What is Post Secondary Education? Your Definitive Guide

When it comes to getting a post-secondary education, the status quo is sitting through numerous lectures and taking down notes from a lecturer or professor in a classroom. You repeat this process for up to four years before earning a degree. Obtaining a post-secondary degree will always require a significant time commitment, but the means of study have grown increasingly flexible.

Online post-secondary degree programs are now available. With such a digital medium, one can learn whenever, wherever, at their pace, and be free to do everyday activities in between. Since the world has gone more digital and increasingly flexible, there is no need to be stuck in the walls of academic rigidity.

E-learning has made acquiring post-secondary degrees online a possibility. Suppose you are interested in switching from traditional face-to-face learning to digitalized education. In that case, this guide will teach you all you need to know about obtaining an online post-secondary degree.

What are Post-Secondary Degrees?

Post-secondary degrees are any degrees you acquire after your secondary school education. In other words, a post-secondary degree is a degree obtained after attending a tertiary educational institution. It could be an undergraduate college or university, a technical/vocational school, or even a community college.

Post-secondary degrees are proof to employers that you have attained competence in a specific practical and academic skill. Thus, this sets you apart as someone of value to their organization or company. In other words, it makes you stand out from individuals with mere high school diplomas.

Post-secondary education is essential in many people’s lives as it is pivotal in determining a career path. Moreover, given its essentiality, it is ideal you seek academic degree advice before choosing a post-secondary degree to bag.

Fortunately, the online space has made it possible to receive a post-secondary education in an easier and more relaxed situation. Being a professional degree holder doesn’t have to be a physical, tiring venture.

What are Online Post-Secondary Degrees?

Online post-secondary degrees are after-high school degrees you acquire online from educational institutions. Numerous international universities and other educational institutions offer online post-secondary degrees. They are readily available for those who would like to study without physically being in a lecture hall.

Online post-secondary degrees are the same as post-secondary degrees. The only difference is the medium of study. One is online, and the other is a physical, face-to-face form of learning.

Post-secondary education and tertiary education are interchangeable terms. They are broad headings for all forms of education obtained after completing secondary education.

Tertiary institutions are the establishments in which individuals undergo college-level or vocational education. They include but are not limited to public and private establishments such as:

Universities

Universities are physically more extensive than other post-secondary institutions in terms of size. They offer a richer curriculum and a more comprehensive range of courses. They ultimately award undergraduates and graduates degrees at the end of their study period.

Colleges

Are you puzzled about the difference between colleges and universities? This confusion stems from the fact that many universities have “college” in their names. But despite the apparent similarities, traditional universities differ in some ways from colleges.

For example, colleges differ mainly from universities in the size of their structures. They are often smaller and offer a more narrowed down or streamlined range of courses. In addition, they tend to focus more on undergraduate education. On the other hand, universities can sometimes split into several colleges with a much broader scope of studies and areas of specialization.

Technical institutes

Technical institutes are often referred to as institutes of technology and then as polytechnics in some regions.

They are inclined towards technology and engineering and are more focused on equipping students with technical skills related to a particular field through hands-on training and practical sessions.

Courses in institutes of technology focus on equipping students with valuable skills for the workforce. They are less concerned with the academic curriculums.

Who can Enroll in an Online Post-Secondary Degree Program?

Online learning is an option you can subscribe to if you are physically distant from the college or university. Many choose online studies because of health challenges. Some students prefer to study from home or need to keep a job and juggle school and work. If you don’t want to attend physical classes, you can choose to enroll in online courses.

Apart from the universities and educational institutions mentioned above, other quality, accredited schools offer online post-secondary degree programs, and you are free to opt for them.

Why is Online Post-Secondary Education Important?

Online post-secondary degrees are essential for a plethora of reasons. With an online degree program, you can:

Easily fit a time for classes into your daily schedule.
Study anytime and anywhere
Learn at a convenient place, at your own pace
Choose from numerous courses to study and earn a degree.
Decide to pause your program at inconvenient times and resume whenever you please.
There’s no overemphasizing the advantages of an online post-secondary degree.

