Difference Between Diploma and Associate Degree
Diploma vs Associate Degree
A Diploma is one type of certification, and an Associate degree is another type. Diploma and Associates degree, as the name specifies, are different in many aspects. There is no confusion between the two, as the difference is very specific.
A Diploma can be said to be a document awarded to a student after completion of a course. On the other hand, an Associate degree is a title conferred on a student when he completes a college study. Diploma is usually given in vocational or professional courses, like designing, pharmacy and engineering.
High schools, trade colleges and professional schools confer Diploma certificates. On the other hand, community colleges and universities award the Associates degree.
With an Associates degree, a student has to study many things outside his major, like basic English, history, humanities and mathematics. On the other hand, a Diploma focuses mainly on the specific skills of a student. This means that a student who pursues an Associate degree has to study more broadly when compared to a student who takes a Diploma course, where it is mainly subject centric.
A student may take one or two years to get a Diploma. On the contrary, an Associate degree is strictly two years.
Unlike the Diplomas, one can transfer the Associate degree credits to a Bachelor’s degree. An Associate degree can be said to be a stepping-stone to a higher education.
It can also be seen that an Associate degree is more valued than a Diploma. In the job scene, a candidate with an Associate degree has more chances, and will earn more than a candidate with a Diploma. For example, a nurse with a Diploma will be paid less than a nurse who has an Associate degree.
Summary:
1. A Diploma can be said to be a document awarded to a student after completion of a course. On the other hand, an Associate degree is a title conferred on a student when he completes a college study.
2. A student who pursues an Associate degree has to study more broadly when compared to a student who takes a Diploma course, where it is subject centric.
3. A Diploma is usually given in vocational or professional courses, like designing, pharmacy and engineering.
4. An Associate degree is more valued than a Diploma. An Associate degree can be said to be a stepping-stone to a higher education.
5. A candidate with an Associate degree has more chances, and will earn more than a candidate with a Diploma.
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With a College Diploma, depending on the college & if it is accredited or not you can transfer most credits to earning a degree.
I am holding an advanced diploma in Business studies from the institute of Business Studies and a 2yrs Diploma in Business studies. Is their online Bachelor degree which is recognised?
Yours,
In Singapore, a polytechnic diploma is a highly valued document – even more than an A level full cert holder. And a polytechnic diploma (not private diploma), the standards are VERY high and the course is 3 years long and encompasses typically more than 30 modules per course. Yes it is true that its geared and centered towards a specific area of study – however we also have to do minors in areas like economics, finance, maths, science etc.
If at all the associate degree is comparable with a full cert A level, it is definitely NOT more valued than a polytechnic diploma – pay is definitely less and roles would only be very generic roles like admin assistant at a office for the associate degree holder.
As for the transfer of credits to university, a diploma holder from a polytechnic in Singapore can enter either 2nd or 3rd year of degree programmes in MANY countries including Singapore and Australia. This is so because in Singapore, polytechnic students cover 1st and 2nd year modules completely and are only able to graduate once they complete them and pass them – which essentially puts them ahead of A level graduates who start from year 1 regardless if they have 10 As or 20 As.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Cheerz!
you already said in Singapore! it is very different in other places
A candidate with an Associate degree has more chances, and will earn more than a candidate with a Diploma.
I dont get the WILL earn more part. I have my diploma and am making more than a buddy who has his associates.
Its all about who you know not what you know!!!
Very useful !!!!
This information is not accurate. Look into specific nursing school diploma programs. They can be accredited which means that they are in fact stepping stones to furthering your education and obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree. In the state of PA, you are eligible to sit for the NCLEX RN licensing exam with an associate’s degree or a diploma from an RN diploma program. So, either route leads you to the RN license and you can begin working as an RN. If you choose a diploma program which is accredited, you are just as eligible to transfer your classes to a bachelor’s program to continue your education.
I have a diploma . Some coworkers have an associates and others have BSN’s . At my hospital where I work we all start out at the same pay scale . Those with BSN’s are not making more than me . Therefore the information in this article is inaccurate .
The article is supposed to be broad and encompassing, of course not every person on an associate degree will make more than someone on a diploma. But the average trend is that associate degrees di make more than diplomas.
Its obvious the info is North America specific, and America specific, even though western Canada has associates degree.
I’m in the east and dont unerdatnd it when I look at American community colleges.
I’ve looked at some community colleges and I can hardly tell the difference.
Why not say
Associates degree contains more or (a set of) General education / Humanities courses while a diploma does not. This seems to make it more clearer
Some universities do offer Diplomas and they can be used as, or turn into, a stepping stone to the next level. For example a library technician (2 year diploma) may then get (or already have) a Bachelor’s degree and then continue on to become a Master of Library and Information Science (known to most people as a librarian). (Canada)
Qualifications, designations and job requirements or designations will change from place to place. It’s best to check with the professional associations in the place you want to study or work.
very useful things.
I have a higher technical Diploma in Civil Engineering.My opinion art to your article is this; many countries see both diploma and associate degree differently.
Like in my country Cameroon, most of the paycheck depends first on your know how,than on the paper you hold.Both Bsc holders and Diploma holders earn the same in the private sector,and only differ in position they hold in the company. Other times the Diploma guy with experience is way high up than the guy with the Bsc.
I believe this might be country specific. I am from Guyana and at our Public University, the Diploma is the stage before a Bachelor’s Degree. We do have Associate’s Degrees; however, some areas so not offer them.
What’s more; our Diplomas are not necessarily specific. For example- one can read for a Diploma in Public Management or Business Management for 2 years, covering 17 subject areas, including English, Politics and Economics.
Hope that helps to clear some doubts.