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Mapping an Ideal Degree Program

By Gabby Hyman
Learning & Life Columnist
March 28, 2006

While it's true that many employers draw their recruitment lines on whether you hold a bachelor's degree or higher, there are many well-paying professions for which an associate's degree will suffice. Of course, many companies offer management roles and top pay rates to those with post-graduate work towards master's, MBA, or PhD degrees. It's to your strategic advantage to match your current and long-term goals with a college program that makes sense.

Building a Foundation: the Associate's Degree

It's good to know that degree programs are offered on campus, through online learning, and at night. In short, there's a degree program that fits into your busy life. If you've never taken college courses or have never completed degree work, a two-year associate's degree can serve double duty:

• It can prepare you for a specific role, such as a medical tech, computer support staff, or bookkeeper
• It can provide you with classroom learning experience plus a foundation for a subsequent transfer to a bachelor's program once you determine your field.

Bachelor's and Beyond

A bachelor's degree is ideal for people attending college for the first time, if they have already determined their major field of study. Courses in the applied arts or sciences prepare you for entry into your profession as well as develop research and writing skills critical for ongoing career development.

Mastering Your Education Goals

If you've already earned your bachelor's degree and are working full-time, you've already discovered how post-graduate work can boost your earning potential. Or, if you hope to change careers, a master's degree in a new field can build upon your bachelor's degree and combined work experience. Many companies and government agencies will pay a portion or all of your tuition for your graduate work towards, a master's, an MBA, or PhD degree.

Once you've mapped out your goals, it's easier to choose a degree program that fits your existing home or work life and prepares you for the career you've always wanted.



About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.

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