Understanding Graduation Diplomas: A Comprehensive Guide

A graduation diploma represents the culmination of educational achievements, marking the successful completion of a program of study. This article explores the various types of diplomas, their significance, and how they differ from degrees and certificates.

What is a Graduation Diploma?

A graduation is the awarding of a diploma by an educational institution. It may also refer to the ceremony that is associated with it, which can also be called commencement, congregation, convocation or invocation. The date of the graduation ceremony is often called graduation day. Ceremonies for graduating students date from the first universities in Europe in the twelfth century. At that time, Latin was the language of scholars. A universitas was a guild of masters (such as MAs) with license to teach. The etymology of "degree" and "graduate" originates from gradus, meaning "step". The first step was admission to a bachelor's degree. The second step was the masters step, giving the graduate admission to the universitas and license to teach.

The word “diploma” for graduation originated in the mid 17th century. Specifically, diploma means “double folded paper” in Greek Latin. By definition, educational institutions give a diploma certifying completion of a course of study. The tradition of awarding graduates a diploma originated at Harvard College. Harvard's first commencement took place on September 23rd, 1642. The nine graduates received “a Book of Arts” to represent their achievement. After the ceremony, the school took back each book.

High School Diplomas

A high school diploma or high school degree is a diploma awarded upon finishing and graduating from high school. There are different types of high school diplomas, some more common than others, and the right choice depends on the student's individual needs and academic performance.

General Diploma

The general diploma is the most common type of high school diploma or degree. This high school degree type is given to students who have met standard graduation requirements. Diploma requirements may be different from state to state.

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Honors Diploma

An honors diploma means that the student performed very well in their classes. In addition to the requirements of the general diploma, the honors diploma also requires students to take and pass more advanced classes. As with the general diploma, the requirements can differ in each state.

Certificate of Attendance

A certificate of attendance is usually given to students with severe learning disabilities. Because of their disability, these students cannot meet the requirements of a general diploma.

Occupational Diploma

An occupational diploma is given to students who complete a career-focused program. Occupational diplomas typically require classes in English, math, science, history, and career focused classes. An occupational diploma is earned through a program that focuses on developing skills that will help students enter the workforce.

Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED)

A graduate equivalency degree (GED) is a certificate earned by people who did not complete high school. To earn a GED, students must complete a GED course and pass a state-approved exam. This certificate shows that the student has the same knowledge as someone with a general high school diploma. The GED credential is a high school equivalency diploma.

The time requirement is the key difference in the GED vs. high school diploma question. Traditional high school students typically need four years to complete classes and graduate. The GED is a 7-hour test. For most people, preparing for it takes less than a year.

Most colleges and employers see the GED and a high school diploma as the same. Coupling your GED with a decent ACT or SAT score will improve your chances of getting accepted into a top school. Many employers view these achievements equally when it comes to a GED vs. a high school diploma, and getting a GED can lead to a higher salary.

The General Educational Development Test consists of four subject tests that, once passed, earn you a high school equivalency credential. These are subjects commonly taught in high school. You will have earned your credential after you successfully pass these four exams.

The American Council on Education developed the GED in the 1940s to help veterans who had joined the military without finishing high school. Passing the test allowed them access to colleges or jobs requiring a high school diploma. Now that you know the difference between a GED vs. GED.com makes it easy to work toward earning your GED with online resources, study guides, progress goals, practice tests, and more.

Certificates vs. High School Diplomas

Although laws vary by state, there are usually two ways someone can get credit for completing high school. One option is to receive a high school diploma. The other is to get a certificate.Certificates can have different names depending on your state. Certificate of Completion and Certificate of Attendance are common ones. And some states offer more than one type of certificate.You may also hear about alternate diplomas, which states are allowed to offer under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). But this diploma is intended for the 1 percent of children who have serious learning challenges.It’s important to know that certificates and high school diplomas are very different from each other. Each can impact your child’s future in different ways.

A high school diploma signifies that a student has met all the requirements for graduation, typically involving passing grade-level English, math, social studies, science, and other classes. Some states also require a student to pass a high school exit exam to get a diploma.

A high school certificate, such as a Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Attendance, indicates that a student has completed high school but didn’t meet all the requirements for graduation. Unlike a diploma, the requirements are often flexible and can be tied to a student’s IEP goals.

Feature	High School Diploma	High School Certificate
Meaning	A student has met all the requirements for graduation.	A student has completed high school but didn’t meet all the requirements for graduation.
Graduation Requirements	Pass grade-level English, math, social studies, science, and other classes. Some states require an exit exam.	It depends on the state and school. Requirements are often flexible and can be tied to a student’s IEP goals.
Accommodations Allowed	Yes	Yes
Curriculum Modifications Allowed	Maybe. Modifications can hurt their ability to earn a high school diploma.	Yes
Accepted by the Military	Yes	No
Accepted by Colleges	Yes	Maybe. It depends on the college.
Eligible for Federal Student Aid	Yes	No
Accepted by Employers	Yes	Maybe. It depends on the employer and the job qualifications.

