Post Secondary as the name suggests is a level of education one assumes after secondary education. It can be owned by a public individual, the government, organizations, and even religious institutions.
Are you a secondary/high school student or graduate? Maybe looking out to know what post-secondary education is all about and the different types of post-secondary education.
This article explores post-secondary education and types of post-secondary education (post-secondary institutions).
What Is Post Secondary Education?
Post Secondary Education generally known as tertiary education or third-level education is the education one enrolls in after the completion of secondary school education also known as high school education.
It is mostly considered the highest form of formal education, and this is because post-secondary education is the final and one that can guarantee you as a graduate with certifications and degrees.
Read: How tp get a full ride scholarship
Post Secondary Education comes with a reward of a degree, diploma, or certificate, some of its types that don’t result or award each are referred to as “continuing education”. It is the educational programs that can be taken after graduating from high school, then obtain a GED or anything similar.
Unlike primary and secondary education which is a must for under 18 children, post-secondary education is optional and isn’t mandatory for anyone.
Post Secondary Education Institutions
Post-secondary education is of different kinds, and each institution is dedicated to its specific aim. The most popular are Colleges and Universities, but that’s not all. Post-secondary education institutions include:
1. Vocational Institutions
Vocational Institutions/School is a type of post-secondary education whereby students are taught about trade or technology. It prepares students who are interested in business on ways and manners to handle a business and for those interested in techs on the technical side of crafts.
It is also referred to as a Tech School or a Trade School. They improve the student’s ability in trade and technological skills.
Its examples include Carpentry, Electrician, Fashion Designing, Food and Beverage Management, Daycare Management, etc.
They award you a certificate that shows you have completed and trained for your choice of course in the school.
2. Non Degree Students
This set of post-secondary education deals with online and classroom programs that enrich and build the skills of a student.
After completion, certificates of completion are offered to the graduates and not a degree, similar to vocational schools but more academic.
Note: Students who enroll in colleges or universities without the aim of earning a degree are also known as Nondegree students.
3. Community Colleges
Community Colleges also referred to as “Two Year Colleges” or “Junior Colleges” is a type of education whereby students are only expected to study for two years and be awarded an associate degree instead of studying for four years to be awarded a bachelor’s degree.
It takes only two years to be awarded a diploma because they only offer general studies, while colleges and universities offer both general and specialized studies (two years for general studies and two years for specialized studies).
4. Colleges and Universities
This is the most known choice for post-secondary education, and it’s mostly expensive, though one can further with scholarships and grants.
Colleges and Universities award bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate degrees, and diplomas, such as courses in medicine, law, business, etc.
Conclusion
Post Secondary Education plays a crucial role in the preparation of students for future life. They act as machinery that sharpen the blades of students towards life difficulties.
It is not mandatory for all as primary and secondary education is, and going for it doesn’t guarantee a job in the future, although it is a very big advantage.
