Diploma vs Degree: Which one is Better to Choose?

Degree or diploma? Are they, or is there any difference between the two? Well, getting a deep understanding will help you make an informed decision while choosing a career. After completing higher school, the most important question that comes to mind is what to study. Another consideration is opting for a degree or diploma. 
 

The degree is a certificate that a student gets from college/university after completing the course of their choice. On the other hand, a diploma is a credential given by an educational institution/college/university after completing the course. 
 

Deciding between the two is a daunting task, but carefully choose the right educational path as it will impact your career opportunities and growth in the future. In this blog, let’s understand the difference between a diploma and a degree.

Degree vs Diploma: Highlights

Difference between Degree and Diploma 

Before moving toward comparing the two, let’s first consider their meaning, or, we can say, their definitions.
 

What is known as a degree?
 

The degree is basically an official document that the college or university presents to students after completing a degree program. The degree is done in a  particular field or domain, and the degree programs are of 4 main categories: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Associate’s, and Doctorate.
 

• Bachelor’s Degree: It is of 3-4 years duration. In other words, a bachelor’s degree is a full-time undergraduate course; after this, you can opt for a Master’s degree. Check out below the types of Bachelor’s Degrees:
   

1. Bachelor in Arts (B.Arch)
2. Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA)
3. Bachelor in Commerce
4. Bachelor in Science
5. Bachelor in Computer Applications (BCA)
6. B.Tech in Computer, Electronics, Telecommunication, Civil, Biomedical, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering.

• Associate Degree : A vocational degree is a 2-year program that helps you get comprehensive knowledge of theory and practical. 

• Master’s Degree : Master’s degree is a  2-year post-graduate degree you can pursue after completing your Bachelor’s degree. Various types of Master’s degrees include:
   

1. M.Tech
2. MA
3. MSc
4. MCA
5. MBA
6. M.Com

• Doctorate Degree : A Doctorate is 4-7 years and is considered the highest level. It can be studied after you complete your bachelor’s and master's degrees. Various types of doctoral degrees are:

1. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
2. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
3. Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
4. Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)
5. Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)
6. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Advantages of a Degree

• If you have a degree, you get a competitive edge, and your chances of getting a job will be higher as compared to a diploma, as the degree authenticates your skills. 
• A degree gives a specialized career.
• There are many degree programs that require you to emphasize more on analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving because employers highly value these skills.

Disadvantages of a Degree

• You need to commit your 3-4 years to the program. Most graduate degrees require at least 3 -4 years to complete, and you also need to give a good number of hours studying every day.
• You might need an education loan to study higher education programs.
• After completing, it's not guaranteed that you get a job. 

What is known as a diploma?

A diploma is a certificate which is given to students once they complete a particular course of study at a university/college. A diploma indicates that a person has a certain level of skill as well as knowledge in a particular subject area.

Types of Diplomas:

• Graduate Diploma: It is a certified qualification given at the undergraduate level. Check out graduate diploma courses.

1. Diploma in Event Management
2. Diploma in Engineering 
3. Diploma in Hotel Management 
4. Diploma in Graphic Design 
5. Diploma in Animation and Multimedia 
6. Diploma in Fashion Designing 
7. Diploma in Nursing 

• Post-graduate Diploma : It is a certification given after completing a bachelor’s degree course. Check out some of the popular PG Diploma courses: 

1. PG Diploma in Computer Applications
2. PG Diploma in Management
3. PG Diploma in Journalism and Medical Sciences
4. PG Diploma in Medical Sciences
5. PG Diploma in Business Analytics
6. PG Diploma in Hotel Management
7. PG Diploma in Law

Advantages of a Diploma Course

Diploma courses come with numerous benefits:

1. You can complete specialized diploma programs more quickly than traditional degrees.

2. The entry requirements for enrolling on a diploma course are not as stringent as those for degrees, making it an accessible option.

3. Diplomas often offer flexible curriculums, including online options that allow learners to access content at their own pace.

4. These courses primarily focus on vocational training, equipping individuals with practical skills relevant to specific industries or professions—such as programming languages like Java and Python in the case of a computer programming diploma program.

Drawbacks of Pursuing a Diploma Program

There are several hurdles that individuals who have obtained a diploma may encounter:

• Upon completing a diploma program, you will have acquired a specific set of skills in that particular field. However, if you wish to expand your knowledge further, pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree is necessary.
• Additionally, when it comes to employment opportunities, employers tend to prioritize candidates with higher qualifications, such as graduates or master's degree holders. As a result, diploma holders may end up receiving lower salaries.
• Furthermore, advancing one's career can prove challenging without continuous professional development and acquiring new skills.

Popular Courses in Diploma vs Degree 
 

Check out the courses branch-wise to make an informed decision

Fundamental Difference: Diploma VS Degree

The following points outline the significant differences between a degree and a diploma:

• As mentioned earlier, a degree is an academic credential granted by a university to students who have successfully completed their studies in a chosen field. On the other hand, a diploma is awarded by an educational institution to students who have completed a specific course.
• Admission to degree programs typically takes place annually. However, admission to diploma courses may occur either yearly or half-yearly, depending on the policies of the university or institution.
• Degree programs are generally more expensive compared to diploma programs. Additionally, degree courses require more time for completion than diploma courses.
• In some cases, degree programs offer flexibility that allows students to change their major within just a few months of enrollment. Conversely, diplomas do not provide such an option.
• The minimum qualification required for entry into a degree program is 10+2 education level (equivalent to high school graduation), whereas, for diplomas, it is 10th-grade completion (equivalent to secondary education).
• Degree holders tend to earn higher salaries compared to those with diplomas.
• Degrees can be categorized into four types: bachelor's, master's, associate's, and doctoral degrees. Each type holds its own significance and requirements in terms of academic achievement and specialization.

When to Use a Diploma, Certificate, and Degree?

Certificate : A certificate is necessary if you want to work directly in a particular field, such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC professionals, etc. These certificates are given to students after they get practical training and are ready for the job.

Diploma:  Unlike a certificate, a diploma gives students in-depth preparation to get a job in a highly specialized sector. The average length of the diploma is two years.

Degree:  A degree serves several purposes, such as getting a job or you plan to study further.

Diploma or Degree: What do Employers Want?

There will be no employers that tell you whether they will give the job to a degree, diploma, or a certificate holder. Well, getting a degree or diploma opens up the chances to get a job in various industries at entry, middle, or higher-level. So, it’s best first you decide your objectives means what you want to become, before deciding what course to opt for.

Conclusion

In case you are confused about what to choose, degree or diploma? Well, the answer lies in your personal preferences. The diploma is of short duration and lets you get a job much sooner than with a career. While, the degree is a more valuable qualification than a diploma, as it gives you a high level of expertise. 

Upon completion of class 12 boards, you will get numerous possibilities. It is crucial to carefully consider and make a decision regarding whether to pursue a diploma or a degree program. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that whatever you choose will have the potential to shape your career significantly.

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