Diplomas

Diploma programs across the nation lead to academic awards of competency in a vocational, professional, or research field. Academic diploma programs can lead to associate, bachelor, masters, or PhD designations. Trade or professional diploma programs present student with direct training in a specific field or competency is a wide range of professions. A diploma tells prospective employers that the graduate has had pertinent training in their chosen field.

There are short-term diploma programs that offer direct professional training that can be completed in as little as nine months. These diplomas are trade-specific and often provide academic training combined with practical work experience. Many diploma programs are offered by trade schools and university continuing education extensions. The fields are exhaustive.

Diploma major fields may include theatre arts, massage therapy, culinary studies, interior design, office administration, dental assisting, photography, heating and air conditioning, drafting, nursing, medical billing and coding, electrical contracting, pharmacy technology, criminal justice, network security, computer repair, paralegal studies, retailing, web design, biotechnology, automotive and diesel, EMT, cosmetology, tax preparation, esthetics, surgical technology, legal secretarial, and digital animation.

Diploma programs are especially convenient for working adults or persons with families who want to attain job-specific training that is recognized by today's employers. They help people launch careers and enter their chosen fields without having to complete a four-year degree.

There are diploma programs that augment students' existing professional skills as well. For example, postgraduate diploma programs in education prepare teachers who already hold bachelor degrees in a specific field to enter the classroom.