Therefore, students must be able to manage their time well and be sure to stay on top of their reading and studying. This goes hand-in-hand with prioritizing various tasks. Having great work-ethic is also essential. Students must be motivated to study and complete assignments. Lastly, students should have an interest or passion in their chosen area of study.
Higher Education Degree Levels AvailableAssociate’s Degree An associate’s degree program provides students with a broad introduction to their chosen discipline's history, theories, philosophy, and practices and prepares students for entry-level positions in that field or for further advancement to a bachelor’s degree. This two-year program includes foundational courses and gives students a general knowledge into the area of chosen study. This two-year degree is somewhat limited as far as opportunities and salary; a student with an associate’s degree who would like to advance to a higher position as well as salary, should continue onto a bachelor’s degree program.
Bachelor’s DegreeA bachelor’s degree program provides students with a broad introduction to their chosen discipline as well as a strong foundation for continued education. During this four-year program, students may choose from a number of subject areas to specialize in. Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree may obtain entry-level positions in their chosen field or further advance to a master’s or doctoral degree.
Master’s Degree A master’s degree program prepares students to become leaders in their chosen area of study. At this point in their academic career, students will have chosen an area of specialization in which to focus on throughout their program. Reputable colleges and universities offer a thesis program along with an intense research-based curriculum taught by faculty members who have extensive knowledge and experience in the specialized field.
Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) DegreeStudents enrolled in a Ph.D. program are prepared for positions in academia. As with most Ph.D. programs, students are required to submit a thesis proposal, pass both a qualifying examination and candidacy examination, and complete as well as defend a dissertation based on original research conducted in their chosen field by the student, all the while achieving an A average in mandatory coursework. Along with upper-level employment in their chosen area, graduates from a Ph.D. program are able to secure faculty member positions at a college or university.
Admission RequirementsAlthough various colleges and universities may vary slightly, students can expect fairly standard admission requirements when applying to obtain an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. Successful completion of high school or an academic equivalent (such as a GED) is required along with high school transcripts displaying grades obtained in completed courses. SAT or ACT test scores are almost always required as well. If a student fulfills all of these requirements, then an application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend must be completed and submitted along with an application fee, which of course varies depending on the institution. Volunteer and/or work experience is always beneficial to the student and will aid in their acceptance during the application process.
Admission into a master’s or doctoral program require a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Colleges and universities require a transcript from the institution where the bachelor’s degree was obtained, displaying the student’s GPA which should be at a 3.25 minimum (on a 4.0 scale). Students must have successfully completed the GRE (Graduate Records Exam) or the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and received a score at or above the 80th percentile. A statement of purpose, which states the student’s career or research goals in their chosen field, must be submitted. Two or three reference letters from faculty members is also mandatory. If a student fulfills all of these requirements, then an application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend must be completed and submitted along with an application fee.
Tuition and AccreditationTuition fees for an associate’s degree program may vary from $ 8,085 to $ 23,871. Tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree program may vary from $ 15,918 to $ 32,617. Tuition fees for a master’s degree program may vary from $ 8,763 to $ 20,368. Tuition fees for a doctoral degree program may vary from $ 45,000 to $ 60,000 annually. These figures are only estimates; college and university tuition fees may vary drastically from one institution to another since there are a number of factors which affect tuition such as public versus private institutions, online degrees, federal student assistance programs, etc. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
Colleges and universities which offer an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a doctoral degree must be aligned with higher education standards. Most employers only hire students who graduated from an institution that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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