post secondary education vs postgraduate

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Post-secondary education: What is the difference between college and university?

Posted July 31, 2019

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Are you going to college or university?

In Canada, college is different from university. College and university are the two types of post-secondary education programs taken after graduating from high school.

What is post-secondary education?

Studies beyond high school are called post-secondary education. Students take a program to earn:

• Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma (including ‘centres de formation professionelle’)
• College, or non-university certificate or diploma
• University or diploma below bachelor level
• University degree (bachelor’s degree, university certificate or diploma above bachelor level, degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry, etc.); master’s degree; earned doctorate

There are three types of post-secondary schools:

• Universities

These schools and the programs they offer must meet standards set by the government. Only then can they be officially recognized to grant degrees, diplomas, certificates and other qualifications. Manitoba Advanced Education is the government ministry in charge of post-secondary education in the province.

What is the difference between college and university?

The main difference between college and university is that universities focus on academic and professional programs, while colleges tend to be more career-oriented, offering career training and trades.

Colleges and institutes Colleges and institutes usually offer certificate programs which take one year or less, and diploma programs which can take two to three years. However, a growing number of colleges now also offer bachelor’s degrees, even master’s degrees. Aside from in class studies, college programs offer practical, hands-on training such as pre-trades and apprenticeship. Areas of study can range from business to health.

You will know these institutions as colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied arts and technology, and institutes of technology or science. Career colleges are institutes that are entirely private.

Colleges in MB:

• Red River College
• Assiniboine Community College
• Manitoba Institute of Technology . To know more about MITT, read ( Getting into the Trades )
• Université de Saint-Boniface – École Technique et Professionelle
• University of Manitoba’s International College of Manitoba

Universities Universities offer programs that grant degrees in a variety of subjects and fields. Most degrees take three to four years to complete for a full-time student. You can earn the following degrees: bachelor’s degree; university certificate or diploma above bachelor level; degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry; master’s degree; earned doctorate.

If you are an internationally educated immigrant of a regulated profession (ex: doctor, lawyer, teacher), you may need to complete a bridging program, internship, or pass standard exams before you can be licensed to work in Manitoba in your respective field. But before approaching universities or enrolling in courses, you should contact your association or specific regulatory body to know the requirements and procedures for qualifications recognition or licensure.

Universities in MB:

• University of Manitoba
• University of Winnipeg
• Brandon University
• Université de Saint-Boniface
• Providence University College
• Booth University
• Canadian Mennonite University
• University College of the North

The academic year for post-secondary education is typically composed of two semesters, Fall semester (from September to December), and Winter semester (January to April). There may be a Summer semester (May to August) for limited programs and courses.

Each institution will have its own academic calendar. Not all post secondary schools start and end on the same date.   Article updated August 12, 2024.   Sources: Post-secondary education , Government of Canada; The Canadian Centre Information Centre for International Credentials ; What is the difference between college and university in Canada? Settlement.org; and Education and Training , Manitoba.ca. Accessed July 23, 2019.

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Are you interested in studying in Manitoba? Go to Study in Canada as an international student for more details.

Here’s a comprehensive website that can help you plan your studies in Canada: University Study.ca . Learn about universities in Canada, programs of study, how to choose a program, application and admission requirements, and financial planning information.

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Home > Blog > Uncategorized > What is Post-Secondary Education in the US?

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What is Post-Secondary Education in the US?

Published: October 13, 2024

Post-secondary education in the United States refers to any formal education pursued after high school. This includes universities, colleges, community colleges, and vocational schools. Unlike K-12 education, which covers a broad curriculum, post-secondary education provides you with specialized knowledge and skills to prepare for specific careers or further academic pursuits.

One of the biggest differences between post-secondary and K-12 education is the level of autonomy and specialization. In post-secondary institutions, you can choose your field of study and focus on areas that align with your career goals and interests. This specialized education plays a crucial role in your personal and professional development, helping you succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Post-secondary education also has a broader impact on American society. It shapes not only your future but also fosters innovation and drives economic and social development.

What Does Post-Secondary Education Mean?

Post-secondary education refers to any formal education that takes place after high school , including vocational training, two-year community college programs, and four-year university degrees. It includes various programs, from associate degrees to advanced graduate and professional degrees. Through these programs, you have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in specialized areas and gain skills that are directly applicable to various careers.

Pursuing post-secondary education can offer you a wide range of benefits, from enhanced career prospects to higher earning potential and personal growth. Many programs also provide hands-on learning, internships, and real-world experiences, so you can apply what you’ve learned in practical settings.

What are the Main Types of Post-Secondary Education in the US?

Post-secondary education in the US offers several options tailored to different career goals and learning preferences. Here’s what you can choose from:

Four-Year Universities and Colleges

These institutions offer bachelor’s degrees and often provide opportunities for research, internships, and specialized career training. Typically, you’ll spend four years completing your degree. If you’re looking for a comprehensive education in fields like business, engineering, or the sciences, a four-year university might be the right choice for you.

