- There was a time when a person didn't need a college degree to enter a profession; he could simply learn his craft working alongside experienced professionals already working in the field. In the early years of the 20th century, however, professionals started joining together in professional associations that proceeded to set standards for entry into those professions. Teachers, lawyers, doctors all expounded the importance of formal training in a classroom setting, and from that point on, college degrees became essential to certain industries.
- There are many types of college degrees. A person interested in stepping into a technical career can choose to complete a focused 2-year program; while a person seeking a profession like accounting or teaching would complete a 4-year bachelor's degree program. Some degrees, like those in engineering, are highly specialized. Many students begin their educational program with a degree in liberal studies, as preparation for advanced studies in law or medicine.
- There are a number of benefits to earning a college degree. The US Department of Education has calculated lifetime earnings for those with a college degree as compared to those without, and the difference is stunning: over the course of her lifetime, a person with a bachelor's degree will earn nearly twice what a non-college graduate will earn. A degree is the only way to enter some very popular careers, including nursing, teaching and engineering. In addition, people with a degree tend to have more job mobility and enjoy more hobbies and leisurely activities.
- When looking into degree programs in the United States, be sure to confirm your chosen school's accreditation. Your degree may not be recognized by other colleges, professional associations or graduate programs if you earn it from a school that is not regionally or nationally accredited. Fully accredited schools advertise this fact in a prominent way, so if you can't find the information you want, ask. It could be worth tens of thousands of dollars to you down the road.
- There are a number of resources that identify the appropriate college degree for a given career path. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes its Occupational Outlook Handbook annually; this is the best place to learn about the right degree for your future. The College Board website can help you to zero in on the right school for your degree of choice.