Other similar high school credentials include:

GED certificate: This isn’t the same as a high school diploma. However, a GED is usually accepted by the military, colleges, and employers in place of a high school diploma.
Vocational diploma: A diploma for a student who achieved the required technical skills for a certain job.
Honors diploma: A special high school diploma for a student who achieved a high academic level. This usually means earning a high grade-point average or passing advanced tests.
IEP or special education diploma: This kind of diploma is available for a student with an IEP (though many students with IEPs earn regular diplomas). It has the same impact on a student’s future as a high school certificate.
Certificate of Attendance, Certificate of Completion, or Certificate of Achievement: Different names for a certificate.

College Diplomas vs. Degrees

A college diploma is a document certifying that a student has completed all the requirements of a certificate, diploma, or degree program at a specific college or university. College diplomas typically refer to a program of study that is shorter and more specialized.

While some people will use the terms diploma and degree interchangeably, they are not the same. You earn a degree through a college or university for the completion of several courses in a major of study. You earn a diploma through specific-usually hands-on-coursework in a specific field through a college, online program, or technical school. Earning a diploma takes far less time than earning a degree and is less transferable to other fields.

Ultimately, the most important distinction here is that a diploma can be used to refer to paper proof of a student’s successful completion of any program of study - whether that program is at the high school or college level. When comparing college level programs, the difference between a diploma and degree is the time & money invested, as well as the focus of the program.

Diploma Programs

Diploma programs, like certificate programs, are a great option for those who wish to advance in a certain industry or field and do not want to go to college. In a diploma program, a student focuses on a specific topic of interest for a period of time. Usually, diploma programs last 1 to 2 years, allowing students to learn the skills they need and move into an industry job quickly. There are many different types of diploma programs out there, from entry-level to graduate diplomas. Each of these has different areas of study that lead to different job opportunities.

Deciding to pursue a diploma means making a choice to learn key skills in a chosen field. That way you can enter the workforce in a new career or move up within your current profession. The diploma courses focus on one specific topic or industry to give you a specialized education. You can do most diploma programs in less than 2 years. You can earn a diploma part-time so that you can keep working and earning money while advancing your skills.

Most diploma programs focus on practical knowledge and prepare students for a career in a specific industry. This ensures that students who graduate will have a certain level of competence in their chosen field.

Degree Programs

You earn degrees from a college or university after completing a specific course of study. While academic degrees focus on a certain major, the required coursework is usually quite diverse. Students earning a degree complete several general education courses before starting on their specific major of study. This ensures that students who graduate with a degree are well-rounded and able to work in a variety of settings.

When choosing to earn a degree, you will have to declare a major-a field of study-that you are interested in working. Beyond the major content, degree programs teach students key skills such as critical thinking and problem solving that can be applied to a wide range of jobs. Earning a degree means making a longer commitment to study a wide range of content.

Associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees are typically much less hands-on than diploma programs. They tend to focus on theory over practice. These degrees do show prospective employers a specific level of mental competence in the major field and are more transferable to a variety of jobs. A master’s degree and a doctoral degree both have practical components as part of the program. Students in these degree tracks usually have access to industry professionals for a substantial amount of their education.

Types of Degrees

Degrees from a college or university fit into 4 types. Each type has different requirements to apply and a different commitment period revolving around the specified major.

Associate Degree: You can typically earn an associate degree in about 2 years. Some intensive programs last only one year. These programs require a high school diploma or GED for enrollment. Community colleges usually offer associate degree programs, which are often cheaper and more accessible. Universities can offer these degrees as well. Students can start a new career after graduation or go on to complete a bachelor’s degree in their major. In simplest terms, an associate degree is the first level of degree program that is offered at most colleges. In simplest terms, an associate degree is a higher education program that is designed to be completed after high school and before a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor’s degrees are the undergraduate degrees most people think of when considering going to college. You can earn this 4-year degree by taking coursework at a college or university. You can choose to focus on a wide variety of majors for your bachelor’s degree. While in their program, students will take courses that are specific to their major and courses that are general requirements. A bachelor’s degree focuses on helping students gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are transferable to a wide variety of jobs. A bachelor’s degree is designed to be completed after high school (or after an associate degree) but before a master’s degree.
Master’s Degree: After earning a bachelor’s degree, a student can go on to complete a master’s degree or postgraduate degree. You can do this in the same field as the bachelor's degree or in a completely different field. It usually takes 1 to 3 years to complete a master’s degree at a college or university. A master’s degree focuses on coursework specific to the program of study. Usually, there is a practical component to a master’s degree, like an internship. This is where the student works alongside a supervisor in their chosen profession.
Doctoral Degree: A doctoral degree is typically earned after a master’s degree. But you can do it in combination with a master’s degree as well. Doctoral degrees are the highest level of degree you can attain in a specific field. At a college or university, a student can graduate from a doctoral program in 2 to 6 years. Some of these degrees are a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)., M.D. (Doctor of Medicine), or Ed.D. (Doctor of Education). Often, these degrees focus on research in the field of study and typically require writing a dissertation.

