A vocational degree is an academic certificate awarded to students who have completed the degree requirements for a specific trade or career. Vocational degrees are popular because they typically require less time to complete than traditional degrees (e.g., associate or bachelor’s degrees), and upon completion, the student is often ready to begin working in their chosen trade. While traditional undergraduate degrees focus on developing an individual’s overall intelligence and critical-thinking skills without emphasizing specific job preparation, vocational degrees offer specialized training for various careers, such as medical coding and billing, auto mechanics, cosmetology, electrical work, and legal secretarial work.
Key Takeaways
- Vocational degrees are academic certificates awarded to students who have completed degree requirements for a specific trade or career.
- Completing a vocational degree program typically takes less time than a traditional undergraduate program, with the duration varying by state.
- Given the evolving needs of careers and businesses, some workers pursue vocational degrees to stay competitive in the job market.
Understanding Vocational Degrees
Some educational programs offer the option to obtain a bachelor’s degree in fields that may also be available as vocational degrees. However, not all vocational degrees are obtainable through traditional four-year colleges. For example, you can become a paralegal by obtaining a law degree at a university or by completing a paralegal vocational program. On the other hand, few, if any, colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in fields like cosmetology.
Requirements for a Vocational Degree
The criteria for what qualifies as a vocational degree can vary significantly by state. For instance, two years of nursing education in California might be classified as a vocational or technical degree, while other states may categorize the same curriculum as non-vocational. The duration of a vocational degree program can vary markedly between a few months to two years.
The value of vocational degrees can also differ, with some shorter-term programs potentially offering higher career returns on investment. Jobs available to those with vocational degrees have widely varying salary ranges.
Special Considerations
Vocational degrees can be highly sought after by individuals wanting to supplement their established careers. This is especially common in industries requiring modern and evolving skills to remain employed or competitive. For example, many careers now necessitate knowledge in information technology and computer programming.
Vocational degrees are also a viable path for those seeking to change careers and gain fresh, competitive positions in different sectors. Even individuals who already possess college degrees in specialized fields can benefit from vocational training. This can be particularly advantageous when certain industries experience a rise in immediate demand. Pursuing a vocational degree to gain in-demand skills can be a rapid way to achieve a higher salary and greater employability.
Related Terms: technical degree, associate degree, trade certification, career and technical education (CTE), professional development.
References
- Federal Trade Commission. “Choosing a Vocational School or Certificate Program”.
- California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. “Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)”.
