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Diploma vs Bachelor Courses in the USA: Which is the Most Ideal Choice?
Choosing to study in the USA has become an ideal choice for students all across the world. The country offers various diploma, bachelors and masters courses in an array of disciplines. After completing 12th education, most of the Indian students find difficulties in choosing between a diploma and bachelor's courses in the USA. Therefore, in this blog, we will clear all your doubts regarding a diploma vs bachelor courses in the USA which will help you to make a wise and informed decision.
Table Of Contents
Table Of Contents
1. Education System in the USA
Every year more than 1,057,000 international students choose to study in the USA to get higher education in the field of interest. The country is a popular destination for quality education, a multicultural environment, a unique curriculum and better career opportunities. The US education system offers an array of courses to international students at various levels. Here are the main qualifications available to study in the USA for international students and create a successful career path.
|
Qualification |
Duration |
Description |
|
Diploma Courses |
1-2 Years |
These are job-oriented programs that allow students to launch a career in a field of interest. |
|
Bachelor's degree |
3 - 4 years |
These degree programs include various core, minor, major or elective courses. |
|
Master's degree (Professional) |
1 to 3 years |
These programs lead students from their first degree to a particular profession in a specific field. |
|
Master's degree (Academic) |
2 years |
These degree programs are generally awarded in traditional disciplines of humanities, commerce and science. |
2. Definition of Diploma and Bachelor's Programs in the USA
The differences between diploma and bachelor's degree programs in the USA may differ from each other in depth of study and the credentials awarded.
1. Diploma Program in the USA
Diploma programs in the USA are shorter in duration and focus on specific skills or vocational training. They are mainly designed to provide practical and hands-on knowledge for a specific profession to students. These programs may vary in length but are generally shorter than bachelor's programs to study in America. After completing a diploma program students are awarded a diploma or certificate. These credentials indicate that the student has acquired specific skills or knowledge related to a particular field. Diploma programs are associated with specific vocational or technical careers. Pursuing diploma courses in the USA prepares international students for entry-level positions in a particular field including healthcare, technology or skilled trades.
2. Bachelor's Programs in the USA
Bachelor's degree programs in the USA are more comprehensive and require three to four years of full-time study. They provide a broader education, including general education requirements, major coursework, and electives. Bachelor's degree programs are designed to offer a well-rounded education to students with a focus on a specific academic discipline.
After completing a bachelor's degree students are awarded a bachelor's degree in the field of interest. This degree is more comprehensive and signifies a higher level of academic achievement. A bachelor's degree is generally required for many professional positions that open up a wider range of career opportunities and is also a prerequisite for advanced degrees such as master's and doctoral degrees.
3. Duration of Diploma and Bachelor's Programs in the USA
The duration of a diploma and bachelor's degree program in the USA may vary depending on the level of education and the specific program or field of study.
1. Duration of Diploma Program in the USA
International students can pursue a vocational or technical diploma program in the USA. These programs may last for 6 months to 2 years and equip students with advanced practical skills and training for a specific career.
2. Duration of Bachelor's Program in the USA
Most of the bachelor's programs in the USA take 4 years to complete. The duration can vary depending on the program students have selected. Some of the accelerated programs at the US universities may take less time, while bachelor's programs in the specific fields might take longer time such as engineering, architecture or healthcare.
4. Best Diploma and Bachelor's Courses to Study in the USA
Indian students from any stream (humanities, commerce and science) can choose from a diploma and bachelor's program to study in the USA after 12th, based on their budget, interest and career goals.
1. Best Diploma Courses to Study in the USA
The diploma courses in the USA are offered across various fields such as business, healthcare, engineering and technology, health sciences, fashion design and architecture, natural science, languages, tourism and hospitality. Here is the list of the best diploma programs available in the US universities.