Two-Year Community Colleges

Community colleges offer associate degrees , usually completed in two years, and provide an affordable way to start your higher education journey. If you want to transfer to a four-year university or jump into a career-focused program, community colleges can be a great option for you.

Technical and Vocational Schools

These schools focus on hands-on, practical skills and offer shorter programs that lead to certifications or diplomas in fields like automotive repair, IT, or healthcare. If you want to gain specialized training and enter the workforce quickly, a technical or vocational school might suit you.

Liberal Arts Colleges

If you’re someone who loves to explore diverse subjects and develop critical thinking skills, a liberal arts college might be ideal. These institutions emphasize a broad-based education and encourage intellectual curiosity.

Online and Distance Learning Programs

Online programs provide flexibility if you need to fit your education around other commitments. Whether you’re pursuing a certificate or an advanced degree , online learning allows you to study at your own pace from wherever you are.

What Degrees Can be Earned Through Post-Secondary Education?

You can earn a variety of degrees through post-secondary education in the US, ranging from short-term certificates to advanced doctoral degrees. Certificates and diplomas, typically offered by technical and vocational schools, allow you to gain practical skills for entry-level positions. If you’re looking for an affordable pathway into the workforce or planning to transfer to a four-year institution, an associate degree from a community college may be a great option for you.

Bachelor’s degrees, usually completed in four years, allow you to specialize in fields like business, engineering, or the humanities. If you want to pursue even more advanced expertise, master’s and doctoral programs offer further specialization. Master’s programs take one to two years, while doctoral degrees require several years of research and are essential for fields like academia, law, or medicine.

How Does Post-Secondary Education Differ from K-12 Schooling?

Post-secondary education differs significantly from the K-12 system in terms of structure, expectations, and outcomes. Here are the key differences:

Voluntary Attendance Versus Compulsory Education

Unlike K-12 education, which is mandatory, post-secondary education is voluntary. Students pursue further education based on their personal and career goals, which generally leads to a more motivated and self-directed learning experience.

Specialized Focus Rather Than General Education

K-12 education provides a broad, general curriculum, while post-secondary education allows students to specialize in a particular field of interest. Whether pursuing a trade, a bachelor’s degree, or a graduate program, students focus on a specific discipline that aligns with their career aspirations.

Increased Personal Responsibility for Learning

In post-secondary education, students are expected to take greater responsibility for their learning. There is more flexibility in course selection and academic paths, but this comes with the need for strong self-discipline and time management, in contrast to the more structured environment of K-12 schooling.

What are the Admission Requirements for Post-Secondary Education?

Admission requirements for post-secondary institutions vary based on the type of school and program. Common requirements include:

High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)

Most post-secondary institutions require applicants to have completed high school or obtained a General Education Development (GED) certificate . This is a basic qualification for admission to colleges, universities, and vocational schools.

Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT)

Many four-year universities require standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT , as part of the admissions process. These scores help assess a student’s readiness for college-level coursework.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

GPA is a key factor in the admissions process, particularly for more selective institutions. A solid academic record can enhance a student’s chances of gaining admission to their desired program.

Depending on the institution and program, other factors, such as letters of recommendation, personal statements, and extracurricular involvement, may also be required.

How Long Does Post-Secondary Education Typically Take?

The length of post-secondary education varies depending on the type of program and degree pursued. Certificate and diploma programs, typically offered by vocational and technical schools, can often be completed in less than a year. Associate degrees, offered by community colleges, usually take about two years to complete, while a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university typically requires four years of study.

Graduate programs, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, take additional time beyond a bachelor’s degree. Master’s programs generally last one to two years, while doctoral programs can take several years, depending on the field and research involved. Other factors, such as part-time enrollment or participation in co-op programs, can extend the time required to complete a degree beyond these standard durations.

Are You Ready for Your Post-Secondary Education Journey?

Preparing for post-secondary education requires planning and reflection. The first step is researching institutions and programs that match your career goals and interests. Whether you’re thinking about a four-year university, community college, or vocational school, understanding the admission requirements and available programs is crucial. Start gathering your application materials early, including transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

In addition to these practical steps, developing good study habits and time management skills will set you up for success. It’s also important to be financially prepared—knowing tuition costs, financial aid options , and how to budget for living expenses will make your transition smoother.

If you’re looking for a flexible, accredited, and tuition-free option, University of the People could be an excellent choice. With a variety of degree programs available entirely online, University of the People offers an accessible, cost-effective way to reach your educational goals.

How has post-secondary education evolved in recent decades?

Post-secondary education has seen significant changes, with increased access through online programs, a greater emphasis on career-oriented education, and technology integration into learning environments.

How is post-secondary education funded in the United States?

Post-secondary education is funded through a combination of federal and state financial aid, scholarships, student loans, and personal savings. Many students also seek grants or work-study opportunities to help cover costs.

What percentage of Americans pursue post-secondary education?

A significant portion of Americans pursue some form of post-secondary education. According to recent data, about 70% of high school graduates enroll in a post-secondary institution shortly after graduating.

Are community colleges considered post-secondary education?

