If you are choosing to further your study, you will most likely be a motivated person and will do well in your career regardless.
You could be finishing secondary schooling and looking for the first logical step in your career journey. Or, you might be a seasoned professional deciding to take a new career path.
Interested in furthering your studies, but not quite sure what type of course to study? Your education and any choice related to it is a very crucial decision in your life, and therefore before taking a leap you should be aware of how and where to use your years of inculcated knowledge.
Your focus plays a very important role in making your future, as it is what is going to help you decide how soon and with what you are going to start your career. Agreed, that many of you will not be able to make up your mind about what you want to do post your graduation.
However, for those who have found a keen interest in a particular area, or have been mastered a subject, then choosing to do a diploma in that field will be a good decision. On the contrary, if you are not sure as to which course appeals to you the most, then taking your own time and enrolling into a degree course will be best.
That been said, before taking any major stand, having a thorough understanding of what exactly is the difference between a degree, a diploma and a certificate course will help you to set a course for your future.
Here we take a closer look at certificate, diploma and degree courses, and how they differ from one another. This should give you a better idea of what type of course you should look at to reach your goals.
Difference between Diploma, Degree & Certificate Courses
The major difference between a diploma, degree and a certificate course is of duration. A certification course is usually three or six months to a year, though there are some certificate courses that last for 1.5 to 2 years too.
A diploma course can be of a yearly or a semester pattern. The diploma that follows semester pattern, is usually of two years, and sometimes with three years dedicated to studies and one year devoted to an industrial internship.
Generally the duration of a degree course in India is usually three to four years barring a few like B.A. (Bachelor of Arts), B.Com, (Bachelor of Commerce), B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science), B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) and many more.
Lets deep dive and understand the differences!
Diploma vs. Degree
With so many academic pathways and awards to choose from, it can get confusing and you can lose sight of what you’re really after and what differs them. For diplomas versus degrees, the determining factor should be the career you want to pursue and the costs you are capable of paying.
While keeping in mind that some of the employers today might favor a degree, vocational education is still called that for a reason. There are jobs where not only will a diploma be of more use, but your student loans will be significantly reduced, too. Maybe jobs in engineering, healthcare, science and such may not care much for a diploma, but a job that relies solely on skill might praise you for it.
A diploma program focuses on one subject, explores it and is commonly practice-based.. Both of these programs have their own dos and don’ts, proving to be very worthy in the right hands and the right field. And whenever you feel like one isn’t for you, you have the opportunity to change paths. However, if that happens often, it can be costly and mentally tiring. So, work wisely and strategically lean onto your own strengths,
Degree vs. Certificate
Again, as with the diploma vs. degree dilemma, this one also depends on the job you want to land. A degree program can provide you with a higher pay upon completion, more than a finished certificate program can do. But, that also comes with the fact that getting a degree will be more costly than getting a certificate.
Depending on whether you’re opting for an undergraduate or graduate certificate, there are different and similar ups and downs to them. The main difference we count between a degree and a certificate is the duration, job opportunities, and cost.
So, here’s the takeaway!
Thoroughly evaluate all your goals and take a look at where you plan to be in the future; this will be critical in determining which option will equip you best for your career.
Even once if you have an idea in place, the information will be overwhelming!
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