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Various options are now available for students to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees, moving away from the traditional four-year path. Some students choose to finish their degrees in less time, while others prefer to spend the full four years for better social development and more comprehensive learning experience. However, the time spent in college is not usually a significant factor in hiring, as employers are more interested in a candidate’s skill set and interests.
Exploring the Traditional and Accelerated Education Paths at ASU
With over 800 undergraduate and graduate degrees available, the conventional pathway to earning a degree is evolving. Some students are shortening their time in school, while others are maximizing their four years to leverage all that ASU offers.
Aaliyah Scott, a freshman psychology major, plans to graduate in four years to prepare for her nursing career. She added that the full four years are crucial due to the extensive curriculum required by her major.
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Scott further believes that the additional time is beneficial for students’ social development and networking opportunities. However, sophomore forensic psychology student, Riley Gale, believes that those completing an accelerated degree may stand out to potential employers due to their ability to handle more work at once.
Bruce Cain, former Arizona business center director at Farm Bureau Financial Services, claims that the time spent in college doesn’t significantly impact hiring decisions. Instead, employers are interested in a candidate’s skill set, interests, and aspirations, which are brought out during the interview process.
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For students like Gale, who enters college with credits, this can accelerate degree completion. Gale, a military veteran, is on track to graduate in two years and decided to further his education to improve his job prospects. Networking and finding a mentor in your desired field is also key, according to Cain.
When deciding between an accelerated or traditional degree, the college experience should be considered, Scott suggests. The longer track offers more opportunities to engage in college life and establish connections.
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