The Art Institute offers bachelor's and associate's degrees, as well as diploma programs for those seeking real-world education in the creative and applied arts.
Find Your Trade School
In flailing or prosperous economic times, it is the behind-the-scenes, competent, and skilled workforce that serves as our country's backbone. Cars are kept alive not by their drivers, but by their mechanics. The builders of our societies create the structures in which all important events take place. Without locksmiths, electricians, accountants, truck drivers, and secretarial staff, our very way of life would come to a standstill.
Are you great with numbers? Can you solve or complete electrical circuits in your sleep? Why not broaden your talents in a specialized trade school? After all, Thomas Edison grew up without much formal schooling, reading technical manuscripts and working as a telegrapher. Who would have guessed that a self-taught tradesman would go on to invent the light bulb in 1879?
Today, luckily, you don't have to go digging around for trade magazines to learn or hone your skill set. In our modern times, there is an abundant offering of interesting and enriching vocational schools that boast a host of programs and degrees. The following list includes only a handful of potential careers available:
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Commit yourself to a career training program and help bust the myth that traditional, liberal arts schools are more prestigious or helpful to live a productive, fulfilling life. Seeking specialized education to further your talents will only bolster your confidence, strengthen your résumé, and provide you with the skills you need to build a rewarding career.
In your search for your perfect vocational school, be sure to think about how much time you have to give and what other responsibilities you may have while you are enrolled in such a program. For example, if you need to work during business hours, find a program that offers flexible class hours or part-time schooling. If you have every day blocked out to fully concentrate on your classes, join a full-time program and thoroughly apply yourself. Most trade schools want to make sure their students become successful working professionals. Along the way, they have a vested interest in the well-being and prosperity of their students.
Of course, your choice of program may depend on the type of certificate or degree you are pursuing. Trade and vocational schools offer a considerable array of degrees, certificates, degrees, and diplomas:
- Diploma or related training: Many programs offer diplomas or basic level training that equips you with the skills needed to land an entry level position. If you are currently in high school and are interested in the automotive industry, check to see if your school is affiliated with AYES (Automotive Youth Education Service). This program joins high school classes with automotive manufactures and dealers and is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. An online plumber diploma is another example of entry-level preparation, teaching valuable skills including national plumbing codes, pipefitting, and the installation of plumbing fixtures.
- Certificate: If you are looking for a short post-secondary program (from 6 months to 2 years) and would like to be well qualified as you launch your career, a program offering various types of certificates is a solid choice. As an electrician, adding a certificate to years of apprenticeship experience greatly strengthens your potential and your résumé.
- Associate's Degree: Most Associate's degree programs run for 2 years and are offered in community colleges, junior colleges, and in a multitude of specialized trade schools. Examples of possible subject area associate's degrees range from Information Systems Administration to Watercraft Repair and Maintenance.
- Bachelor's Degree: Because of the nature of the hands-on, mathematical, and skilled subjects offered in trade and vocational schools, most 4-year degrees offer Bachelor's of Science degrees. For instance, a Bachelor's degree in Forensics Biology offers courses in biology, chemistry, forensic human pathology, and DNA analysis. Roll up those sleeves and prepare yourself to be a real-life CSI lab professional!
- Master's Degree: Acquired a bachelor's degree and hungry for more? Master's degree programs are graduate programs that generally last for 2 years and can seriously bolster your résumé. Following are examples of degrees with possible course topics: Master of Criminal Justice (psychology, forensics, global issues, justice administration), Master's in Accounting (cost accounting, budget control, auditing), Master's degree in Hospitality Management (business administration, tourism, supply chain management).