International Relations Office – ORI, invites you to learn about the degree alternatives that you can access abroad, depending on your academic level at the moment of choosing a study program.
First, it is important to understand that degrees are distinctions awarded by institutions of higher education upon completion of a specific program of study which, in this case, are different according to the international educational systems that confer them and the professional, research, or practical training provided.
Students interested in studying abroad should evaluate the degree options, according to their life projects and professional profile, in order to make the most of their usefulness and future application.
It should also be noted that degrees vary from one country and region to another, and there are not always exact homologations of foreign degrees in Colombia.
Learn about some degree options:
CERTIFICATES OR DIPLOMAS
In countries like Canada, there are academic programs with a practical focus, such as diplomas or certificates, which are similar to technical and technological training with a duration between 1 and 3 years. These programs allow the international student to receive knowledge to strengthen practical skills and have specific contents that can be homologated as undergraduate courses. However, they are intended to train students in fields of knowledge such as pharmaceuticals, systems, gastronomy, tourism, arts, social and health services, among others.
BACHELOR’S GRADUATE OR DEGREE PROGRAM
It is a program of higher studies, which begins after high school and baccalaureate. It involves the beginning of professional training. Depending on the country or educational system in which it is taken, undergraduate degrees may last from 3 to 5 academic years. This degree is a prerequisite for a specialization or master’s degree.
SPECIALIZATION
Some countries, such as Colombia and Ecuador, offer specializations as part of graduate degrees. This degree is obtained at the end of a year of studies in a specific field of knowledge and has theoretical and practical components.
Specializations in law, in particular, are an advantage to practicing a career in Colombia and working in a specific activity. However, a Colombian specialization degree cannot be recognized abroad, unless there is a mutual degree recognition agreement between Colombia and the other country, which includes specializations.
MEDICAL OR HEALTH SPECIALIZATIONS
Medical specializations are considered postgraduate degrees for people who have obtained their undergraduate degrees in medicine. These degrees are generally homologated in other countries, but they require additional processes such as study visits, internships, and refresher courses so that health professionals can practice their careers abroad.
MASTER’S DEGREE
This degree can be considered the postgraduate degree par excellence in the world since it is offered in various public and private universities. Their validation and homologation is generally regulated by the governments of the countries where the universities that issue them are located.
Master’s degrees vary according to their content (research or practical), their nature, and the number of academic credits to be taken.
Here are some essential aspects of these postgraduate degrees:
University owns master’s degree: This degree program is characterized by being issued and endorsed by a prestigious educational center and by its practical content since it responds to the current demand of companies. Sometimes it is not necessary to have an undergraduate degree to take these programs but to have relevant work experience in the sector.
The university own degrees do not give access or admission to doctoral programs. For this reason, if the students’ objective is to continue their academic and research training, it is suggested to opt for another type of postgraduate program.
Official master’s degree: Unlike the university own degree, official degrees are recognized in all countries of the European Union and allow access to doctoral studies at a global level. They are called official because they are accredited or recognized by governmental authorities in the countries where they are issued. To obtain an official degree, it is necessary to have successfully completed an undergraduate degree.
DOCTORATE
This is the last and highest academic level recognized by a university and requires the completion of a thesis to obtain it. It is the longest postgraduate program and exists in different fields of knowledge. To apply for admission to a doctoral program, one must have an official master’s degree and pose a research problem to be solved.
There are several types of doctorates, depending on the teaching center that offers them and their content:
– Doctorate in research: The student conducts original research under supervision of a tutor. The objective of this research is the presentation of a thesis based on a specific methodology, which generates a concrete result, a solution to specific questions or a theory. The program generally lasts between 3 and 5 years and because it is an individual program, it offers flexibility in terms of time.
Professional or industry doctorate: This program provides a practical contribution to a field of knowledge. Generally, the student of this program performs applied research for professional purposes and an internship or work in an entity endorsed by the program to contribute knowledge to the applied research problem.
Structured doctorate: This program begins with established studies or theoretical classes and then opts for scientific research on a personal project. It culminates with the presentation of a doctoral thesis. The program generally lasts 4 to 5 years and, unlike individual doctorates, admission is conditioned to a series of general requirements and deadlines that apply to applicants.
Honorary doctorate or higher: A degree awarded to a person in special recognition of his or her contribution to a specific field of knowledge. It does not require the completion of courses or a thesis.
The International Relations Office invites you to explore this horizon of academic opportunities that allow you to continue your studies abroad and strengthen your professional and personal profile.
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