Looking to boost your career by learning new skills but not sure where to start? Use these resources to understand the US educational system and plan your next learning opportunity:
The Educational System at a Glance
- Check outthis infographic of the US educational system, opens a new windowby the World Educational Services (WES), one of the top educational evaluation services firms in the country.
- Read thisexplanation of the US postsecondary school system, opens a new windowand find types of institutions, definitions of key terms and current educational trends.
- Use thisglossary of terms, opens a new windowcreated by the US Department of State to help immigrant and international students navigate the world of American education.
认证和Licensur之间的区别es
Certain professions might require professional certification or licensing by a governmental authority.
Certificate |
License |
| Typically recognized by a specific industry or a professional association | Required by a local, state or federal government to operate a business or work in a highly regulated field |
| Examples: education, information technology (IT), human resources (HR), design, business and certain medical occupations | Examples: most services related to the human body (cosmetology, barbering, massage therapy, etc.), fitness (boxing coach), accounting (CPA), building construction (plumbing, engineering, architecture, etc.) and many other areas Checkthe full list of regulated professions in Colorado, opens a new window. |
Understanding Your Strengths, Interests and Professional Goals
- Take theCareer Cluster Survey, opens a new windowby My Colorado Journey or theO*Net Interest Profiler, opens a new windowby the US Department of Labor to identify your professional interests.
- UseMy Colorado Journey Industries page, opens a new windowto explore "hot" industries in Colorado. This page is updated annually.
- Read this article onjob market trends, opens a new windowby the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! to discover priority jobs and fields in the Denver Metro Area.
Selecting a High-Quality Institution To Pursue Your Degree
- Use theCollege Scorecard, opens a new windowtool by the US Department of Education to search and compare colleges.
- Explore theUS News College Rankings, opens a new window, one of the most authoritative sources on American and international college ratings. However, keep in mind:
- Not all US News College content is available for free.
- 最近,methodology behind the US News College Rankingscame under scrutiny, opens a new windowandmultiple schools have exited the process or admitted providing inaccurate data, opens a new window.
- The US Newshas recently changed its methodologyto place more weight on graduation rates and other factors more relevant to students.
- Usereference materials on college rankings from the library.
- Be sure to read about the specific methodology behind the ratings.
- Confirm the school's accreditation using the US Department of EducationDatabase of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Looking for support navigating these resources?
- Submit anAsk-a-Librarian formto request a one-on-one appointment with one of the librarians.
- Sign up and attend one of thehigher education workshops at the library, opens a new window.
