Final answer:
A two year degree designed for individuals to broaden their education with a focus on personal growth is known as an associate's degree. It includes a liberal arts curriculum that broadens a student's perspective and is a stepping stone for either entering the workforce or pursuing higher education. This program is also aligned with the rising trend of adult continuing education for personal and professional enrichment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject in question refers to a two year degree (64 credit hours) typically known as an associate's degree. This type of degree is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, focusing on various academic disciplines to foster personal interest, growth, and development. The curriculum often includes a range of liberal arts courses covering mathematics, sciences, history, literature, social sciences, and the arts. The goal is to expand the student's worldview and provide them with cultural capital that can enhance their life and professional capabilities.
Associates degrees serve as a bridge for students, whether they are integrating into the workforce or aiming for further studies towards a bachelor's degree. They are particularly ideal for those looking to deepen their human capital, which is a trend reflected in the increasing levels of education among U.S. adults. With this approach, individuals gain skills critical for self-examination, echoing the Socratic assertion that 'The unexamined life is not worth living.'
Moreover, these degrees are not confined to young adults fresh out of high school; many adults partake in continuing education through their employers or educational institutions. With the rise in education within the 25 and older demographic, such degrees contribute to the deepening of human capital in the economy. The broad educational base they provide is valued in various job markets and can prepare individuals for careers in business, management, law, medicine, and more.