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Professional degree vs academic degree
If you have recently graduated from school and are planning to go to university, then you are not only at the crossroads of your education career but also at a critical stage of your life. Choosing between a Professional degree vs academic degree is a pivotal moment, and the choice will affect not only your educational path but the rest of your life.
This will help you to understand, You see, when it comes to knowledge or education, it has two specific use case scenarios. Generally speaking, educators, alumni, and graduates can be divided into two different categories. Some are thinkers others are doers. (Now that does not mean that one cannot do the other) One is called academia others are called professionals or practitioners.
What is what and who is who? Let’s dive down.
What is an academic degree?
Generally speaking, any qualification certificate awarded after the successful completion of a college or university education is referred to as an academic degree. This is true, But an Academic degree can also be referred to a specific genre of education.
As discussed above, in short, any qualification that will make you part of academia can be referred to as an academic degree. Academic degrees are focused on expanding the borders of knowledge via advanced research, dissemination of research, collaboration, seminars, and publications. The emphasis will be on theoretical knowledge, scholarly writings, and research methodologies.
What is a professional degree?
The opposite of an academic degree can be classified as a professional degree. A professional degree will enable you to practice and apply the research that academia is doing.
In other words, professionals are the group of people who apply academic knowledge. It’s a very wide term and can encompass a variety of professions like doctors, engineers, architects, IT professionals, Managers, etc. The emphasis is on practical knowledge and skills directly related to a particular profession.
So which one is better? A professional degree or An academic degree?
It depends! Entirely on yourself, Both are two sides of the same coin.
To help you decide, Here are some of the key differences.
Four significant differences between a professional degree and an academic degree
Education: The professional degree will make you ready to be in the workforce, will provide you with technical skills, and enable you to achieve relevant licenses. The academic degree will enable you to expand the boundaries of knowledge, enhance your analytical skills, and foster critical thinking.
Curriculum: Professional degrees will focus on hands-on training, lab or fieldwork, and practical application of knowledge whereas academic degrees will focus on theoretical knowledge and analysis.
Career outcome: After completing your academic degree you will be able to research to be a part of academia, enter into very specific industries for research and development, or may become a part of the university. On the other hand after gaining a professional degree you will look for a job where you will apply your skills.
Skill set required: academic degree holders will acquire analytical, research, and writing skills whereas professional degree holders will develop technical and practical skills.
Other Considerations
You might also want to look at your personal circumstances e.g. an Academic degree might be a little longer than a professional degree.
If your research helps to expand or innovate knowledge You will have a chance to put your name in history as a pioneer in your relevant field.
With a professional degree, you will be ready to start a job often with a higher salary.
Professional degrees are often expensive compared to academic degrees.
Also, you will be on a set path and it will be more difficult to change careers at a later stage.
Both degrees have distinct global and social impacts. An academic degree holder can do research and may provide a breakthrough in a global problem whereas a professional degree holder will provide help to immediate social needs.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice is personal. You can consider the multitude of factors But the most important factor is What Do You Want For Yourself? Where Do You Want To See Yourself at the end of your education? Both degrees offer unique opportunities and can lead to a fulfilling career.
In conclusion, an academic degree opens doors for research and academia whereas a professional degree leads the way for immediate entry into a specific career and the choice varies from person to person depending upon their vision for the future.
