Post-secondary Pathway Overview

DCPS students have the opportunity to self-select the following post-secondary pathways, as part of the DCPS post-secondary planning process:

• 4-year degree: A 4-year degree, or Bachelor’s Degree, requires the completion of 120 credit hours at a college or university.
• 2-year degree: A 2-year degree, or Associate’s Degree, requires the completion of at least 60 credit hours, most commonly at a community college.
• Apprenticeship: An apprenticeship is a paid, on-the-job training program; participants work 2-5 years to obtain a  journeyman’s license in a specific trade.
• Career Education: A career education program is a short training program that teaches skills necessary to obtain a specialized certification or license.
• Military: The military is the armed force of the U.S. meant to defend the nation through the following branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, and National Guard.
• Direct Employment: Direct employment is the pursuit of jobs in high-wage high-demand industries immediately after earning a high school diploma or G.E.D.