Postsecondary: meaning, definitions and examples
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postsecondary
[ˌpəʊstˈsekəndəri ]
Definition
education
Relating to education beyond high school, especially at a college or university level.
Synonyms
college-level, higher education, university-level.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
postsecondary |
Used in general contexts to refer to any education after high school, which includes colleges, universities, and vocational training programs.
|
higher education |
Refers broadly to education provided by universities, colleges, and other institutions that award academic degrees or professional certifications.
|
college-level |
Typically used when referring to the difficulty or complexity of the material or coursework that is equivalent to what is taught in colleges.
|
university-level |
Specifically refers to coursework, studies, or programs that are conducted at a university. It often emphasizes academic rigor.
|
Examples of usage
- Postsecondary education is essential for many career paths.
- She plans to pursue a postsecondary degree in computer science.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term combines 'post-', meaning after, and 'secondary', which refers to the second stage of education, typically high school.
- It first gained popularity in the late 20th century as more options for education beyond high school emerged.
Historical Context
- The concept of postsecondary education has existed for centuries, with universities forming in the Middle Ages.
- In the U.S., the Morrill Act of 1862 provided land to establish colleges focused on agriculture and mechanic arts, expanding postsecondary access.
Current Trends
- Increasingly, students are choosing community colleges and online programs as flexible alternatives to traditional universities.
- In many countries, vocational training has become a popular postsecondary option, preparing students for specific careers in fields like healthcare and technology.
Global Perspective
- In Finland, postsecondary education remains free for students, emphasizing equal opportunity for all.
- Countries like Germany offer dual education systems, where students split their time between classroom studies and practical work experience.
Impact on Society
- Higher levels of postsecondary education are correlated with lower unemployment rates, demonstrating the value of continued education.
- Access to postsecondary education is seen as a key factor in elevating communities and reducing poverty.
Translations
Translations of the word "postsecondary" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pós-secundário
🇮🇳 उच्च माध्यमिक
🇩🇪 nachsekundär
🇮🇩 pascasekolah menengah
🇺🇦 післяшкільний
🇵🇱 ponadgimnazjalny
🇯🇵 高等教育
🇫🇷 postsecondaire
🇪🇸 postsecundario
🇹🇷 ortaöğretim sonrası
🇰🇷 고등 교육
🇸🇦 ما بعد الثانوي
🇨🇿 postsekundární
🇸🇰 postsekundárny
🇨🇳 中等教育后
🇸🇮 postsekundarno
🇮🇸 framhaldsskólastig
🇰🇿 орта білімнен кейінгі
🇬🇪 საშუალო სკოლის შემდგომი
🇦🇿 orta təhsildən sonra
🇲🇽 postsecundario