technical degree

Applied science credential

A technical degree is an educational credential focused on practical, job-ready skills rather than broad academic study.

These degrees—often associate's degrees or certificates from community colleges or trade schools—prepare students for specific careers in fields like nursing, welding, IT, or automotive repair.

She earned a technical degree in dental hygiene.

The term distinguishes vocational training from traditional four-year bachelor's programs.

Related

bachelor's · associate's · trade school · skilled trades · computer science · polytechnic · community college · credential · graduate · coursework · specialized · electronics · mechanics · laboratory · lab work · blueprint · calculation · drafting

Opposites
educational focus

technical degreearts degree

Humanities university credential

liberal arts education · classical education · philosophy degree · Bachelor of Arts · MFA

credential formality

technical degreeon-the-job training

Learning skills while employed

life experience · school of hard knocks · informal education · autodidact · apprenticeship

Family

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