Navigating college terminology can feel like learning a new language, particularly for parents guiding their children through the process after many years out of the education system. One such term, "traditional degree program," might seem intimidating or overly technical. However, it simply refers to a degree earned primarily through in-person classes at a college or university, focusing on a conventional academic field. These programs aim to equip students with a comprehensive education to transition into their chosen careers in the workforce smoothly.
What are Traditional Degree Programs?
There are hundreds of traditional degree programs that allow students to pursue different degree levels, such as:
- Associate's degree.
- Bachelor's degree.
- Master's degree.
- Doctor of Philosophy degrees (PhDs).
Each degree earned shows an increasing level of competency for graduating students. For instance, students who graduate with an associate's degree have had some educational training in their chosen fields, though not as much as students who have earned a bachelor's degree. Each degree program from each university will have its own set of requirements. However, some coursework options or requirements are standard for all students seeking degrees. For instance, students who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree must take classes in arts and humanities in addition to coursework within their chosen fields. That shows a well-rounded educational process.
The Role of Traditional Degree Programs in Education
Traditional degree programs serve essential roles in education today. They help prepare students to enter the workforce with some degree of competency within their chosen professions. While education doesn't replace practical experience for all things, it does help to provide employers recognize the potential that some employees represent over other candidates for particular roles by showing them that you have a solid foundation upon which to build. For education, though, each traditional degree program level allows you to build upon it to achieve the next level (with the appropriate coursework).
Investing in Traditional Degree Programs
The truth is that traditional degree programs offer the potential for an outstanding return on your investment. Building on each degree level offers you even more earning potential, which means more future income. It also makes you more attractive to employers and provides the tools to succeed in life and your chosen field. Because traditional degree programs require students to take classes outside their chosen professions, students will be better-rounded individuals and better able to relate to others as they interact with the world around them. Of course, here's something you may not know about investing in a traditional degree program: the average return for a bachelor's degree is double that of the average stock market investment and five times better than investing in gold, bonds, and even home ownership. In other words, college is a great deal from an investment point of view.
Benefits of Traditional Degree Programs
It's important to remember that education's enduring benefits often extend beyond academic learning. The relationships formed during your time in college, such as those with study partners, roommates, fraternity brothers, or sorority sisters, can be as significant as the degree itself. These connections typically endure well beyond the time spent in college, further enriching your educational experience.
Of course, the education itself is priceless as it opens doors for you that may otherwise be closed to someone without relevant job experience. Even better, knowledge, once gained, cannot be rescinded or taken away. It remains yours for life. It doesn't get much better than that.
Additionally, college graduates from traditional degree programs earn nearly $17,500 more annually than peers with only a high school diploma. It's hard to argue with numbers like that over the value of a traditional degree program.
Considerations when Choosing a Traditional Degree Program
There are plenty of things to consider when choosing traditional degree programs. The cost of attending college and earning your degree is often the primary factor for or against achieving your goal of a college degree. Other considerations worth noting include the following:
- Earning potential in your chosen field.
- Demand within your chosen industry.
- Educational institutions' role in helping students secure employment.
- Flexibility of classes. Are classes available at convenient times for you?
- Is financial assistance available to students? How difficult is it to apply?
- Diversity in degree program offerings and availability.
- College locations or campuses near you.
As you can see, there are some weighty considerations to consider before deciding if a traditional degree program is the right move for you.
Alternatives to Traditional Degree Programs
That doesn't mean traditional degree programs are the best choice for everyone considering a college education or degree. In fact, with so many families relying on two incomes to make ends meet, plenty of people do not have the time to take off work to pursue a traditional degree program. For people in this situation, there are, fortunately, alternatives to consider. A few other reasons to consider alternatives to traditional degree programs include the following:
- Time constraints due to work.
- Family obligations that make attending classes in person difficult.
- Social constraints that make in-person learning prohibitive.
- Living in a rural community with limited access to higher learning opportunities (distance).
- Prohibitive costs of higher education. It's just too expensive!
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons that non-traditional or alternative degree programs are growing in attraction to students in many corners of the country.
Takeaways
A traditional college degree was once the gold standard for securing a bright future for yourself or your family. While it continues to provide an excellent return on investment, non-traditional and alternative educational opportunities are changing the playing field and opening doors for more students than ever before.