Navigating National University Degrees: A Comprehensive Guide

Earning a college degree is a significant investment in one's future, leading to higher lifetime earnings and lower unemployment rates. Beyond the monetary advantages, a college education provides transferable workforce skills and promotes active citizenship. The landscape of higher education offers a diverse range of options, from badges and certificates to various college degree levels. However, different jobs and fields often have specific credential requirements, making it crucial for students to conduct thorough research.

The Value of Higher Education

Research consistently demonstrates that individuals with college degrees experience greater financial success and job security compared to those with only a high school diploma. However, the benefits extend beyond mere economic gain. Experts emphasize that a college education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability - skills that are highly valued in today's rapidly evolving workforce. Moreover, college graduates tend to be more engaged citizens, contributing to their communities and participating in civic life.

Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, stating that students "should go into college knowing that there are opportunities to move on and that learning is a lifelong process." She notes that "rapidly changing technology means rapid obsolescence" and that individuals should view their education "as a foundation for more education and greater career opportunities, or just for a more fulfilling life."

Understanding Degree Types

National University offers a variety of accredited degree programs, catering to diverse academic and professional goals. These programs are structured into distinct levels, each with its own unique characteristics and requirements.

Associate Degrees

Associate degrees are commonly offered at community colleges and some universities. A full-time student can typically earn an associate degree - which generally requires 60 credit hours or more - in two years. Colleges that offer associate degrees may have limited or no residential options on campus. Common degree options include Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) and Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.).

Brian Troyer, dean of undergraduate admissions at Marquette University in Wisconsin, notes that "often individuals are working toward an associate degree with the long-term goal of earning a four-year degree." However, he also emphasizes that "associate degrees are often degrees that lead to a successful career in a particular field. They provide outstanding training in a very specific discipline."

Associate degrees are considered a good return on investment, as they are relatively inexpensive and "targeted toward career preparation," Pasquerella says.

Bachelor's Degrees

A full-time student can expect to complete a bachelor's degree within four years, though the duration may vary by program. A bachelor's degree - offered at four-year institutions and a small number of community colleges - typically requires 120 credit hours, although this can sometimes be more or less. While colleges offering bachelor's degrees are often associated with "traditional" residential settings, options exist for commuting or attending online programs. Bachelor's degree types include Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) and other specialized designations.

Joe B. Whitehead, Jr., provost and senior vice president of academic and student affairs at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, explains that a bachelor's degree provides "more of a broad-based approach in taking classes in different subject areas, building both knowledge and skill, as well as critical-thinking and problem-solving skills." He adds that "some are more professionally oriented, like a degree in business or engineering."

A bachelor's degree is often considered a minimum educational requirement for entry-level positions. With its longer format, the bachelor's degree goes into greater depth than the two-year associate's degree, enabling students to hone more complex and specialized skills.

Read also: Eligibility for National Awards

Master's Degrees

A master's degree is pursued after completing a bachelor's degree. While enrolling directly into a master's program after graduation is possible, it is not always necessary. Experts advise students to first assess the steps required to achieve their career goals and the rationale behind pursuing a particular degree.

For students focused on academic pursuits, going straight into a master's or doctoral program may cause less of an interruption in their lives, says Mildred García, president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. However, entering the workforce before committing to a master's degree may be beneficial in other cases.

Credit hour requirements vary by graduate school, but most require at least 30. A master's degree typically takes an average of two full years to complete, and students often need to submit a final project or thesis to graduate. Common master's degrees include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Master of Science (M.S.). An MFA is considered a terminal degree, the highest degree available in that particular field.

A master's degree can both increase earning potential and qualify individuals for more specialized or leadership-oriented roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with a master's degree earn more per week on average than those with a bachelor's or associate degree.

Doctorate Degrees

A doctorate is a research-based degree "intended to develop specific academic skills, like how to design, conduct and analyze research activity," García says. Earning a doctorate degree - the highest traditional academic degree - can be an arduous and lengthy endeavor, taking anywhere from three to seven years, or more, of study. Candidates can choose from various types, most commonly Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Doctoral candidates are expected to conduct research and write a dissertation, although some programs do not require an extensive research paper.

Pasquerella explains that "dissertations are publications that showcase a body of work over the students' graduate career." She adds that "to get a Ph.D, you often have to pass comprehensive exams - which test you over the first two years - and qualifying exams to qualify to write a thesis. And then you have the thesis itself, where you have to demonstrate that you are making unique and distinctive contributions to the field through your research."

Professional Degrees

To become licensed to work in professions like medicine or law, students need to earn professional degrees. Aspiring attorneys generally attend law school to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which typically takes three years of full-time study to complete. To become a licensed lawyer, graduates must also pass the bar exam in their jurisdiction. Prospective doctors attend medical school to earn a degree such as Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) or another degree more specific to their field of study. Medical degrees typically take four years to complete in addition to a residency program - a period of training for graduates to practice first-hand what was taught in the classroom. The length of residency programs varies by specialty but can last between three and seven years.

Choosing the Right Path

To find the right degree fit, students should consider several factors, including their professional and personal goals, program costs, salary expectations - both at the beginning and long term - and employment rates of graduates with the same degree, García says. Troyer advises students to meet with or shadow a professional in their field of interest to learn what it took for that individual to earn their particular degree and job position.

Troyer states that "these educational opportunities exist for individuals who are arriving to this post-secondary journey perhaps in different stages of their own life, with different priorities and different needs." He emphasizes that "there's no particular degree or there's no specific institution per se that's perfect for any given student. What really matters is what matters to the student and what they are looking for."

Whitehead says that it's always advantageous to formally gain more knowledge, depending on "when one does it and when they can do it." He encourages students to "aspire to be the best they can be," adding that "we're becoming a highly technical world, an information economy. So with that said, the more knowledge one can acquire will be beneficial going forward."

Majors, Minors, and Certificates

When navigating the world of higher education, it's important to understand the distinctions between majors, minors, and certificates. A major refers to the academic field you will study, while a minor is a supplementary course of study that is paired with, though secondary to, your major. A certificate program, on the other hand, is an efficient, fast-paced program that focuses on teaching a career-specific or industry-specific skill set.

Selecting a major is an important decision that impacts everything from the coursework you’ll take and the training you’ll receive, to your career and networking opportunities throughout - and beyond - your time at school. However, there’s no need to be intimidated by the decision: by answering a few questions about your background, your priorities, and what you’re hoping to achieve, you’ll be able to start narrowing down your choices until you find an ideal program.

Accreditation: Ensuring Quality and Recognition

Accreditation is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a university or program. Regional accreditation, considered the most prestigious form of institutional accreditation, ensures that institutions meet specific, measurable standards. It is a comprehensive and evidence-based evaluation process that involves eligibility reviews, financial audits, faculty reviews, and site visits.

National University holds regional accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to meeting high educational standards. Additionally, many of National University's programs hold specialized accreditations from recognized industry bodies, further validating their academic rigor, practical training, and relevance.

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