College advice for adults - without the sales pitch
Let's build on our previous discussion of the different types of higher education institutions by taking a look at the kinds of degrees they each offer:
Universities and colleges typically offer the following degrees:
Technically, this isn't a degree, but it's important to include it here. Certificates usually require at least 15 semester hours of coursework; they're usually designed so that you can apply those same courses to a four-year degree if you continue on. Certificates can be a good way to get some college under your belt and simultaneously earn a credential you can put on your resume.
The bachelor's degree, also known as a baccalaureate degree. Designated Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), or Bachelor of Science (B.S.). If you guessed that technical majors, such as mechanical engineering, fall under the B.S., but an aspiring writer might pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English, you're spot on. (Don't let the "four-year" designation worry you. We working adults are going to look for convenient programs that fit our schedules and give us more than four years to finish - and there are lots of them out here!)
Two- and Four-year degrees are known as Undergraduate study. Beyond that you're in Graduate school.
Think law, medicine, dentistry, and theology here - highly specialized professions. It'll take about six years to earn your basic credentials in a professional degree program, and then you can begin to practice your profession.
You'll typically study 18-24 months past your bachelor's to earn your Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) degree. There are lots of variations, such as the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - it depends on the field you choose.
The grandaddy of them all - the highest academic degree you can earn. Commonly referred to as a terminal degree, although most people with doctorates are constantly researching, learning new things, and contributing to their fields. Universities award different types of doctorates, but the most common - and most prestigious - is the Ph.D., Doctor of Philosophy.
Community colleges get their own category. They offer two-year degrees: the Associate of Arts (A.A.) or the Associate of Science (A.S.).
Is your goal a bachelor's degree, but you're put off by the high tuition at your local university? Here's a great tip: Start by earning your associate's degree from a community college, then continue on to your bachelor's at a four-year institution.
Community college courses are just as rigorous, but are (usually) much cheaper than those at a four-year school.
Take community college classes that will fit into your (eventual) bachelor's degree plan. It's best to focus on the general education courses, such as college algebra (yikes!) and English composition; save the courses in your major for a four-year school (learn why on my transfer credit page).
Earn your associate's degree and then apply to the four-year university or college of your choice.
Are your planned community college courses eligible to transfer to your intended four-year school? Make sure you speak with admissions and/or academic advising folks at BOTH the community college and the university before you pursue this kind of strategy. You need to make sure you take the right courses, and that they can transfer.
Transfer credit probably causes more headaches for working adults than anything else I've seen. It can make or break you. Why don't we talk about transfer credit next?