| As the cost of a college degree continues to rise each | | | | Vocational degree programs typically take between 16 |
| year, many education experts are suggesting that | | | | and 24 months to complete. Unlike associates degree |
| vocational degree programs may be the best course | | | | programs - which generally require a similar time |
| of study for some busy individuals. | | | | commitment - these courses of study focus on a |
| The economic downturn has led many professionals | | | | particular craft or trade and eliminate prerequisite |
| to realize that they need to earn more money, or seek | | | | classes. After they earn their degrees, vocational |
| a position that will offer them a higher level of job | | | | program graduates will have a finely tuned skill set and |
| security. While education is the key to success in most | | | | will likely be qualified to begin working immediately. |
| industries, many of these individuals have additional | | | | In turn, individuals who complete these programs may |
| responsibilities that could inhibit their ability to enroll in a | | | | prove to be particularly valuable to employers, as they |
| campus-based or online bachelors program. | | | | will require less training than applicants who learned |
| Furthermore, college graduates who can couple a | | | | through books and other learning materials rather than |
| degree with some work experience may be more | | | | hands-on experience. |
| likely to land high-paying positions. However, some | | | | Vocational school may also prove ideal to individuals |
| students may not be able to leave their current jobs to | | | | who have been practicing their trade for a period of |
| take on an internship. | | | | time, but have not completed any formal training. |
| For these students, vocational programs may be ideal. | | | | Professionals who pursue these degrees through |
| Many schools integrate hands-on experience into the | | | | online schools may be able to study in their free time |
| curriculum, which can enable degree seekers to | | | | and apply what they have learned immediately. |
| complete these requirements in one fell swoop. These | | | | Additionally, students who are looking to advance in |
| types of study may be ideal for students who are | | | | their fields may be able to improve their career |
| certain which career path they wish to take, or those | | | | prospects by earning certification or a vocational |
| who are looking to enter a new field quickly. | | | | college degree. |