TYPES OF DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES
From one-year certificates to four-year degrees, higher education equals opportunity. Different careers require different levels of education. Here's a breakdown to understand the kind of education required for the career you want.
Certificate
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Entry-level employment in a particular career.
Typical Program Length:
One Year
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
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Provides specialized knowledge for entry into career or preparation for future study at the graduate level.
Typical Program Length:
Four Years
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Provides broad knowledge for solid employment preparation and possible career advancement.
Typical Program Length:
Two Years
Master's or Professional
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Provides qualification for a particular career or for career advancement requiring preparation beyond the bachelor's degree or for entry into doctoral program.
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Typical Program Length:
Two or Three Years
Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.)
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Provides an academic foundation for transfer to a
four-year degree.
Typical Program Length:
Two Years
Doctorate
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Provides career entry or advancement for fields requiring experience in research methods.
Typical Program Length:
Four Years
CHOOSING A COLLEGE
With hundreds of colleges to choose from, it's hard to choose the perfect one. Here are 3 main questions you should ask when looking at college.
What kind of degree do you want?
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If you already know what you want to major in, visit UtahMajors.org to see which Utah colleges offer majors in that subject.
What type of college campus best suits you?
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A great way to see if a college is a good fit is to visit a college campus. Contact the admissions office of colleges that you're interested in visiting and set up a guided tour or check online to see if there’s a virtual tour of the campus.
Get advice about college
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Ask your family and friends, neighbors, teachers, and school counselors what they liked about college, what they found challenging, and what advice they can give you.
VISIT COLLEGE CAMPUS
There's nothing like being on a campus to experience what attending that college is all about.
As you're thinking about what college you'd like to attend, ask yourself, "What kind of college campus best suits you?" Contact the admissions office of colleges that you're interested in visiting and set up a guided tour. As you're visiting the campuses, ask lots of questions so you get a sense of what it would be like to go there.
Success in Education
111 E Broadway Suite 900
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
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© 2021 by Keys to Success, a Success in Education Foundation Program
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