Types of Post-Secondary Degrees

The types of post-secondary degrees obtainable in academic bodies vary. For instance, institutions that run two-year programs usually award associate’s degrees. In contrast, institutions offering four-year programs award bachelor’s degrees.

The former are usually public and community colleges, while the latter are primarily universities. Also, private institutions are known for awarding higher degrees such as masters and doctorates.

Post-secondary degrees come in numerous forms, as they differ in skills taught and added value. They are so valuable that a two-year associate’s degree can cause up to a 20 percent increase in one’s salary. On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree can provide a 66 percent salary increment. However, it is dependent on the individual’s field of study and the school from which one graduates.

The post-secondary degree awarded depends on the student’s major and expertise in a specific course or subject. Here are the types of post-secondary degrees granted by educational institutions:

Associate’s Degree

This post-secondary degree program is shorter than a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The associate degree is for those seeking to gain expertise to join an entry-level position in their profession. The associate’s degree program aims to prepare students for employment opportunities and professional life in general. It can set them up to handle managerial roles or specialized occupations in less time than a bachelor’s program.

Many associate degrees cover the nursing and business professions, with programs focusing on preparing one for their specific chosen occupation.

Bachelor’s Degree

Of course, the bachelor's degree is the most widely known post-secondary degree. Research indicates that a bachelor’s degree holder earns up to 84 percent higher than a highschool diploma holder.

Students are awarded bachelor’s degrees after the completion of a four-year program. However, it could typically take four to six years to fulfill all requirements for graduation, depending on the institution and field of study. It could also take longer due to a part-time class schedule, financial problems, or other issues. A bachelor’s degree program is holistic. Its educational experience involves instilling employable, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills into future professionals.

Master’s Degree

Individuals studying for a master's degree want to attain a higher level of expertise in a specific field. Thus, interested students should first hold a bachelor’s degree before enrolling in a master’s degree program.

Also, you need to further a specific field of study that is only within your chosen area of specialization. Typically, a master’s degree program lasts for about two to three years. Interestingly, some colleges or universities offer combination bachelor’s and master’s programs that streamline course requirements. Students can earn both degrees in as little as five years.

Advanced Degrees

This type of post-secondary degree goes beyond tertiary education. You can only attain it after you have acquired your bachelor’s degree. It is meant specifically for those who wish to establish expertise in their profession or achieve academic positions.

Generally, it takes three to eight years to complete an advanced degree program. However, this depends on the area of specialization or field of study.

Ph.D/Sc.D

Ph.D. means Doctor of Philosophy, while Sc.D. stands for Doctor of Science. These post-secondary degrees are considered the highest academic achievements one can attain. These two degrees are on equal footing academically for students attending American institutions. However, in Europe, Sc.D.’s are considered higher than Ph.D.’s, and it takes considerable research efforts to achieve the degree.

Students who complete a STEM program (science, technology, engineering, and math) typically receive an Sc.D. degree.

Given that the doctorate is the highest academic qualification, persons with the degree earn up to 100 percent more than individuals with high school diplomas. And with the rewarding salaries come top and prestigious positions in their line of profession. Doctorate holders will certainly occupy leading positions in their areas of specialization.

Tuition Fees of Online Post-Secondary-Degrees

As stated earlier, online learning is not as costly as offline learning. However, tuition fees differ from university to university. It also depends on the courses you choose and the level of academic attainment.

Associate’s Degree: The average cost of an associate’s degree is $10,000.
Online Bachelor’s Degree: An average online bachelor’s degree costs $51,091. For in-state students, the average cost is $38,496. For out-of-state students, tuition is around the sum of $54,183.
Online Master’s Degree: A master’s degree program typically costs $30,000 to $40,000. You should know that public schools are much more affordable, especially for in-state students.
Doctorate: The average cost of a doctorate is $114,300.

