30

In my country, there are two kinds of undergraduate degrees (Bachelors and Technologic). My degree is currently the latter one, but it is basically the same curriculum of a Bachelor in Computer Science, the only difference being basically that the course is little bit shorter (Computer Science is around 4 years part time, and mine is 3 years part time) mostly because we focus a little less on the math side.

Is it unethical/wrong to say I have a Bachelor Degree when applying in other countries that doesn't have this kind of degree (Technologic)? I'm focusing here mostly on the European market, but I don't think this is related to any region at all.

Improve this question
12
  • Why would you switch it? If I was reviewing a resume that had a degree I had never heard of, I would spend time googling it and ultimately likely spend more time reviewing your application.
    – ericksonla
    May 18, 2018 at 21:21
  • 5
    Is a "Technologic degree" 2-years if done full-time? I'm having trouble finding information about it online, though the first LinkedIn profile I saw with someone who claims such a degree apparently completed it in 1 year.
    – Nat
    May 18, 2018 at 22:52
  • 3
    It might help to state what your country is for the benefit of those trying to figure out what this degree is.
    – reirab
    May 19, 2018 at 3:55
  • 1
    Are you sure that degree is an actual academic degree? Some schools will provide you with a degree but it doesn't have any academic value.
    – Sulthan
    May 19, 2018 at 5:52
  • 5
    I’m a little concerned about the “part time.” A degree that takes four years part time would be more equivalent to an Associates degree here in the US. A Bachelors degree is four years, full time.
    – Ernest Friedman-Hill
    May 19, 2018 at 18:42

8 Answers 8

Reset to default
62

It would be deceptive to list your degree as a Bachelors when it isn't a Bachelors.

If you're showing your studies on a CV, and you're afraid that people from other regions will not know what a "Technologic" degree is, then it would be more reasonable (and correct) to explain instead of lying.

For instance, you could list the following on your resume:

Technologic degree in Computer Science, 2016, University of SuchandSuch

3 Year program consisting of study in X, Y, Z

GPA of 3.5, Graduated with Honors

This way, you're not lying, but you are explaining the degree to people who may not understand it. Also, you're not passing on your own judgement of what's equivalent, you're giving them the info and letting them decide (because, some people may not agree with your interpretation that a 3 year degree is equivalent to a 4 year degree.)

To expand on what Draken mentioned in a comment, If there is a generally accepted framework that equates degrees from your country to those in other countries, it may make sense to list that as well: For instance,

Technologic degree in Computer Science, 2016, University of SuchandSuch

3 Year program consisting of study in X, Y, Z

GPA of 3.5, Graduated with Honors

European Qualifications Framework level 5

Improve this answer
1
  • 9
    As someone who has never heard of a Technologic degree before seeing this question. If I saw this explanation on the resume I would have a sufficient grasp of what it is to properly evaluate them.
    – Anketam
    May 18, 2018 at 16:06
73

Is it unethical/wrong to say I have a Bachelor Degree when applying in other countries that doesn't have this kind of degree (Technologic)?

Yes it is. It's simply wrong.

In some European countries, lying on your resume like that may be grounds for firing you for cause, even when they find out 20 years later and it made no difference. Especially Germans are really skilled in screwing you over paperwork (Disclaimer: I know because I am from Germany). Better to get it right from the start.

What you need to do is to put your actual title and then add something like "(roughly equivalent to a Bachelor in $Country)".

