lawyer

If you re one of millions of Americans considering going back to school (or if you re going to school for the first time) you face not only an exciting decision, but a daunting one as well. There are hundreds of degrees and fields out there, and trying to decide on one can be confusing, to say the least. We ve put together a guide to the different types of college degrees and what they mean, but before you get started, here are a few things to think about:

1. What level of degree do you need? Make sure a given college degree program is tied to a specific career goal. For example, if you want to become a public school teacher, you need a teaching certificate.
2. Do you meet the program s prerequisites? Many types of degree programs, especially the more advanced ones, require you to hold previous degrees or qualifications. No matter how nicely you ask, an MSN program will not admit you unless you have a practical nursing degree.
3. Once you find a degree program, make sure you have thought about how to fit your new educational commitment into your life.  College is a substantial time commitment, and it can be expensive as well. This is not to say you shouldn t do it; for millions of Americans, education is a liberating-and financially rewarding-experience. Just make sure you have a plan.

Without further ado, here s our comprehensive guide to the various types of college degrees .

High School Diploma

The High School Diploma is the foundational type of degree in the American educational system: you will need to have one in order to enroll in nearly any postsecondary educational program. If you are still in high school, you must finish this degree to move on. If you didn t graduate from high school, don t give up. Almost all employers and schools consider the GED an acceptable substitute for a high school diploma.

Many schools, both online and at ground campuses, offer affordable GED programs-so you don t really have any excuse. If you didn t finish high school, go get your GED!

These often involve certification in a particular field or area, in anything from Medical assisting to Paralegal Studies. Furthermore, there are many certifications for particular technologies, such as web developer or repair technician. These kinds of degrees tend to be relatively quick; they typically take from about six weeks to a year to complete.