- Diploma in Business & Management
- Diploma in Entrepreneurship
- Diploma in Biomedical Engineering
- Diploma in General Medicine
- Diploma in Media Management
- Diploma in Engineering Management
- Diploma in Communication Design
- Diploma in Hotel or Hospitality Management
- Diploma in Sports
- Diploma in Game Design
- PG Diploma in Accounting
- PG Diploma in Hotel Management
- PG Diploma in Engineering
- PG Diploma in Digital Marketing
- PG Diploma in Engineering Management
2. Best Bachelors Courses to Study in the USA
International students can choose the best bachelor's program from a wide range of options. After completing a bachelor's program students can also pursue a master's program or may get job opportunities. The best science, commerce and arts courses to study in the USA are listed below.
|
Stream |
Course Name |
|
Engineering and Technology |
Civil Engineering |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
|
|
Textile engineering |
|
|
Robotics |
|
|
Medical Courses |
|
|
Commerce Courses |
|
|
Finance |
|
|
BBA |
|
|
Human Resource Management |
|
|
Arts and Humanities Courses |
|
|
Public Administration |
|
|
Psychology |
|
|
Sociology |
|
|
Language Courses |
|
|
LLB |
|
|
Political Science |
|
5. Top Universities for Diploma and Bachlors Courses in the USA
The USA is a home to several reputed universities offering top-tier education at all education levels including certificate, diploma, bachelors and masters programs.
1. Best Universities for Diploma Courses in the USA
Check Out our list of top universities of diplomas in the USA for Indian students along with their QS ranking 2024 that will help you to choose the right one to build your career.
|
University Name |
Available Courses |
QS Ranking 2024 |
|
The University of California – Berkeley |
Certificate in Adult Education Certificate in Professional Technical Education |
#10 |
|
Manhattan College |
Certificate in Digital Marketing |
#13 |
|
Purdue University |
Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation |
#99 |
|
The University of Minnesota –Twin Cities |
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Environmental Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Educational Computing and Technology Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Community College Teaching |
#195 |
|
University of Pittsburgh |
Certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis |
#=222 |
|
Bowling Green State University |
Graduate Certificate in Management and Supervision Graduate Certificate in Small Company Management Graduate Certificate in Bookkeeping |
#280 |
|
The University of Akron |
Certificate in Conflict Resolution Certificate in teaching English Language |
#361 |
|
Northeastern University |
Certificate in 3D Animation |
#375 |
|
Saint Louis University |
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Advanced Literacy Methods |
#801-1000 |
|
Northern Arizona University |
Graduate Certificate in Administration Graduate Certificate in Business and Management |
#1001-1200 |
2. Best Universities for Bachelors Courses in the USA
As mentioned above students can pursue several bachelors courses in the USA. Here we have listed the best universities in the USA for a bachelor's program.
|
University Name |
Available Courses |
QS Ranking 2024 |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Social Sciences (18) Engineering & Technology (15) Natural Sciences & Mathematics (14) Humanities (13) Computer Science & IT (9) Arts, Design & Architecture (7) Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (4) Business & Management (3) Education & Training (1) Journalism & Media (1) |
#1 |
|
Harvard University |
Humanities (16) Natural Sciences & Mathematics (11) Social Sciences (11) Engineering & Technology (5) Arts, Design & Architecture (4) Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (3) Business & Management (1) Computer Science & IT (1) |
#4 |
|
Stanford University |
Social Sciences (49) Humanities (41) Natural Sciences & Mathematics (33) Arts, Design & Architecture (28) Engineering & Technology (23) Computer Science & IT (17) Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (11) Business & Management (8) Medicine & Health (7) Law (5) Journalism & Media (3) Education & Training (2) Agriculture & Forestry (1) |
#5 |
|
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
Social Sciences (31) Engineering & Technology (26) Humanities (25) Natural Sciences & Mathematics (20) Arts, Design & Architecture (10) Business & Management (7) Computer Science & IT (6) Medicine & Health (4) Agriculture & Forestry (2) Hospitality, Leisure & Sports (1) Journalism & Media (1) |
#10 |
|
University of Chicago |
Social Sciences (23) Humanities (18) Natural Sciences & Mathematics (12) Arts, Design & Architecture (6) Computer Science & IT (2) Journalism & Media (2) Law (2) Business & Management (1) |
#11 |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
Social Sciences (97) Humanities (73) Natural Sciences & Mathematics (40) Business & Management (22) Arts, Design & Architecture (18) Medicine & Health (18) Computer Science & IT (17) Engineering & Technology (14) Applied Sciences & Professions (11) Journalism & Media (4) Education & Training (1) |
#12 |
|
Cornell University |
Social Sciences (25) Natural Sciences & Mathematics (20) Humanities (15) Engineering & Technology (12) Arts, Design & Architecture (11) Agriculture & Forestry (6) Business & Management (6) Computer Science & IT (5) Medicine & Health (4) Applied Sciences & Professions (2) Hospitality, Leisure & Sports (1) |
#13 |
6. Average Fees for Diploma and Bachlors Courses in the USA
Generally, the diploma courses in the USA are shorter in duration and may be more cost-effective, while an undergraduate program takes three to four years to complete and is more expensive for international students. However, there are several US scholarships available for international students for a bachelor's program.
