What Is The Difference Between An Academic Degree And A Professional Degree?

It’s not common that every student knows the difference between an academic and professional degree, as both seem identical. Many students have doubts about the two degrees and often wonder which one is more worthwhile. With this blog, you will learn the difference between an academic degree and a professional degree.

Acquiring an advance degree can help you progress in your career and make more money than before. If you’re planning to pursue higher education, you should opt for an advance academic degree. Researchers suggest that most employers give preference employees with an advance degree than those without. As a result, there are job opportunities for people with advance degrees. Moreover, the value is expected to increase in the coming years.

By now, you must be convinced that you’re going to acquire an advanced degree. But, before we go any further, it’s important to identify which degree can help you achieve your academic aims and your career goals. A professional degree or an academic degree? Every degree has its benefits depending on the profession you choose. If you’re confused and you still don’t know which one to choose, don’t worry. We will elaborate on the difference between professional and academic degree below. Have a read and decide for yourself!

What is A Professional Degree?

Professional degrees can prepare students for careers in the specific field of finance, law, nursing, medicine, and education. The course program of every discipline varies and may range from one to five years, depending on the institute you are attending. These courses allow you to pay close attention to practical applications as many professional courses require students to complete internships or engage in projects in their field before graduation. This allows students to conduct in-depth training and increase their value in their resumes.

List of Areas Where You Can Acquire a Professional Degree

With the help of professional degrees, students can learn about real-life applications that can be used during and after the course ends. The most common professional degrees are mentioned below:

1) Juris Doctor

A Juris Doctor is a professional degree in the field of law. After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can apply for admission at any law school. For most students, the law school is for three years. After completing three years, you will receive your Juris Doctor (Doctor of Law). In the United States, you must pass a state bar exam to practice law. You can pursue a legal career with a Juris Doctor, but to call yourself a "lawyer," you must pass the bar exam.

On your way to become a lawyer, you also had to solve a number of law case studies and write law essays and assignments. Students specializing in the field of administration, constitution, criminal or any other law field can expect to find a well-paid job after graduation.

2) Doctor of Medicine (MD)

A doctor of medicine is acquired by those who practice medicine or surgery. It’s fair to say that MD has both academic and professional skills depending on his application. While using a degree for medical practice is professional and working as a teacher in a medical school will be academic. Clinical professors who provide various specialist medicines have a degree in medicine. At universities, these doctors teach medicine through educational work. If they support medical practice and training, they can also use university and professional degrees. However, one thing is guaranteed after pursuing this degree, you can earn a good income and take a dignified position in a society.

3) Doctor of Education (EdD)

Doctor of Educational Science is a professional degree for teachers and experts who want to manage and implement organizational change. Professionally trained students are prepared by their teachers to hold various positions in academic, research or administrative organizations. These are the three main areas covered in a professional degree program. There are many other courses for a professional degree in the field of medicines, dentistry, etc.

What’s An Academic Degree?

An academic degree is also known as a research degree as it is more research-focused than a professional course. These courses are based on technical knowledge and cover a variety of subjects. Any academic discipline subjective to theory, history (by discipline), methodology, and research materials is academic. A bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, literature or finance does not provide adequate on-site training and cannot be used directly in the workplace.

Besides, there are many areas where companies hire the bachelor degree holders to utilize their knowledge in writing. For instance, there are literature, psychology and finance degree holders working at Royal UK Essay Writers as academic researchers and content writers. A Bachelor degree in finance will not make you a psychologist. A graduate degree in clinical psychology make you a consultant or therapist.

Academic degrees can be classified into three parts:

• Associate Degree

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Master’s Degree

Many degrees can be categorized as academic degrees. Depending on the field you’re interested in working. Earning an academic degree can not only help you enhance your knowledge and skills, but you can get a high-paying job. One can earn an academic degree in the field of Nursing, law, finance, IT, psychology, and many more.

To Sum Up

Taking into account the academic and professional degree differences, you can now choose any degree that you want to pursue. Make sure you take out time to ample research before making the final decision as it is about your profession and you need to be fully aware of all the facts.