Diploma vs Degree: Which Is The Right Choice For You?

Diploma vs Degree: Which is Better to Pursue?

Edited By Arushi Pandita | Updated on Aug 13, 2024 11:35 AM IST

For a student who has passed his or her board exams, HSC, or Intermediate education, deciding on the online diploma vs degree can be a challenging task. Selecting the right programme for further education should depend on the type of qualification they wish to achieve upon graduation.

One should consider their educational goals and explore the outcomes of their preferred online degree or diploma courses by understanding the diploma and online degree courses difference correctly. There are many online degree courses and online diploma courses from top universities that one can choose to pursue their desired career.

Diploma vs Degree: Which is Better to Pursue?

To help the candidates make the right choice around online diploma vs degree, we have brought this article that will let them explore and understand the difference between diploma and degree and decide which is better for their needs.

Difference Between Degree and Diploma: Explained

To better understand the difference between degree and diploma, let us define both online diploma and degree courses separately. The term degree is generally defined as a course level offered for a two-year, three-year, or four-year duration. A degree is offered and granted by a college, or university.

It can be an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate degree. The types of degrees a student can earn are Bachelor’s, Associate’s, Master’s, and Doctorate. Some popular online degree courses are BA, B.Sc, B.Tech, B.Com, MA, M.Sc, MBA, and PhD.

A diploma, on the other hand, is a short-term programme that is granted by autonomous institutions, colleges, and universities. It generally spans a minimum duration of 6 months to a maximum of 24 months. A diploma can also be either an undergraduate diploma or a postgraduate diploma.

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Key Highlights of Diploma vs Degree

Particulars	Diploma	Degree
Duration	6 months-24 months	2-4 years
Minimum Eligibility	High School	Higher Secondary/ Graduation
Administrative Authority	Institutions/ Colleges/ Universities	Colleges/ Universities
Study Mode	Online/ Offline	Online/ Offline
Examination Pattern	Half-yearly	Semester-wise/ Annually
Fee	Typically lower	Typically higher

Key Difference Between Diploma and Degree

To choose the best option around diploma vs degree, let us examine some key differences between degree and diploma programmes.

Diploma	Degree
A diploma is awarded to a student by an educational institution for completing a diploma course in a particular field of his choice.	A degree is given to a student by the college/university for the successful completion of a bachelor’s or master’s programme in the chosen stream.
Online diploma courses are cheaper when compared to degree courses	Online degree courses are typically more expensive than online diploma courses.
An online diploma course can be completed within six months to 24 months.	An online degree course takes more time to complete than a diploma programme.
Diploma admissions are done either on a yearly or half-yearly basis depending on the providing universities/ institutions	Admission to an online degree programme is made on an yearly basis.
However, a diploma course can be pursued after class 10th.	One can take up a degree programme after 10+2.

What is a Degree?

A degree is a recognition shared by an educational institution, it can be a college or a university upon the successful completion of a study. Getting awarded a degree means certain attainment of skills, knowledge, and competencies in any professional field.

These are conferred to all disciplines including art, science, social sciences, and even humanities. There are four types of degrees namely associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate.

Associate degree – A vocational degree of 2 years that makes a student apt in practicals and theory.

Bachelor’s degree – A bachelor’s degree with a duration of 3–4 years is opted by students after 10+2 where in detail a student is taught about a particular subject.

Master’s degree – A specialised postgraduate degree that is done usually by candidates who have completed their bachelor’s degree generally lasts for 2 years.

Doctorate – Doctorate degrees are used after a candidate has successfully been awarded their master's degree. These are high level degrees where students conduct independent research under the guidance of supervisors which can generally take around 4–7 years to complete.

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What is a Diploma?

A diploma is a short-term course that lasts for about 6 months to a year and is offered by an institution, college, or university after the participants have completed a certain course. These diploma courses provide job-ready skills that include technical knowledge, and which help the students to secure a job upon completion of the course.

Choosing a diploma course depends on the career path one intends to pursue. There are two main types of diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas.

Undergraduate Diploma

Undergraduate diploma degrees are also called advanced diplomas or associate diplomas which are ideal for those who have completed high school or secondary education. The skills and knowledge are offered with a smaller duration but are similar to graduate studies.

