After four years of high school, students anticipate going on to the next part of their lives and graduating. During the graduation ceremony, students typically get a document confirming that they have met the school’s graduation criteria. Although some may refer to it as a degree, in the majority of the United States this document is known as a diploma.
Why might some call this a degree while others call it a diploma? In order to answer this question, we must examine the past. The concept of the degree was codified within the context of higher education in the thirteenth century. At that time, only individuals who had completed the coursework to become a master or doctor were awarded a degree. All of the early childhood education standards and the completion of a bachelor’s degree programme were steps on the way to earning a degree, but they did not confer a degree in and of themselves.
Over time, the notion has expanded to encompass the credentials associated with many types of educational degrees. An associate’s degree, for instance, is granted after two years of college-level study. Even though the term degree is used in a far broader context than it was in the 13th century, it is still popular to apply it primarily to college programmes, using the term “diploma” to refer to what one earns after they graduate from high school.
Even if you do not graduate from high school with a degree, earning a high school diploma requires a significant amount of effort. This article will examine high school diplomas, how to get one, and alternative certifications that may be earned in lieu of a diploma.
How to Obtain Your High School Diploma
In high school, students must complete courses mandated by their school, district, city, and state. This entails completing a specified amount of units in basic disciplines such as English, mathematics, history, and science. Typically, students are permitted to take a set number of electives, which may include band, choir, and yearbook, among others.
Students may be needed to pass a high school exit test in order to get their diplomas, depending on the state. Before graduating, high school seniors (and even juniors) may be required to complete a specific capstone project as part of their school’s curriculum.
Here are the distinctions between a Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree.
Some individuals may interchange the phrases “diploma” and “degree.” Nonetheless, there are distinct distinctions between a diploma and a degree. Importantly, a diploma refers to a piece of paper – the document one receives at or after graduation from a school. When one completes high school, a diploma is awarded. When you graduate from an associate, bachelor, master’s, or doctoral degree, you also receive a diploma. The diploma is the object that is framed and hung on the wall.
However, a degree refers to the qualifications acquired following completion of these studies. It indicates your education and qualifications in a certain field. You do not receive a diploma for graduating from high school, though you may list it on your resume and refer to yourself as a high school graduate. Even though “degree” and “diploma” may be used fairly indiscriminately in everyday speech, it might be helpful to recall this distinction when attempting to use language exactly and effectively.
After obtaining a high school diploma or certificate, you can pursue a degree (we’ll cover options in a moment). In terms of lectures, tests, and papers, college curricula are typically more demanding than those of high school. Many high school graduates choose to pursue alternative credentials, such as certification in a trade programme, or directly enter the workforce to make a living.
Obtaining a GED is an Alternative to Earning a High School Diploma.
You may get a high school diploma and/or a high school certificate in a specialised degree, such as nursing or cosmetology, upon completion of a high school curriculum. There are various ways to qualify as a high school graduate for people who are unable or unable to attend high school. This is beneficial for future employment or enrollment in a higher education institution. To demonstrate your high school knowledge, one alternative is to earn a GED (General Education Development) diploma.
The majority of universities in the United States accept the GED in lieu of a high school diploma. However, you must first prepare for and pass a four-part examination. The four core areas on the GED exam are mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts, all of which are covered in a typical high school curriculum. This test, which comprises of multiple-choice, short-answer, and fill-in-the-blank questions, will be administered at a designated centre in each state. Thankfully, there are websites that offer preparation courses and sample tests to help individuals prepare for the exam.
Additionally, the HiSET is equivalent to a High School Diploma.
The HiSET is another method to obtaining a high school diploma (High School Equivalency Test). The HiSET, like the GED, is a high school equivalency credential. Educational Testing Service (ETS) and the Iowa Testing Programs developed it as a more economical and accessible option for reaching this equivalency.
The HiSET exam comprises five knowledge-testing sections: language arts (reading), language arts (writing), mathematics, science, and social studies. Each subtest consists of fifty to sixty multiple-choice questions and one essay question. Similarly to the GED, there are various HiSET testing centres across the country. Those who take it get access to free practise exams and two retakes within one year if they do not pass the first time.
Additionally, a vocational degree will prepare you for the workforce.
If you do not want to attend college and wish to enter the workforce immediately, you can also acquire a vocational degree. Students will complete prerequisites for this certification at a trade school or another academic institution specialising in a certain field or trade. Typically, obtaining occupational certifications takes between three months and two years, depending on the field, course list, and amount of required practise. However, this is cheaper than a traditional bachelor’s degree, and you can begin working immediately upon completion. After completing your programme, vocational schools may be able to aid you in securing employment.
Typically, vocational programmes are offered in non-traditional postsecondary campuses (trade schools, technical schools, and community colleges). Nevertheless, some traditional colleges do offer vocational courses. Nursing, electrician services, cosmetology, paralegal services, and audio engineering are examples of industries that offer degrees in vocational fields.
Therefore, what is the name for a high school diploma? Well, the answer is that there is no such thing as a high school diploma. However, a high school diploma and a range of similar qualifications are acceptable. There are methods for obtaining a high school equivalency regardless of the future educational path you choose. Whether or whether you complete high school in the conventional manner, you can continue your education and find a rewarding profession!
