They are both obtained at an educational institution, but what is the difference between a diploma and a degree (diploma vs degree)?
Whether you prefer a degree over a diploma or vice versa, there are key differences between the two. A degree is a certificate earned from a college or university after the completion of an academic program at a specific level of study.
A diploma is a credential earned at a college or university upon the completion of a specific course of study.
Looking at the numbers, more students attend colleges and universities to earn a degree. This is perhaps one of the reasons students compare a diploma and a degree.
We will be discussing more on the differences between a diploma and a degree.
What Is a Diploma?
A diploma is a certificate offered at educational institutions like community colleges and technical schools (vocational schools). A few universities around the world also offer diploma courses.
Diplomas are certificates offered to students after the completion of a specific course of study. High schools also award students with diplomas to show that they have gained a certain level of knowledge.
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What Is a Degree?
A degree is an official academic document granted by recognized colleges or universities. Unlike diplomas, they take a longer period to complete.
Degrees are granted by colleges or universities to indicate and confirm that a student has successfully completed a degree program at a specific level of study.
Students enrolled in degree programs are provided with a well-organized education, with faculty members who specialize in their area of study.
Degree programs can be categorised into four main categories such as Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate.
Associate and bachelor’s degree programs are offered at the undergraduate level, and master’s and doctorate degrees are offered at the graduate level.
Generally, there are several key differences between a diploma and a degree. For example, a diploma is a short-term course, while a degree is a long-term course.
Diploma vs Degree: Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Diploma | Degree |
| Meaning | A diploma is a certificate offered at educational institutions like community colleges, technical school (vocational schools), and some universities around the world. | A degree is an official academic document granted by recognized colleges or universities after the completion of studies at a specific level of study. |
| Time Horizon | 1-2 years. | 3-4 years. |
| Minimum academic qualification | High school | Universities, community colleges, and technical schools (vocational schools). |
| Pay scale at the time of employment | Comparatively low | Higher |
| Conducted by | Universities, community colleges, technical schools (vocational schools). | Universities |
| Admissions | Semi-annually | Annually |
| Depth of knowledge | Comparatively less | More |
| Fees | Less | More |
Diploma vs Degree
Diplomas and degrees are both offered by educational institutions. They are both academic and professional qualifications that prepare students for successful career paths.
A diploma is a higher education qualification that declares that a student has successfully completed a course of study in a specific field.
A high school diploma for example is the common diploma to obtain. It’s offered to students after successful completion of four years of study at the high school level.
Those who have successfully earned a high diploma can apply for degree programs offered at the undergraduate level at a college or university.
There are a variety of degrees representing the different levels of academic study at colleges and universities. They include an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate degree.
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Associate Degree
Earning an associate degree takes less time compared to a bachelor’s degree. Generally, an associate degree is completed within two years. It’s offered to many people after attending a community college or a city college.
Bachelor’s Degree
At this level, you will find more students across schools and colleges in universities. The entry requirement for a bachelor’s degree program is a high school diploma with a certain amount of credits.
Students who have also completed an associate degree in a specific field of study go on to enrol in bachelor’s degree programs.
It’s common for people to earn a bachelor’s degree after successfully completing their degree program of choice.
Master’s Degree
This is a degree for students who have completed their education at the undergraduate level. It may take two or more years to complete a bachelor’s degree program.
This degree is for students who have successfully completed their bachelor’s degree and intend to pursue a higher degree in their specific field of study.
Doctorate Degree
In order to earn a doctorate degree, students must have completed both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Earning this degree requires extensive schooling and research activity.
At this study level, students engage in years of study and complete a large-scale of research project and academic thesis to earn their PhD.
Diploma vs Degree: What are Employers looking for
We can really say if employers out there prefer job seekers with a degree, diploma, or certificate. They may be looking for experience and personality and not who holds what academic certificate.
Whether it’s a diploma or a degree, a graduate holding one of these certificates has an opportunity to find jobs in various industries. It’s important to make the right decision if it’s best to earn a diploma or degree.
Technical schools offer first-hand experiences in several study areas and also provide job placements to connect graduates with employers.
Some of the popular job roles you can find as a diploma holder include event management, security/support staff, sales representative, mechanical engineering, etc.
When to Use a Diploma
Attending a technical school to pursue a diploma gives students in-depth preparation to enter a specialized sector. Diplomas are offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and some universities.
So, you can find an accredited institution offering diplomas and in just two years, you earned your diploma.
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When to Use a Degree
The common types of degrees available at colleges and universities are undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Earning a bachelor’s degree sets you on the path to pursue a master’s degree in a specific area of study.
Diploma vs Degree (Popular Courses)
Below are the terms for which diploma and degree courses are popularly known.
| Diploma | Degree |
| Diploma in Literature | Bachelor’s or Maters in Arts |
| Diploma in Marketing, Sales, etc. | B. Com/M.Com |
| Diploma in Drawing/Singing/Acting, etc. | Bachelor’s/Master in Fine Arts |
| Diploma in Automotive Engineering, Automotive Designing | B.E/B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech |
| Diploma in Biotech, Horticulture, Agricultural Sciences | B.Sc/B.E/ B.Tech/ M.Sc/ M.E/ M.Tech in Biotechnology |
| Diploma in Film Making/Photography/Acting/Cinematography | Bachelor’s or Master in Mass Comm and Journalism |
| Diploma in Business Studies/Administration | BBA/MBA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about Diploma vs Degree.
What is the difference between a degree and a diploma?
A degree is an official certificate granted by colleges and universities to students who have successfully completed their degree programs at a specific study level.
In contrast, a diploma is a certificate offered at educational institutions like community colleges, technical schools (vocational schools), and some universities around the world.
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What are the pros and cons of earning a degree?
Pros
Increased career opportunities, higher earning potential, and offers more knowledge than a diploma.
Cons
Earning a degree can be quite steep (especially attending private institutions), time-consuming, and may lack practical experience and knowledge.
What are the pros and cons of earning a diploma?
Pros
Diplomas are designed to prepare learners for specific careers, they are less expensive compared to degrees, and courses are short-term.
Cons
It offers limited career options, educational experience, and advancement opportunities.
Are diplomas and degrees both considered post-secondary education?
Diplomas and degrees are both considered post-secondary education but differ in terms of the level of education offered.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer a degree over a diploma or vice versa, it’s important to note that there are key differences between the two.
A degree is a certificate earned from a college or university after the completion of an academic program at a specific level of study, while a diploma is a certificate offered at educational institutions like community colleges, technical schools (vocational schools), and some universities around the world.
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References
- Indeed: Diploma vs. Degree: What’s the Difference?
- Kanan.co: Diploma vs Degree: What’s the difference?
- Levarageedu: Who Wins the Diploma vs Degree Battle?
- Keydifferences: Difference Between Degree and Diploma
- Universityofthepeople: Diploma vs Degree? Comparing the Differences