Post-Graduate Diploma

Post-graduate diploma degrees are for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies, and are seeking career specialisation for further advancement in their professional journey. Such diplomas are pursued only after obtaining a bachelor’s degree and are considered a higher level of education.

Difference Between Diploma And Degree- Advantages

Diploma	Degree
In a short time, candidates acquire skills and get fully prepared for jobs	Prepare the candidates for higher education with numerous career opportunities
For hands-on skills, a diploma is preferred	For proof of skills earned a degree is preferred
A diploma is targeted at specific careers	A degree can make the candidates eligible for different careers
A diploma offers flexibility regarding course options and scheduling	Pursuing a degree can help candidates with transferable skills
Ideal for entry-level positions in the field of choice for gaining work experience.	The potential of earning higher salaries is possible with a degree course.

Difference Between Diploma And Degree- Disadvantages

Diploma	Degree
A diploma degree may be less important for some industries, and fields.	The degree may be considered more important when it comes to certain fields.
Individuals with diplomas may have lower earning potential, but pursuing such studies can be more affordable.	Getting a degree at a prestigious universities can be costly
Diplomas typically have a narrower bandwidth of academic subjects when compared to degree programmes.	Degrees often have a broader range of subjects that provide more general education.

Diploma vs Degree: What Do Employers Want?

There is no particular requirement that an employer specifically hires candidates with a degree, diploma, or certificate holder. Some professions require a degree while some can be taken with a diploma or a certificate course. Earning a degree or diploma paves a wide range of opportunities in diverse sectors at entry-level, mid-level, or higher-level positions.

It is essential to evaluate the goals and then consider the diploma and degree difference, and which is better to earn. Some popular job roles that one can find with a diploma are Mechanical Engineer, Security/Support Staff, Sales Representative, Event Manager, Makeup Artist, and others.

Diploma vs Degree: The Final Thought

Students now have learned about the diploma degree difference, many top colleges, universities, and institutions in India offer the best degree and diploma courses online and offline. One can choose any mode of learning for these two as per one's suitability and convenience.

To determine whether a diploma or degree is more suitable, one should focus on the goals of the program,one chooses to pursue after 10th, 12th, or graduation. Additionally, it is important to understand the diploma and degree differences by going though this article.

If one wants to acquire knowledge and skills in a particular field and get placed in reputed organisations, enroling in online diploma courses is more beneficial. On the contrary, if one wishes to spend more time gaining comprehensive knowledge, then earning a degree in one's preferred specialisation can be best suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Difference in diploma and degree: Which is better?

While there is a difference between a diploma and a degree, the decision on which course to pursue ultimately depends on the candidate’s preferences and goals. Pursuing both online diplomas and degree courses will pave a broader career direction for students in their preferred fields.

2. What are some pros and cons of an online degree course?

Earning a degree online will prepare you for your desired career with great salary potential. It will expand your knowledge and network while making you an expert in your chosen field. Conversely, an online degree requires you to invest time and money.

3. What is an Associate’s Degree and is it worth pursuing?

An associate’s degree is a two-year degree programme which is designed to be completed within two years. Pursuing an associate’s degree is beneficial if you have already completed some college units.

This degree programme can help you land an entry-level position in your field of choice. An Associate’s degree can be used to transfer into bachelor's degree programmes. Associate degrees are offered in Arts, Science, and Applied Science.

4. What can I do after completing an online diploma programme?

Pursuing an online diploma course in your chosen field will pave various career paths. Here are some careers that you can explore with an online diploma such as a Personal Trainer, Transportation Inspector, Lab Assistant, Assistant Engineer, and more.

5. Can I pursue online degree courses from international universities?

Yes. Many top universities worldwide offer online degree courses in different fields. You can take up an online degree of your choice at an affordable price with more flexibility.

6. What is diploma vs graduation?

The entire article speaks of degree vs diploma. A graduation degree is a higher-level academic qualification of 3-4 years. Whereas in the case of a diploma, it is a shorter qualification which can get over in 1-2 years.

7. What is the difference between bachelor and diploma courses?

Diploma courses will make the students' practical skills and foundational knowledge better. Bachelor's degrees in a professional field provide a wider range of learning opportunities, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.