Yes, community colleges are a key part of post-secondary education in the US. They offer two-year associate degree programs and provide an affordable option for students looking to transfer to four-year universities or gain career-focused education.

What types of institutions offer post-secondary education in the US?

Post-secondary education is offered by various institutions, including four-year universities, community colleges, technical and vocational schools, and online learning platforms.

What are the main challenges facing post-secondary education today?

Challenges include rising tuition costs, student debt, disparities in access to education, and adapting curricula to meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market.

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

In this article

Post-Graduate Studies: Everything to Know About the Highest Levels of Education

• By Emily Summers
• December 13, 2019

After graduating high school or earning your GED, you will reach a crossroads that could determine your future career: enter the job market and begin looking for a job that best suits your talents and financial needs, or enter post-secondary education   and attend college, vocational school, or earn any certificate course before entering the workforce.

But should you decide on attending college and graduate, you also have the option of entering the highest levels of education: post-graduate studies. Not very many people end up taking post-graduate studies because a hard requirement to enter is getting a college diploma. But if you’re interested in entering a specialized school or becoming a master or doctorate in your field, here is what you need to know.

Undergraduate Programs

Labels in higher education, should i take the highest levels of education, undergraduate vs. graduate vs. post-graduate.

Let’s clear up some terms used should you consider pursuing a college career. There are three terms you need to know if you’re considering entering the higher levels of post-secondary education: undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate .

An undergraduate program is a program you apply to after finishing your secondary education. Not all high school graduates end up going to college and taking up undergraduate programs, but you’ll notice that your classroom might be filled with 20 or more students because a lot of the courses you take in the first two years are mostly general education courses before you get to more specialized courses for your majors that might have fewer students in one room.

It’s relatively easier to transfer colleges or universities in the middle of an undergraduate program because most undergraduate programs in colleges are roughly the same. Should you decide to drop out of college at any point, because you did not graduate the program, you can only say that you are an “undergraduate.”

A graduate can refer to a person who has finished their undergraduate program and no longer seeks further education, or a person taking further studies after their undergrad but has not fully completed the program.

Graduate programs in colleges and universities lead to master’s degrees, which are given to people who finish the program and master the field of their choice. As such, you’ll notice that undergraduate and graduate programs have major differences.

First, graduate programs are more specialized; these do not have general education courses and its classes are more focused on its specialization. Second, there are fewer students. In some cases, graduate students attend one-on-one classes with their professors. Third, graduate studies are more research-based, so you’ll see fewer forms of classwork.

And fourth, it is more difficult to transfer universities for graduate studies because universities can offer unique programs that no other university provides. For example, if an undergraduate psychology major decides to transfer universities, they can easily find other universities and colleges that offer the same undergraduate programs for psychology majors. But if a graduate student studying forensic psychology decides to transfer, they’ll find that their options are much more limited.

Post-Graduate Studies: The Highest Level of Education

Post-graduate programs can refer to all the programs offered after secondary education. This encompasses undergraduate programs, graduate programs, doctorate programs, and specialized institutions like law school and medical school.

Because there are multiple branches of education available depending on what you decide to study, it’s hard to determine which the highest educational level is as it varies between the fields you choose to take. The most common is a Doctor of Philosophy (styled as PhD or Ph.D.), which is the highest university degree you can get in the academe for any discipline outside of science and medicine.

For example, if a person decides to take an undergraduate program in history, while they are studying, they are known as a history major or a history undergrad. Once they graduate the program, if they decide to leave the academe and enter the job market, they are known as history graduates. Should they decide to attend graduate school and specialize in a certain field of history, they are still known as history graduates until they complete the program, and then they earn the title of Master of Arts in History. And if they continue and finish studying history under a doctorate program, they become a Doctor of Philosophy in History.

This may be different should they follow certain paths. For example, if you decide to follow the path to become a lawyer , the highest attainment you can get is a Juris Doctor degree, also known as a J.D. You’ll still have to pass the bar exams to earn your license to practice law, but graduates of law programs become Doctors of Jurisprudence and earn the right to affix a J.D. at the end of their names. It is the equivalent of a doctorate degree.

According to Plato’s theory of education , education and learning is a life-long process. While this isn’t exactly limited to formal education, there are other options for educational opportunities available. If you’re a member of the workforce looking to improve your skills and knowledge in your field to open more doors for better job opportunities, taking the next step in the education ladder could give you a more competitive edge in the job market. This isn’t an assurance that companies will be lining up to give you job offers, but it does open a lot of doors for opportunities, especially for managerial positions and higher-ranking job roles.

However, for positions like doctors and lawyers, it really is necessary to reach the top of your educational track if you want to legally work for these positions. It is possible to work in the fields of medicine and law with undergraduate degrees or certifications (e.g. paralegals and medical technicians), but if you want to work in positions like neurosurgeon or corporate lawyer, getting that M.D. or J.D. is necessary.

Earning the highest level of education in your field is something not a lot of people do, but if you’re looking to become a master in your field of specialization or learn more as a means to improve your worth in the job market, earning another title in post-secondary education is a good option.

About the Author

Emily summers.

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