FAQ: What Can You Do With an Occupational Studies Degree?

An occupational studies degree can provide students with practical, real-world knowledge. There’s a range of occupational studies degrees you can choose from, depending on what kind of career you’re interested in pursuing. Understanding what you can do with an occupational studies degree can help you develop the practical skills needed to enter the workforce in a field of your choice. In this article, we answer FAQs about occupational studies degrees, including what this type of degree is, what you can learn in an occupational studies program and what career options it can create.

An occupational studies degree is an associate degree or bachelor’s degree program that allows students to develop applicable skills for their specific career path. The primary focus of this degree is to prepare students with practical knowledge so that they’re ready to enter their chosen field. Occupational studies programs also include general education coursework in subjects such as math, English and natural sciences. These programs are usually available at community colleges and junior colleges.

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Occupational studies programs allow you to focus on a specific industry and learn essential skills to pursue your chosen profession. For example, a human resources program may prepare students to become human resource managers. This type of occupational studies program might teach students about laws that impact human resources, best practices for onboarding new employees and how to create an employee handbook. Meanwhile, a culinary arts program may teach students how a restaurant functions. This program might have students apply lessons about cooking and food preparation to their work in actual kitchens.

Generally, an occupational studies degree requires candidates to complete high school or receive a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Some of these programs also require students to have a minimum grade point average. Before applying to a specific occupational studies program, ensure you research the program to see if you meet its requirements.

An associate occupational studies degree is usually is 60 credits, and many people take two years to complete this program. Some students who are working while pursuing this degree might take three years if they’re part-time students. It’s also possible to complete an accelerated program in one year with a larger course load. The bachelor’s degree program is typically 120 credits, and many students take three to five years to complete it.

An occupational studies degree provides practical skills that can lead to several potential career paths, including the following positions. For the most up-to-date Indeed salaries, please click on the links below:

Computer technicians solve computer-related issues and support employees in their use of desktop applications. These professionals also maintain and distribute hardware, such as laptop computers, to employees. A computer technician sometimes works with cybersecurity, helping to keep systems secure.

Sonographers are professionals who work in the medical field and use imaging equipment to test and diagnose patients. For example, a sonographer might operate an ultrasound machine. Sonographers often work for hospital systems either as full-time employees or contractors.

A farm mechanic works in agriculture and helps maintain farming operations. Farm mechanics are experts in the machinery that allow a farm to operate, including tractors, harvesting equipment and livestock equipment. They also keep the machinery of the farm operating, conducting repairs as needed. Some aspects of this position might involve installing and maintaining irrigation systems.

Occupational therapists provide clients with physical therapy to help them overcome injuries or maintain their physical abilities as they age. An occupational therapist records the progress of clients and makes adjustments to their therapy as needed. They may also create therapy plans for clients to help them achieve their treatment goals as the physical therapy progresses.

A cook is someone who leads a kitchen in a restaurant and completes a specific aspect of cooking, like making main courses or side dishes. Cooks learn about food preparation and presentation to help them create appetizing meals for guests. Their other duties involve practicing food safety, keeping their kitchens clean and developing different cooking techniques and styles.

A paralegal works for an attorney and provides support services. Paralegals might work for a private practice attorney or a large company as part of a team. They file paperwork, organize legal files, answer phones and keep schedules. Sometimes, paralegals also help write court filings.

Cosmetologists are experts in beauty products and their application. Their services typically include styling hair, applying makeup and skincare, doing manicures or pedicures and waxing customers. Cosmetologists often work for beauty salons or open their own businesses.

A facilities manager often works with the basic systems of a building, such as the heating and air conditioning system, the water system and the electrical system. Facilities managers typically conduct repairs and maintenance on these systems. In some situations, they might supervise a janitorial staff that keeps the building clean and takes out the garbage.

A human resources manager works for a private company and coordinates the hiring of employees. Human resources managers also file paperwork for a company, such as tax forms and documents of employees. They answer employee questions, investigate potential employee concerns and ensure the company follows labor laws. Some human resource managers also organize events to promote a positive work environment for their company.