U2: Options After High School

• Certificates:

course of study, shorter than a 

degree program, provides specialized knowledge 

and skills in a specific field.  

•  form of continuing education, helping individuals advance, change, or gain skills for new career. 

•  Offered by community colleges, technical schools, and universities. 

Trade Schools:

educational institution preparing students to directly enter into workforce 

• provides focused hands-on training in specific skilled trades and knowledge relevant to specific career path 

• Associate’s Degree:

two-year undergraduate degree offered 

by community colleges, technical colleges, and some 

universities.  

Bachelors Degree:

most common undergraduate degree awarded by universities and colleges in US. 

Masters Degree:

postgraduate academic degree received after completion of course of study demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in specific field,  

Doctoral Degree:

highest earned academic degree awarded by universities and colleges. Signifies advanced study, research, and significant contribution to specific field of knowledge 

Apprenticeship: 

structured training program combining on-the-job experience w/ classroom instruction 

Labor Union: 

organized of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and interests, relating to employment 

• Full-Time Employment:

work arrangement where employee works standard 

number of hours per week, typically 40.  

• Part-Time Employment:

employees work fewer than standard 

full-time schedule, 

• Civil Service Employment:

body of government officials 

employed in non-military, non-judicial, and non-political positions.  

• Military Careers

service in one of five branches of the U.S. Armed 

Forces: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard.  

• Financial Assistance:

student financial aid- financial support given 

to individuals who further their education 

• FAFSA:

the Free Application for Federal Student Aid- used by federal government to determine  

family's eligibility for grants, work-study, and loans to pay for 

College. 

Grants

form of financial aid that does not get repaid, offered to qualified students attending post-secondary education programs.  

Scholarships

a grant/payment made to support student's education, awarded on basis of academic or other achievement. 

Loans:

money borrowed from federal government or private lender to help pay college costs, like tuition, supplies, books and living expenses.