However, it is imperative to note that the cost depends on the institution and can differ significantly from university to university.

Which Institutions Offer Online Post-Secondary Degrees?

Many universities run online post-secondary degree programs. But some universities are considered the best among others. Below is a list of 9 universities offering online post-secondary degree programs (such as bachelor’s and master’s degrees):

Pros of Online Post-Secondary Education

Since the inception of e-learning, acquiring a degree has been easy. One can take classes by sitting in front of their laptop or a computer. Research shows that about 6.3 million students in the United States have taken at least one online course.

According to a survey by Eduventures, about 29 percent of online students are striving to acquire an associate’s degree, 42 percent a bachelor’s degree, 27 percent a master’s, and 3 percent a doctorate.

Below are some benefits of online post-secondary degrees:

Flexibility

Life can get pretty hectic with full-time jobs and other commitments. As such, taking out time to pursue a full-time post-secondary degree program is next to impossible. However, those who’d like to juggle work and study will find online post-secondary degree programs more flexible and suitable to their scheduling needs.

Many online programs are self-paced, and you can learn in the comfort of your chosen environment. Some online programs allow you to study at the time that suits you best. This flexibility allows for balance in work, school, and your life in general.

Most people are more adaptable to private or individual learning. For these people, obtaining an online post-secondary degree will be one of the easiest things in the world. They’ll have all the time to themselves, free to check and recheck past lessons to gain a deeper understanding.

With such accessibility and learning patterns, mastering a course or subject will be a walk in the park.

Building self-motivation

Earning a post-secondary degree online will help build self-motivation as you propel yourself to complete each assignment, course, and degree. Employers often seek out highly motivated individuals when recruiting for employment.

Also, it shows you can learn on your own and do it successfully without anyone intervening. It equally shows how skilled you are in managing your time adequately.

Virtual communication and collaboration

Participation in discussion boards with classmates is part of an online post-secondary degree program. Since the program’s collaborative sessions take place regularly, students learn to make concise, well-thought-out, and structured arguments. These sessions, in turn, boost social skills and fosters interpersonal relationships.

Students will also communicate with their lecturer or instructor via email, which helps improve their business communication skills.

Opportunities to Acquire Technical Skills

While obtaining an online post-secondary degree, one must acquire specific technical skills that will eventually be a plus in the long run. Most coursework will require you to be proficient with numerous digital materials like online tools and software.

Continual use of these online tools will result in a level of mastery. These skills will come in handy and become an added advantage in many lines of work. They immediately place you up the bar in a competitive professional environment.

Some online project management and communication tools you may likely use while studying online are:

Skype
Dropbox
Slack
Trello
Basecamp

You’ll be killing two birds with one stone- bagging a post-secondary degree and learning soft tech skills. Many companies use these tools above, and if you can use them efficiently, you are well on your way to getting hired by a company.

Improved critical thinking skills

E-learning opens you up to so many possibilities. You never know how fast you can quickly develop yourself if you can successfully handle your learning experience virtually. Online learning helps you develop critical thinking skills, and it enables you to do it better than when you are in a classroom setting.

Self-paced and self-motivated learning is at the core of online studying. If you can master these skills, you are well on your way to building critical thinking mastery.

Cons of Online Post-Secondary Education

As much as online degree programs offer many benefits, they also come with downsides. Some disadvantages include:

Need for computer literacy

For online post-secondary education to go smoothly and for students to be successful, both students and instructors must have a minimum level of computer literacy. At the very least, they must be able to navigate the school’s online educational platform, emails, and internet browsing.

Because of these requirements, individuals who are not tech-savvy may find the process hectic. It is challenging to learn these tech skills alongside the skills and knowledge of your online post-secondary degree. It is beneficial and recommended to acquire some level of computer literacy before starting an online program.

Dependent learners lag behind

Studying online allows students to fully control their learning experience, which is suitable for mature, self-disciplined learners. But the experience will be entirely different for dependents and the “not so disciplined” majority.

