Skip to content
  • Start your search here!

After you have completed your initial training program and started a career, you should consider continuing your education. Completing degree programs can help you move up in your career and take on more responsibility. Here is basic information about the most common levels of degree programs.

An associate degree in technical training is a two-year program designed to provide students with hands-on skills and specialized knowledge in a particular trade or industry. These degrees, often offered by community colleges and technical schools, focus on practical, career-oriented education such as automotive technology, welding, cybersecurity, healthcare, and information technology. Unlike traditional academic programs, technical training emphasizes real-world applications, lab work, and industry certifications that prepare graduates for immediate employment. Many associate degrees in technical fields also offer opportunities for internships or apprenticeships, giving students valuable experience before entering the workforce. Graduates can pursue careers in high-demand industries or use their associate degree as a stepping stone toward further education and professional advancement.

A four-year degree, typically called a bachelor's degree, is an undergraduate academic program offered by colleges and universities. It usually requires around 120 to 130 credit hours of coursework and is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in a chosen field of study. Common degree types include Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and specialized degrees such as engineering, business, and healthcare. The program combines general education courses, major-specific classes, and electives, allowing students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional skills.

If you are interested in exploring associate or bachelor's degrees, below are links to three institutions that work closely with workforce partners in Northern Kentucky. Note this list is not complete; there are many options for degree programs in Greater Cincinnati, Kentucky, and online. You can find a complete list of institutions approved by the state by visiting the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education website. Just select the "Campuses" tab. You can also find institutions in Greater Cincinnati by visiting the GC3 Member Institutions website.