The Difference Between a Diploma and a Degree

A diploma program typically refers to a program where a student works towards a high school diploma, but diplomas can be issued at the postsecondary level as well. An online high school diploma program is an alternative to taking the GED test and is for students who have not received a high school diploma. These programs often also prepare students for a future college career.

A degree program typically refers to a degree that is earned beyond the high school level, sometimes called a higher education degree. There are several different types of degree programs and each will earn you a different level or type of degree.

Degrees can be categorized by subject, like business, education, or health, for example, but can also be categorized by level. One of the most popular online degree program by level are associate's degree programs. This undergraduate degree program requires at least 60 semester credit hours and will take approximately two years to complete. Other degree programs listed by levels are bachelor's, master's, and PhD.

For most degree programs, a student has the option of enrolling in an on-campus or online degree program. On-campus refers to attending a class in a classroom on a college campus, and online refers to distance learning from any location using the Internet. A student does not have to enroll in a degree or diploma program to learn online. There is also the option of enrolling in just a single online course that does not follow a track of a degree program. No matter what the program, there is something out there for everyone interested in learning!