What is Post Secondary Education in USA?

Post Secondary Education is something that many people have heard, however, numerous people do not know the meaning of the term and this is why here in the guide, we are going to tell you all about this term and provide you with all the information that you need.

What is the meaning of Post Secondary Education?

Post Secondary Education is also known as Tertiary Education by people and this education refers to the education that comes directly after the high school of a student. High school education is also known as secondary education and this is why the education after Secondary is known as Post-secondary education.

Post-secondary education can include a lot of things like certificate programs and six different levels of degree-granting programs. These six levels are:

1. Associate
2. Baccalaureate
3. First professional
4. Master
5. Advanced Intermediate
6. Research doctorate

Along with knowing the meaning of Post-secondary education, it is important for people to know the difference between secondary and post-secondary education.

Understanding the difference between Secondary and Post-Secondary Education

Now that you know what is the post secondary education in USA, we are going to explain the major difference between secondary and post-secondary education. 

Secondary education is the formal way that people use when they want to refer to high school education and Post secondary education is the education that a person follows after completing their secondary education. After a student completes his/her secondary education, any education will be considered post-secondary. 

As mentioned by the U.S. Department of Education, post-secondary education comprises different certificate programs and six different levels as we have mentioned above. Any education that you are pursuing to pass these levels will be considered post-secondary. 

What are some examples of Post-Secondary Education?

We know that understanding the concept of post-secondary education can be a little bit difficult and for the same reason, we are giving you some examples here that will tell you more about post-secondary education. Just like secondary education comprises high school, post-secondary education includes college, community or junior college, university and even a vocational school. 

1. Vocational Schools

There are a number of vocational programs that people can be a part of as a form of post-secondary education. These programs are called career colleges and offer courses and degrees that prepare students for a specific field. These programs can include being a medical assistant, healthcare professional and even professionals like cosmetologist, barber or beautician. 

2. Community College Degrees

Community colleges are a very cost-effective solution for people as they do not need to pay a lot for community colleges. Community colleges are also known as junior colleges and these colleges generally offer a 2-year degree. You can also be a part of an associate program or a certificate program at a community college. 

3. Baccalaureate Degrees

Baccalaureate Degree refers to a 4-year degree that a person pursues from a college or a university. These degrees are also present in a number of majors and you will also get various minors. Four-year degrees also known as Baccalaureate degrees go into more depth than a degree from a community college. 

4. Graduate school Programs

Graduate degrees come into multiple levels and they include masters’, research doctorate and professional degrees. There are specific degrees that include a Ph.D, Psy.D and a Doctorate. These courses are often offered at universities however, there are many other specific schools dedicated to specific programs only. 

These are the different examples of Post-secondary education that also includes its different levels. It is very important for people to ensure that you do not confuse post-secondary education with secondary education as it is on a different level. 

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