Angela
Is earning the same degree in different schools the same?
If I want to earn a specific degree and two different universities have a course that offer this degree, is it the same despite one university being more prestigious than the other?
#college #degree
3 answers
Leland Chandler
Leland’s Answer
The truth is that they aren't exactly the same. There will be a lot of similarities in classes for the same degrees, as they will cover similar topics for the degree. However, the classes will still differ based on quality of teacher, as well as whether the university focuses on specific industries or not when providing coursework (my school focused on the petroleum industry for a chemical engineering degree).
You will also gain a different experience based on the size of the school. Larger schools will have larger classes, which means the lectures are more broad. The professors always have office hours, which can give you a more one-on-one experience. Smaller schools will have smaller classes, which will allow you more of that experience while you are in class.
Lastly, the alumni base can be an integral part when determining a school. Active alumni networks can help with finding a job after you've completed your degree, or even when searching for things like co-ops and internships. Some schools provide career expos where they help graduating students network with professionals in the field, which also can positively impact the job search.
If you do some research on the schools you are considering, things like an active alumni base and career placement opportunities can help sway your decision.
I will say this, in my experience, the degree itself, based on school, does not impact how well you do in the workforce. It can only help open doors for you at the start.
Good luck!
Kevin Nguyen
Kevin’s Answer
The courses you take may differ (you can probably find this information on the program websites). Other than that, most employers will really only see the university's name and your degree on your resume. Think about what each university has to offer you (in terms of possible experiences, support, extra-curriculars) as well as which degree has more courses to your liking (for example, one university may offer English majors a course on Harry Potter, while another may not).
Joel Foley
Joel’s Answer
No, it is not the same. You can expect different classes making up the degree, different concentration and elective availability, the quality of the teaching will be different too. The level of ability of your fellow students will vary (and will impact you because you will undoubtedly have to do some kind of teamwork during the education.You should consider what you want out of the program when making your decision.
Also, look at the college's career department, even if all degrees were equal you'd want to know how much support you will get in searching for employment. Something many people often forget to consider is the alumni network, how large, how strong, and how engaged with the college they are is important. A good alumni network can be favorable the job prospects post-graduation.