Post-Secondary Options
Postsecondary is a reference to education beyond high school. The four-year university is not necessarily the path for all students and many want to join the workforce, apprenticeship programs, or attend technical/specialty training (schools) after graduation. Our goal is to provide opportunities and clear pathways for every student we serve. There are many postsecondary options available. Students can scaffold certificates and degrees, which is a great way to determine which pathway is right for you.
Georgia has a large network of public and private colleges, universities, technical institutes, and special purpose schools located throughout the state. Together, they offer over 415 different areas of study. Postsecondary schools may be classified into four categories: two-year colleges, four-year colleges and research universities, technical institutes, and military. Each school rewards some type of recognition of completion: a diploma, certificate, or degree
Two-year Colleges
These colleges offer freshmen and sophomore level courses leading to an Associate Degree. There are two types of Associate Degree programs:
Career program – the student earns an Associate Degree in Applied Science and is prepared for immediate employment.
Transfer program – the student earns an Associate of Arts or Science Degree. This degree is structured to allow the student to transfer earned credits to a four year college or university.
Four-year Colleges
These universities offer undergraduate degree programs. Students earn the traditional Baccalaureate Degree: the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts. Programs for four years may vary in length; some programs may be completed in four years, others may require additional time.
Technical Institutes
Technical schools offer programs of study that lead directly to employment in over 85 fields, including customer service, cosmetology, auto mechanics, computer programming, and practical nursing. These courses continue for six weeks to years. Students receive a certificate or diploma after completing their studies.
Military
Each of the five military branches in the U.S., the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard , offer training programs that can not only improve your service in the military but enhance your career opportunities as a civilian. Many veterans go on to pursue a wide range of career paths including news and media, engineering, arts and photography, human resources, healthcare, aviation, and many more. During your service commitment as an enlistee, you can also receive college credits for your training and experience that are accepted by thousands of universities and colleges.
For a complete listing of colleges and universities in the University System of Georgia, visit www.usg.edu. Georgia Learning Resource Systems (GLRS) publishes The Georgia Transition Directory: Postsecondary Options which is available online at www.glrs.org. For more information on inclusive Postsecondary education programs visit www.gaipsec.org.
Career Exploration Resources
Youscience
Aptitude: your natural ability to do something. Youscience correlates your aptitudes and your interests with potential careers. Click here to start your youscience journey.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
The handbook helps you discover information about occupations all over the nation, what education and/or training for the specific jobs. Click here for the handbook.
Career Assessments
GaFutures is a website that gives students access to different types of career assessments. These assessments will help you to determine what future career you would be a good fit for. Click here for assessments.
DCSS Career Planner.
This planning guide shows the clear connection between class work and future success, pointing out the relevance of academic learning in the classroom. It also provides information on a variety of occupations that differ in the scope of education and training required to obtain future employment.