1. Average Fees of a Diploma Program in the USA
The average fees of a one-year-long diploma course in the USA may cost between USD 10,000 to USD 12,500 (INR 8,33,738 - INR 10,42,165). Most of the universities in the USA may charge international students based on their course credits. Therefore per credit international students have to pay an average amount of USD 400 - USD 550 (INR 33,349- INR 45,854).
2. Average Fees of a Bachelor Program in the USA
The average fees of a bachelor's program in the USA may vary from university to university. Most of the average fees for a bachelor's program may cost you between $15,000 to $45,000 (INR 12,50,598 to INR 37,51,796). Students can also apply for various scholarships to study in the USA and reduce their tuition fees.
Conclusion
The craze of Indian students to study in the USA is continuously increasing due to the availability of a vast range of programs at all educational levels. international students can pursue diploma and bachelor's degree programs in the USA to create a successful career path in their field of interest. This blog was all about diploma and bachelor courses in the USA, students are required to choose the best between them as per their interests, budget and career goals. If you are still wondering about finding the best abroad program you can contact the Career Clinic. So, look no further, let us be your guiding light and apply for the next 2024 intake with us now.
Who are We?
Career Clinic is a one-stop solution for all your study abroad requirements. With years of experience, we help Indian students in their complete overseas education journey from finding the right program to navigating the complex application process. Apply today for the Next Intake of 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
The USA ranks in the number one position as the most preferred destination for education abroad. In 2023 more than 1,057,000 students from all over the world chose to study in the USA for their higher education. The top reasons that lead students toward this country are listed below.
- Get top-tier education with an updated curriculum and advanced study resources.
- Choose the right program for a diploma, bachelor's and master's level education from an array of options.
- Avail a number of scholarship opportunities for a bachelor's and master's program.
- Get various internships and job opportunities after graduation.
- Explore a multicultural environment and build global connections.
After completing their 12th standard education students can pursue various engineering courses in the USA to build a successful career in global technology and engineering. Students must consider their interests, university and the specialization they want while selecting an engineering program to study in the USA.
Here are the best engineering courses to study in the US
- Electrical Engineering
- Aerospace engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Electronic engineering
- Material Science
- Marine engineering
- Software Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Systems engineering
- Chemical Engineering
International students have various scholarship opportunities for pursuing a diploma course in the USA. The main scholarships are detailed here.
- Laurel Hummel Scholarship for International Students: It is offered by the UCLA Extension worth USD 1650 every quarter towards your tuition fees.
- Ingrid Skulstad Williams Scholarship for Women: It is offered by the UCLA Extension to only women who want to pursue a PG diploma course.
The top universities in the USA offering various diploma courses to international students include the following.
- Northwestern University
- University of California - San Diego
- Johns Hopkins University
- The University of California – Berkeley
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- The University of Minnesota –Twin Cities
- Saint Louis University
- Northern Arizona University
- Purdue University
- The University of Pittsburgh
- University of Southern California
- National University
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