In a message dated Thu, 13 Jul 2000  7:47:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time, "Ginger M. Young" <[log in to unmask]> writes:

<< All you have to do is pass the courses?!  Please!  Give those of us who have
worked extremely hard to get a Masters degree in Museum Science some credit.
There are 3 days of written exams and then an Oral Exam before one can
graduate from Texas Tech University, along with many other high standards
that are upheld by the degree program.
------
Please, let's not get into the "I've spent 3 years of my life writing papers and living on Ramen noodles to get an advanced degree" whine.

The intent of professional qualifications, from my understanding, is to prove that you have actual practical knowledge of a subject or field through tests, portfolios and other professional assessments.

While an advanced degree gives someone a base level of credibility and are highly touted by those who have them, professional qualifications also give people a level of credibility who don't have the degree but plenty of practical work experience in a particular field. Some qualifications are also not awarded unless you've had a number of years in a field as well as a degree in the subject.

Personally, I feel like that professional qualifications are a good thing for people - even more so than degrees in some cases - because they give people who have practical experience and expertise a chance to be recognized in fields where otherwise it's a money and time game to get the higher level positions. (i.e. people who can't afford the time or money to get an advanced degree can work their way up in the field and be respected as just as qualified as someone who gets the advanced degree.)

Deb

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