Many people still need to understand the difference between Applied Bachelor (D4) programs and the regular Bachelor (S1) programs offered at Diponegoro University (UNDIP).
While both programs have a standard study duration of 4 years (8 semesters), the obtained degrees differ. Graduates from D4 programs earn the title of Applied Bachelor (STr), whereas S1 programs confer the title of Bachelor.
As the new academic year (2023/2024) begins, it is crucial to understand what UNDIP Vocational School is. According to the Dean of UNDIP Vocational School, Prof. Dr. Ir. Budiyono, M.Si., in his statement, three aspects related to Vocational Higher Education and S1 Bachelor’s programs must be understood.
He explained that, regarding Vocational Higher Education, both Diploma-4 and S1 programs have equal scientific credentials and levels. “The difference lies in the distribution of the scientific credit. In the Bachelor’s degree, around 70% is allocated to theoretical knowledge, while 30% is practical. This is reversed in the Applied Bachelor’s program,” said Prof. Budiyono.
Furthermore, regarding the focus of expertise, graduates from Bachelor’s programs are trained to become experts in a specific field of knowledge. Throughout their studies, students are shaped as academicians with various abilities to process and apply theoretical knowledge.
“On the other hand, Applied Bachelor’s programs prioritize practical aspects over theory. These programs prepare graduates to find employment in specialized fields and practices. During their studies, students in the Applied Bachelor’s program learn practical skills and more comprehensive knowledge than students in D3, D2, and D1 programs,” he explained.
D4 graduates are eligible for the Applied Bachelor’s degree, while S1 graduates are eligible for the Bachelor’s degree and an explanation of their field of expertise. For instance, a graduate in engineering would be a Bachelor of Engineering, a graduate from the Faculty of Economics would be a Bachelor of Economics, and those from the Faculty of Law would be a Bachelor of Law.
“Regarding employment, graduates from both D4 and S1 are in the same category. In government positions, they are both categorized as Grade 3-a. The standard study duration is also the same, four years,” he added.
Regarding the Applied Bachelor’s programs at UNDIP, the Vocational School has 4 Departments with 11 Study Programs. In the Science and Technology group, the Department of Industrial Technology manages the D-4 programs in Industrial Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Design Engineering, Automation Engineering, Naval Engineering, and the Industrial Electrical Engineering program. Additionally, the Department of Civil and Planning manages the study programs of Spatial and Land Planning, Civil Infrastructure Engineering and Architectural Design.
For the Social and Humanities group, the Department of Business and Finance has Tax Accounting and Logistics Management programs. The Information and Culture Department includes Applied Foreign Languages as well as Information and Public Relations programs.
UNDIP Vocational School aims to become a center of excellence and internationally recognized vocational education. Among its missions are providing applied education to produce competent and professional graduates aligned with global demands, conducting applied research and community service, and fostering a conducive learning environment to shape professional personalities committed to the development and application of knowledge and skills for the betterment of society. (SDGs SV Undip)
Source: UNDIP Vocational School
