What Is Level Of Education
Level of education typically refers to the highest level of academic achievement that someone has completed. This may include primary or secondary education, diplomas, degrees, and certificates earned through educational programs at different levels.
People who ask this question naturally want some insight into your skills, qualifications, and expertise. The typical answer to this question is quite short and simple.
The title of your most advanced academic qualification is usually enough to answer this question. Typical examples may include a high school diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D.
Various Levels Of Education
Let’s take a look at the various levels of education. Keep in mind that these levels may vary depending on the country and its education system.
That said, we’ll be listing the most common levels below.
Early Childhood Education
This level of training focuses on the development and education of children up to the age of 5. Early childhood education programs are designed to help children develop the social and emotional skills they need to succeed and graduate high school.
Additionally, it also helps children develop a lifelong enthusiasm for learning and reading which increases their chances of completing high school.
Early childhood education programs may include preschool, nurseries, daycare centers, and pre-kindergartens. That said, early childhood education is not mandatory in various countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.
This means that, while it’s encouraged, parents are not required by law to enroll their children in early childhood education programs.
Primary Education
This level of education may begin from kindergarten or grade 1 up to grades 6 or 7, depending on the country.
Numeracy and literacy are the primary focus at this level of education. Primary-level education is also mandatory in many countries.
Secondary Education
This level of education follows primary education and may also be referred to as high school and covers grades 7 through 12 or 13 depending on the country.
Secondary-level education is mandatory in many countries including the United States and focuses on more comprehensive education, including subjects such as math, science, history, and English.
Students who complete this level are given a high school diploma or equivalent depending on the country.
Additionally, students who complete this level of education may enter the workforce or further their education or training through vocational training, community colleges, or the university.
Tertiary Education
Tertiary education may involve various forms of education which could include vocational training, community college, and university.
This level of education requires some form of secondary education qualification and typically focuses on specialized education and training in a specific area.
Let’s break down the various tertiary education levels.
Vocational Education
Vocational schools are typically post-secondary schools, that teach the skills necessary to help students acquire jobs in specific industries.
Students who enter vocational education are expected to have already completed their secondary education.
This form of education may be less lucrative in the long term compared to a bachelor’s degree but still has its advantages.
It’s less expensive and may take less time to complete compared to bachelor’s degree programs.
Additionally, students who complete vocational programs may be able to earn a respectable income. Successfully completing a vocational program may lead to a certificate or diploma.
Undergraduate Education
This level of education requires students to successfully complete secondary education and attain an acceptable grade, determined by the specific tertiary institution.
These programs typically take three to four years to complete and students receive training in a specific field of study.
Students who successfully complete undergraduate programs are awarded the equivalent academic qualification. Typical examples could include a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Mathematics or Bachelor of Arts (BA) Education.
Undergraduate programs could include Associate Degree programs. This level of education is above the secondary level education but below the bachelor’s degree program.
Associate degree programs typically take two to three years to complete and completing these programs can serve as preparation for a bachelor’s degree for high school graduates or also serve as an undergraduate qualification on its own.
Master’s Degree
A master’s degree qualification is awarded on completion of one to two years of specialized education in a specific field. Some may even take up to three years to complete.
Students applying for master’s degree programs are expected to have completed one or more bachelor’s degree programs.
Students who successfully complete these programs may earn a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master by Research (MPhil), or some other specialized degree qualification.
Doctorate Degree
A doctorate degree is the most advanced degree you can earn and symbolizes mastery in a particular field of study.
Doctoral degrees typically take three to five years to complete, and the number of credits required for completion may vary depending on the program.
Students who successfully complete their doctorate programs are awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Medicine (MD), or other specialized degrees.
Levels Of Education In College
College typically offers four levels of education namely; associate degrees, bachelor, degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees.
Associate Degree
This qualification is higher than a high school diploma but lower than a bachelor’s degree. It typically takes two to three years to complete and can increase employability.
Getting an associate degree can be more convenient for students who need to juggle work, family, and school.
Earning an associate degree at a community college offers the flexibility of attending part-time or full-time, and courses may also be offered in the evenings and online.
Additionally, getting an associate degree can be more cost-effective since it takes less time than the typical bachelor’s degree program.
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s degree is the most coveted academic qualification as it significantly increases your prospects since it’s commonly required by employers.
However, getting a bachelor’s degree is no easy task as it requires up to four years to complete and can be very expensive.
However, the returns are worth it as having a bachelor’s degree significantly increases your employability.
Master’s Degree
Getting a bachelor’s degree can be expensive on its own, so it’s no surprise that the majority of students stop at that level.
That said, choosing to continue your education means getting a master’s degree which can take up to two or three years of specialized training to be awarded the necessary qualification.
Some shorter master’s degree programs may be awarded in a year, depending on the academic institution. To be considered for a master’s degree, students would need to complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
The various types of master’s degree programs could include master of Arts (MA), master of Science (MS), and master of Fine Arts (MFA).
Doctorate Degree
A doctorate degree which is also referred to as a doctoral degree is the most rigorous and highest level of academic qualification that students can earn in any field.
Students who complete their doctorate degrees are considered experts in their fields and are expected to have completed their master’s degree qualifications before acceptance into a doctoral program.
Doctorate programs typically take three to five years to complete and the number of credits required for completion may vary depending on the program.
These programs are designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge in their field and also help them gain the research skills needed to contribute to their field.
While doctoral programs aren’t easy to complete, students who successfully complete their doctorate are rewarded with the honorific title of “doctor”.
