What is the Difference Between Academic and Educational Qualification

The main difference between academic and educational qualification is that academic qualification does not involve practical training, whereas educational qualification may sometimes involve practical training.

In most contexts, these words are synonyms. But sometimes, the term educational qualification can refer to both academic and professional qualifications. In such cases, education qualifications also involve training in addition to academic knowledge and coursework.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Academic Qualification  
      – Definition, Features
2. What is Educational Qualification
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Academic and Educational Qualification
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Academic and Educational Qualification
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Academic Qualification, Educational Qualification, Professional Qualification

Difference Between Academic and Educational Qualification - Comparison Summary

What are Academic Qualifications

Academic qualifications refer to certifications awarded to students upon successful completion of a course of study in higher education, typically at a college or university. Such educational institutions commonly offer degrees at various levels, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate. They also often offer professional degrees alongside academic degrees.

Compare Academic and Educational Qualification

Furthermore, there are different types of academic qualifications, and we can broadly categorize them as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Undergraduate degrees refer to a person’s first degree, whereas postgraduate refers to further education a person pursues after the first degree. Bachelor’s degree is the most common undergraduate degree, but in some countries, there are lower-level academic qualifications such as associate degrees and foundation degrees. An associate degree is an undergraduate course that can be completed in two years. In addition, a Bachelor’s degree is considered to be of a higher level than an Associates degree. Masters degrees and doctorates are postgraduate degrees. Moreover, postgraduate courses usually tend to be a combination of research and coursework, while undergraduate courses may or may not involve research.

What are Educational Qualifications

Educational qualifications refer to certificates, diplomas, or degrees a person has received certifying that he or she has successfully completed an education program. The term educational qualifications is a more general term than academic qualifications.  It sometimes includes both academic and professional qualifications.

Academic vs Educational Qualification

Professional qualifications are vocational qualifications, which often involve an element of practical training. Professional qualifications ensure that students are ready for a career in a given field and have the necessary training in addition to academic knowledge. Degrees in fields like medicine, engineering, law, architecture, etc., usually include both academic and professional qualifications; therefore, we can describe them as educational qualifications. This is because they are not strictly academic qualifications – most of these degrees include practical components relating to training.

Similarities Between Academic and Educational Qualification

  • Academic and educational qualifications are imperative in today’s job market.
  • In addition, both involve undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
  • Most people tend to use the two terms academic qualification and educational qualifications interchangeably.

Difference Between Academic and Educational Qualification

Definition

Academic qualifications refer to certifications awarded to students upon successful completion of a course of study in higher education, typically at a college or university. Meanwhile, educational qualifications refer to certificates, diplomas, or degrees a person has received certifying that he or she has successfully completed an education program.

Academic vs Professional

Moreover, academic qualifications typically include subject knowledge or academic knowledge; in addition, they do not involve training. Educational qualification, on the other hand, involves both academic and professional components.

Conclusion

In most contexts, these words are synonyms. But sometimes, the term educational qualification can refer to both academic and professional qualifications. In such cases, the main difference between academic and educational qualification is that academic qualification does not involve practical training whereas educational qualification may sometimes involve practical training.

Reference:

1. “Academic Degree.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Aug. 2021.
2. “Difference between Academic and Professional Qualification September 2021.” Careerpoint Solutions, 17 July 2018.

Image Courtesy:

1. “College-students-graduation-photo-1872810” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Exam, Student, Graduation” (CC0) via Public Domain Pictures

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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