Degree Programs

Types of Programs

If you are interested in higher education, you need to know about the types of programs that are available before you sign up. Choosing the best program for your needs and budget can help you to save your time and money in the long run. Even though education is an investment for your future, there is no sense in spending more than you actually need to.

Associate Degrees

Associate degrees are typically two year programs in which you can get entry level training in a variety of fields. For example, many nurses opt for associate degrees as it helps them to enter the field with a higher degree than a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), but without the long training and high cost of a bachelor degree. You can opt for associate's degree in Health Care or Massage Therapy from Blue Cliff College. Other colleges that offer these degrees include Westwood College and Virginia College.

Accelerated Degrees

When you already have a degree, you might want to look into accelerated degrees. These programs allow you to complete a course of training in less time than it would usually take. For example, nurses can take accelerated classes and go through programs that allow them to get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in just a year or two. Accelerated degree programs are offered by Walsh University, Arcadia University, and Binghamton University.

Bachelor Degrees

It generally takes four years for most students to complete a bachelor's degree program. Taking a few additional classes in the summer months can help you to finish it in less than four years and it also lets you get into the working world before your classmates. The schools that offer bachelor's degree programs are University of Phoenix and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Master's Degrees

If you are looking for advanced positions (and salaries) after completing your bachelor degree, you can go for a master's degree. It can take up to two years to complete master's degrees, though many can complete them in only one year of full time coursework. Whether you are looking to finish your degree or advance your career, some of the schools that provide masters degree programs include Walden University and University of Maine.

Doctoral Degrees

The PhD programs vary in length and are require a dissertation to complete the coursework. A PhD program normally requires three years or more, depending on the time you take to write the research paper. Doctoral degrees are offered at the Kansas State University.

Dual Degrees

For those who are not sure of what they want to specialize in, you can go for a dual degree. Getting two degrees at the same time might be a good way to make sure that all your bases are covered. It is always a good idea to choose two degrees that are similar as their requirements can overlap helping you to take fewer classes while still earning two degrees. The schools that offer dual degree programs are the School of Information and the Journalism School.

Certification Programs

For those who only want to advance their current degree or training, certification programs are available in everything from computers to teaching. These are typically short classes with a test at the end to gain the certificate. You can opt for certification programs at Green Guard Environmental Institute and National Paralegal College.

Diploma Programs

If you want to obtain a diploma, you need to finish a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or a doctoral degree. You can acquire new skills, international experience, and even work experience within a short period of time. These programs are offered at University of Alberta and UC Berkeley Extension.

Courses

Courses are just classes that you might take at a university or a college. You may take a number of courses to get a degree, or just take a few to learn more about specific subjects.

Seminars

Weekend seminars, or seminars in college, are simple ways to get credits that you might need for continuing education or for re-certification.

Workshops

Workshops are generally conducted in a college/university. They are also offered by the various instructors based on their own time and location.

Web-Based Training

Web-based training provides you with a convenient way to take classes from the certification level to the doctoral level. It is an innovative approach to e-learning. The Metric Training Center offers web-based training without the high cost of on-site training.