University Degree
A university degree is obtained by successfully completing a course of study at a college or university. University degrees are of several types, including associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. The highest degree that can be awarded is a doctorate or PhD degree. In addition to degrees, universities also conduct numerous certification and licensure programs as well as diplomas and short courses in numerous subjects. The concept of education on which universities are based today started in Medieval Europe in 1179 in various churches. The organized form of university education was first started at the University of Paris in 1213. It was here that the
baccalaureus or bachelor’s degree was first introduced. In the medieval times students were only taught the subjects of mathematics, geometry, astronomy, music and philosophy.
Types of Degrees
Today educational institutions around the world offer students the opportunity to earn a university degree in a variety of subjects. Besides certification courses and diplomas, the shortest program offered by colleges is the associate’s degree, which lasts anywhere between 18 months to 2 years. Technical and community colleges typically only offer the associate’s degree as their highest program. The university degree at an associate’s level is aimed specifically at the students who wish to join the work force as soon as possible and support themselves and their families. However, an associate’s degree provides little room for career advancement. For students wishing to pursue full degree programs, a 4 year bachelor’s degree teaches vital interpersonal and problem-solving skills and technical competencies that are necessary to succeed in the workplace. Students receive advanced instruction in their particular area of interest such as engineering, business management or medicine.
Are there any advanced degrees on offer?
For those who wish to obtain higher education, increase their qualifications and knowledge and broaden their perspective of the world, universities also offer Master’s and doctorate degrees. The master’s degree is highly specialized in a particular field. A master’s degree in engineering may offer specialization opportunities in electrical, mechanical, chemical or civil engineering or allow a student to study robotics and nanotechnology. A master’s degree in business administration or MBA is one of the most popular and most sought after degrees in the world today. It combines management principles with subjects such as finance, accounting, marketing and resource management to produce students who are well prepared to meet the challenges faced by managers every day. For those wishing to join a teaching profession, research position or simply wanting to develop a high degree of understanding about a particular subject, doctorate or PhD degrees are also offered by major colleges. A doctorate degree includes extensive research work in particular field and the submission of a research paper for review before the degree is awarded.
Online degrees
Students can now also earn an online university degree. Thanks to the increased use of the internet, and the desire of people to be better educated and strive for more, online courses are becoming increasingly popular day by day. Many people who obtain a university degree online are working professionals who wish to increase their qualifications and progress up the corporate ladder. Others may be stay-at-home parents who may want to supplement the family income for a better lifestyle. An online university degree is extremely flexible when it comes to time and place – you can take classes from the comfort of your own home, day or night, 7 days a week. Additionally, enrolling in an online university degree program also teaches you vital IT and digital media skills which are increasingly sought after by employers. All in all, getting a university degree is indispensable today and it is your key to leading a successful life and building a safe and stable environment for your kids to grow up in.