Diplomas vs. Degrees: Key Differences

When considering which type of education to pursue, you should understand how they differ from each other. Understanding the differences in types of education will help you make the best decision for you and your needs.

Time Commitment: Degree programs are a commitment to spend several years on your education depending on the type of degree you pursue. You can complete an associate degree in as little as 1 to 2 years, while a bachelor’s degree typically takes 4 years of full-time study. Diploma programs vary quite a bit in their time commitments, largely depending on the type of diploma and school. You can earn most diplomas in less than 2 years, with some taking just a few intense months. You can do both degrees and diplomas part-time or full-time. The key difference is that there are many diplomas you can earn in less than 2 years of part-time study. With either a degree or diploma, you will have to learn to manage your time while in school.
Cost: Since degrees take longer to complete, they typically cost more than diplomas. With so many educational institutions offering degrees, there is an endless range of tuition costs for getting a degree. Earning a degree is an investment in time and money, and you would like a return on it. With many diplomas offered at lower-cost schools or through online programs, diploma costs are much more manageable.
Focus: Diplomas focus on a specific job or subject matter, usually in a hands-on educational experience. This is so diploma holders can start working in their chosen field right after graduation. While this is great for a specific industry, it is not as transferable as a degree. Even though degrees focus on a specific major of study, they incorporate skills that apply to a wide variety of fields. Degrees of any type show an employer that you can think creatively, can commit to long-term goals, and have a well-rounded education.
Enrollment Requirements: Depending on the type of degree you pursue, there are various requirements for enrollment. For example, entering into a master’s degree program requires the completion of a bachelor’s degree and perhaps specific coursework. To enroll in an associate degree program or a bachelor’s degree program, you may have to pass tests such as the ACT or SAT. Diploma programs have far fewer requirements for enrollment. Students can typically enter a diploma program as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. Students interested in enrolling in a diploma program before graduating from high school may have to take a short assessment or meet with an academic counselor before starting the program.
Practical vs. Theoretical Knowledge: Most diploma programs focus on practical knowledge and prepare students for a career in a specific industry. This ensures that students who graduate will have a certain level of competence in their chosen field. Associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees are typically much less hands-on than diploma programs. They tend to focus on theory over practice. These degrees do show prospective employers a specific level of mental competence in the major field and are more transferable to a variety of jobs. A master’s degree and a doctoral degree both have practical components as part of the program. Students in these degree tracks usually have access to industry professionals for a substantial amount of their education.

Choosing the Right Path

Choosing between different degree types can be a big decision.

First, consider the differences in focus between a diploma program, an associate degree, and a bachelor’s degree. Generally, a diploma program will be the most career-focused, providing students with the most foundational knowledge and skills that they need to enter their field of choice.
In addition, consider how long you’re prepared to spend in school in order to achieve your professional goals. If your main priority is to land a job in your chosen field of study, then a shorter program (like a diploma program or associate degree program) may be the better choice.
Cost is another critical factor for many students. A diploma or associate degree program will typically be the most affordable in terms of tuition fees because there are fewer credit hours required to complete these programs.
When deciding which type of higher education program is right for you, keep your long-term career trajectory top of mind. Some careers, for example, may require even entry-level workers to possess a minimum of a related associate or bachelor’s degree. Still, it is worth noting that having a specialized degree can be a key differentiator in a competitive job market.
Finally, consider the potential transferability of the program when it comes to your long-term skill-building and career advancement. For instance, many of the programs offered are designed to be stackable - meaning that students can use diploma/associate degree programs as a steppingstone to more advanced programs.

Is a Diploma or Degree "Better"?

Ultimately, no degree is inherently better or worse than any other degree.

It depends on what career you’re thinking of pursuing. If you’re looking for a career in a technical field, then a diploma might be best. If you are considering going into a professional career and want to be more well-rounded, a degree might be the right fit. Having a degree will provide you with a much more diverse skill set than a diploma. Having a degree will set you up well for a wide range of jobs. Students who earn a degree in business, for example, can find employment in almost any business due to the diverse set of transferable skills they learn.

If the job is hands-on or skills-based, a diploma may be more appropriate than earning a degree. For jobs that focus on theory and interpersonal skills, a degree may be more appropriate. Degrees also are more transferable from one career to the next. It is best to search for jobs you’re interested in and see what the qualifications are. Try to talk to people in that industry as well to see what it takes to get into your field of interest and if it will be a good fit.

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