- Postsecondary Education
Refers to those whose highest level of educational attainment is an apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma; or other non-university certificate or diploma below bachelor level.
- Secondary and Postsecondary Education
Comprise the education that a student receives after TWELVE GRADES; propels students into adulthood and aims to give them necessary career skills.
- Secondary Education
Refers to schooling that takes place during the middle and High School Years, through the age of 16 years; it is divided into courses in English, mathematics, social studies, science and foreign language. For some, secondary education includes electives such as music or drama.
- Postsecondary Education, or tertiary, education
Include any educational program that takes place after student complete his/her secondary education. This includes community college, professional certification, undergraduate education and graduate school.
Postsecondary education is more advanced and specialized than secondary education. Postsecondary education is also broad, allowing students to pursue the subjects that most interest them. Students can receive a wide range of degrees, from a broad liberal arts degree that deepens critical-thinking skills, to a more hands-on business degree.
- Post-Secondary Non-Degree Award
These programs lead to a certificate or other award, but not a degree. The certificate is awarded by HAER and is the result of completing formal postsecondary schooling.
- Purposes of Secondary and Postsecondary Schooling
The purpose of secondary education is to ready students to either pursue a postsecondary education or enter into a vocational career that does not require further formal study. Postsecondary education helps students develop skills and expertise they can apply in later professional careers to help students develop independent reasoning skills and to prepare them for the job market.