We often feel confused about what to pursue after completing higher education. The first step is to either go for a diploma or a degree program. But the question remains: what is the difference between the two and which is better than the other?

If you recently finished your higher education and are struggling with the decision of whether to pursue a diploma or a degree. You have landed in the right place. 

In this blog we tell you about the basic difference between a diploma and a degree. And what is the benefit of one over the other? 

Diploma vs Degree: the difference 

Diploma programs are typically shorter than degree programs. A diploma takes one to two years, whereas a degree usually takes three to five years. 

Apart from this basic difference that you now must be aware of, there are some other factors that differentiate a diploma from a degree. These are:

• Admission to a degree program is done every year. Whereas admission to a diploma program is done on a yearly or half-yearly basis, depending on the policies of the university or institution. 

• Diploma programs require fewer academic qualifications than university degree programs. In fact, most diploma programs have an open-admission policy. On the other hand, academic degrees have strict prerequisites for prospective students.
  
• Online degree courses are typically more expensive than online diploma courses. An online degree course takes more time to complete than a diploma program. An online diploma program can be completed within six months to 24 months.  

• Some degree programs are flexible, allowing students to change their major after only a few months of enrollment. A diploma, on the other hand, does not have such a choice. 
  
• Another major difference between a diploma and a bachelor’s program is that you can take up a degree program after 10+2. However, a diploma course can be pursued after class 10th. 
  
• Normally, degree holders are paid higher than diploma holders. The types of degrees are bachelor, master, associate and doctorate. The types of diplomas are graduate and postgraduate. 
  
• Degrees are administered by universities and colleges, whereas diplomas are administered by universities, educational institutions, and private companies. 
  
• Diploma programs are quick and inexpensive compared to a degree, allowing you to launch a career sooner than degree holders. However, a degree offers a wider array of career options than a diploma, and with a degree, you are eligible for higher-level job opportunities. 

All You Need to Know About Diploma Programs 

Diploma programs are short-term courses done in various specializations. These are generally focused on training candidates in a specific field. The curriculum is designed to focus more on the practical aspects of the course, which helps the candidate to naturally upgrade their skills.

Students pursuing diplomas are equipped with great imagination and creative ability as they are fed with more practical knowledge as compared to that of other conventional degree courses, which are more theoretical.

There are various kinds of diplomas you can pursue. These are:

Graduate Diploma-

A graduate diploma is a certification you obtain after completing an undergraduate-level degree course. 

Postgraduate Diploma-

Students who complete a master’s program and move on to a one-year advanced course resembling the first year of a Ph.D. program are provided with a postgraduate diploma.

Various benefits you get while pursuing a diploma are:

Flexible syllabus:

diploma courses are more flexible in terms of course curriculum. Many diploma courses can even be done through online mode.

Discipline focused study structure:

most of the course curriculum comprises areas focused on enhancing the disciplinary attribute in students. These disciplinary subjects are generally sociology, psychology, history, and philosophy.

Part-time commitment:

It consists of fewer subjects, allowing students to continue their part-time work or job along with pursuing the course. 

Easy admission process & affordable courses:

could be pursued online thus having an easy admission procedure. 

All You Need to Know About Degree Programs 

A degree or more widely recognized as a bachelor’s degree is a higher education qualification where you study a general course with a major in a particular subject. The years of the course vary from field to field. For example, to complete a degree in engineering graduation, you require 4 years. 

After the completion of a graduation degree, you can pursue a master’s degree, which is generally two years long. A benefit of pursuing a degree program is that during the course you get a general understanding of a particular subject in detail.  

There are various kinds of degrees you can pursue. These are:

1. Bachelor’s degree
2. Master’s degree
3. Associate degree
4. Doctorate degree

Various benefits you get while pursuing a degree course are:

1. Opportunity to explore yourself: the course curriculum includes the practical as well as theoretical knowledge with an opportunity to complete an internship alongside the program. 
   
   
2. You can choose the major: the degree program mainly comprises the topics and specialization determined by the student.
   
   
3. Wider set of career opportunities: after completing a degree, you can easily kick-start your professional career and achieve a job smoothly.
   
   
4. Financial security: having a good degree increases your chances of salary raise and makes you more acceptable and valuable for numerous jobs.

Conclusion: 

If you wish to acquire knowledge and practical skills and wish to get placed in your dream organization right after the course commences, it would be wise if you go for a diploma program. On the contrary, if you spend more time gaining extensive knowledge in a field of your interest and earning a degree is your preferred specialization, then you can opt for a degree program of your choice. 

We hope now that you know the major differences between a diploma and a degree program, you can better understand what actually works best for you. It is important that you do a thorough research about the various specializations and programs available according to your choice of interests, and then consider selecting a program from your desired university or college.