whats the difference between an academic program and occupational program offered in college?

Question

Is one better than the other, or will one get me a better job?

Answer 1

One usually has a choice between academic programs and occupational programs only at community colleges.

4-year colleges generally only offer academic programs.

Academic programs include majors like English, Anthropology, Economics, Chemistry, Geology, Art History, etc.

Occupational programs include majors like lab tech, med tech, nursing assistant, medical transcription, massage therapy, computer software, secretarial/administrative assistant, etc.

What will get you a better job? It depends on what sort of job you want. Do keep in mind that occupational programs generally only offer the option of an associate's degree, but an associate's degree will suffice for the jobs they are intended to prepare you for.

Four year programs are for students who wish to attain a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree will not always prepare you for a particular career (with some exceptions, like majors in engineering or accounting), but will qualify you for graduate study, and for careers that demand at least a bachelor's degree. In today's world, most jobs with opportunities for advancement will require a bachelor's degree for entry-level candidates.

There are also vocational schools with occupational programs that do not confer an associate's degree. At vocational schools, one earns certification in a trade, like HVAC, auto mechanics, carpentry, or electrician.

Bottom line: it depends what you want to do.