specific field of study according to your interest and aptitude. It is detailed, minute and micro in approach.
Bachelor’s Degree
Just out of school, this is the basic and necessary degree as it paves way for the future. It is quite generic and at the macro level. It thus covers a wide range of topics and subjects, and you get a look and feel, know the basic concepts. After this, you will be more clear on what is it that you want to specialize in or opt for a higher level of education or in the job market.
The normal duration is three years.
Diploma Programs
Most technical and professional courses, like mass communication, hotel management, business studies, etc are Diploma programs. Such are available at undergraduate and post-graduate levels. After graduation in any discipline, you can opt for a PG Diploma in any field which may be an interest you have developed or a career you have decided upon. They are thus career makers and highly specific. Those who desire a change in their field of study can go for diploma courses. Thus new opportunities and venues can be explored. It is not time-bound and can be pursued with ease. A program that suits your requirement of duration can be chosen. Usually, they take a year or two to complete.
Certificate Programs
These are complementary programs that can be undertaken after a bachelor’s degree program, to add to your knowledge and skill base. Such courses are short-term and a direct link between your field of study on one hand and your career on the other. Such niche learning is to improve your excellence in the subject. You may already possess the necessary qualification and aptitude, but a certificate course will be an add-on to the existing list of qualifications and expertise, thus granting scope that your contemporaries may not get.