Improve this answer
9
  • 5
    Just to add, some will ask for a local evaluation report (like ECE in US). Uni/mployer hires ECE, then ECE asks for copies of your degrees and then they evaluate them and finally send the evaluation (local equivalence) to the uni/employer. You would get screwed if the evaluation is different than your resume.
    – Sandra K
    May 18, 2018 at 16:52
  • 3
    A disclaimer is not appropriate here. Perhaps this could be rephrased My home country of Germany is especially skilled ...
    – eclipz905
    May 18, 2018 at 20:49
  • 1
    In many countries, not just in Europe, making a false statement in a resume or CV when applying for a job can be considered fraud, a criminal offence, and can lead to a prison sentence. Really.
    – Michael Harvey
    May 19, 2018 at 10:25
  • That can mean prison even if you didn't get the job.
    – Michael Harvey
    May 19, 2018 at 19:48
  • 1
    @naiad: It's not a disclaimer, it's a source
    – Lightness Races in Orbit
    May 20, 2018 at 14:23
6

Yes you should report your actual degree. To not do so is fraud.

Just because it is a term they might not know is not a reason the change. Let them have the chance to ask you or look it up.

If you use Bachelor to give the impression of a 4 year degree and they look at your resume and discover it is 3 year degree and you did not accurately report the degree you will be immediately eliminated as a candidate.

Improve this answer
1
  • I like this Let them have the chance to ask you.
    – Neo
    May 18, 2018 at 16:35
6

If you mean DiS ("diplommed specialist") then it is very wrong and lying. It is simply not on the same level in our country, it is not university education, although it is tertiary education roughly on the bachelor level.

Whatever you exactly have, your diploma should say which EQF level it is. If your diploma says it is actually EQF 6, tell that instead. EQF levels are described by European Qualifications Framework. If it is the same EQF level as a bachelor, tell that.

Improve this answer
4

Translating degrees is a major topic. Turn to a good translator, ask your question on a forum for translators or search for official translations for example on university websites.

Btw, bachelor study normally takes 3 years in the EU (acc. to the Bologna process). I would think the key here is whether you can start an M.A./M.Sc. study after getting your "technological" degree, not the duration of study. If you can continue to an M.A./M.Sc. without taking additional courses or similar, your degree is equivalent to an B.A./B.Sc., if not, it's not and you shouldn't describe it as such.

Improve this answer
3

Is it unethical/wrong to say I have a Bachelor Degree when applying in other countries that doesn't have this kind of degree (Technologic)?

Generally speaking, including information that is not 100% true in your resume is not recommended.

In this situations, it is better to be as truthful as possible, while including only the relevant and pertaining information for your application.

I suggest you specify your have Technologic degree, but mention it basically equivalent to a Bachelor's one. Give some detail so anybody that is unaware of such degree can understand what it is about.

Improve this answer
2
  • But if a Technologic degree takes 3 years, and a Bachelor's degree takes four years, then they are not basically equivalent.
    – gnasher729
    May 19, 2018 at 11:09
  • Yeah, depends how it is phrased etc
    – DarkCygnus ♦
    May 19, 2018 at 12:14
1

Get an official translation, preferably by the issuing university. Your university also may offer an international supplement. Either can include a remark such as such as "internationally, the Technologic degree is usually interpreted as bachelor".

Further the supplement includes an explanation of the grading scheme which is essential for someone to review your degree.

Improve this answer
3
  • If there is something wrong with the answer, I'd appreciate a comment.
    – Zulan
    May 19, 2018 at 7:57
  • The problem would be that if you got a degree in Italy for example, and there is no degree available in Germany that matches exactly (they might have one degree that is easier and one that is harder to achieve than your Italian degree), then "official translation" is meaningless. In German, a word correctly naming your degree would simply not exist.
    – gnasher729
    May 19, 2018 at 11:07
  • 1
    The question implies that the degree is equivalent to a bachelor. If no equivalent is available, a supplement greatly helps someone who doesn't know the degree to understand it.
    – Zulan
    May 19, 2018 at 22:18
0

In US there are private companies licensed by Department of Education to perform foreign diploma evaluation. You bring your original diploma to them, pay the fee and they translate it and determine what it is equivalent to in US education system and how many college credits you have.

I think something similar has to exist in most countries. In my opinion this is your best bet even if it costs you money. Just make sure that the company you pick for this is actually licensed by local Department of Education. Often hiring companies can provide you with a list of diploma evaluation companies they trust.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .