Final answer:
Colleges affiliated with universities often award degrees as a result of their educational programs. These degrees, which range from bachelor's to PhDs, are crucial for career advancement in many fields, including business, law, and medicine. The pursuit of higher education, often influenced by credentialism, is linked to socioeconomic status and job opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some colleges are affiliated with universities, and this affiliation generally culminates in the conferment of academic credentials such as degrees. These academic institutions provide educational programs that allow students to pursue various levels of academic achievement, preparing them for diverse professional fields. Whether focused on business, management, law, or medicine, obtaining a degree marks a significant educational milestone and can have a profound impact on socioeconomic class.
While certificates and diplomas are also valid forms of academic acknowledgement, degrees are typically the end result of college or university education, especially for those pursuing higher education with vocational or professional aspirations. Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlight that a considerable proportion of the population attains a high school diploma, yet fewer progress to complete bachelor's or master's degrees. This underscores the role of credentialism in society, where higher educational qualifications are often linked to improved material well-being and job prospects.
To illustrate, let's consider the academic journey required to become a psychology professor at a 4-year college. Aspiring professors usually need to achieve a high level of academic qualification, which may include a Bachelor's degree—either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA)—followed by a Master's degree, and ultimately a PhD in their field of expertise.