Accessibility to technological devices

Having a post-secondary online program is one thing, and having students who can access it is another. Inaccessibility could result from financial or logistical reasons, which will exempt many eligible students from partaking in an online degree program.

In cases of financial hardship, students may not be able to afford the technology the institution requires of online students. Of course, internet accessibility isn’t universal either. More so, some areas of the United States and many other countries pay very high fees for internet accessibility. With such inconvenience, not everyone will be able to have constant access to the internet.

Factors to Consider Before Obtaining an Online Post-Secondary Degree

Choosing whether or not to pursue post-secondary education is one of the most important decisions an individual will ever make. The kind of degree an individual acquires and where one gets it is just as crucial as getting the degree itself.

A degree plays a vital role in determining how well a person does financially and socially, perhaps for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, there is a positive correlation between a person’s level of education and the kind of life they lead, their lifelong habits, spouses, and their determination to progress in society.

In light of that, students should consider certain factors before obtaining a post-secondary degree.

The duration of the post-secondary degree

Universities and colleges typically offer programs ranging from three to five years. Institutes of technology and others, on the other hand, offer courses lasting two years on average.

Prospective students with limited time to get a degree might consider weighing their options before undergoing a particular form of post-secondary education. There is little value in pursuing a degree that you cannot complete.

Your passion and interests

Most post-secondary institutions, particularly colleges, institutes of technology, and apprenticeship programs, lean more in one direction than another. Choosing the right one is very important.

A college offering mainly business-related courses has little to offer a student with strengths in fine arts. The same applies to an art college and a student with abilities suited to engineering and sciences.

All post-secondary degrees won’t be suitable for everyone. Before studying for an online post-secondary degree, one should weigh their interest with the degree’s curriculum.

Career Possibilities

Obtaining a post-secondary degree offers some level of self-esteem and prestige. However, it matters more on the position and financial returns that it can get you in the professional world.

Individuals who want more than just a professional tag must consider a postsecondary degree’s financial profit before pursuing it.

The Cost of Obtaining the Degree

All levels and types of post-secondary degrees require a particular financial investment. But their prices vary according to the type of degree and the kind of academic institution.

Private institutions, for example, are more expensive than public ones. Graduate degrees such as master’s and doctorate degrees require undergraduate degrees as a prerequisite and cost a lot more than the latter. Similarly, degrees from universities tend to cost more than degrees from institutes of technology and sometimes colleges.

In-Person Instruction Vs. Online Instruction

Just because a facilitator or instructor is excellent at teaching in person doesn’t mean they will make an excellent online teacher. Suppose they haven’t received training on how to teach online adequately. In that case, the success of the online degree is bound to be compromised.

If online instructors aren’t efficient in teaching, the post-secondary degree program won’t rise to the quality standards it should meet.

Are There Hybrid Post-Secondary Degree Programs?

Of course, there are. Also called blended programs, hybrid post-secondary programs are academic programs offered by universities and other educational institutions through combined face-to-face methods and online means.

What is the necessity of creating hybrid programs? Schools established hybrid programs to strike a balance between offline and online classes. Hybrid courses operate with the notion that particular knowledge or skills are better to teach in person rather than via a computer screen.

This type of post-secondary degree program also promotes interactive learning as students get to interact with each other and the instructor. As implied earlier, it is also advantageous to the online learning program. Hybrid students have the opportunity to gain digital skills while learning and also attend physical classes.

Make sure you consider your needs and strengths when choosing what is best for you to acquire your post-secondary education. Technology has made learning more accessible, but it has also placed the entire learning responsibility on the students’ shoulders.

Start Your Post-Secondary Education Today!

Are you ready to pursue an online post-secondary education? Online learning is a progressive option if you have a busy life and are self-motivated. If you struggle without the routine and reminders of a physical classroom environment, then in-person classes are a good alternative. You may also opt for a hybrid program to get the best of both worlds and obtain your post-secondary degree.

Visit the GetEducated.com resource center to learn more about online educational opportunities and other related information.