I. Major Branches Based on Disciplines:
* Formal Education: This is structured and generally follows a curriculum. It includes:
* Humanities: Focuses on human culture, values, and achievements.
* Literature: Study of written works, including novels, poetry, drama.
* History: Study of past events and societies.
* Philosophy: Study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
* Languages: Study of different languages and their structures.
* Religious Studies: Study of religions and religious beliefs.
* Arts: Visual arts (painting, sculpture, etc.), performing arts (music, theatre, dance), and creative writing.
* Social Sciences: Studies human society and social relationships.
* Sociology: Study of human social relationships and institutions.
* Psychology: Study of the human mind, mental states, and behavior.
* Economics: Study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
* Political Science: Study of political systems, government, and political behavior.
* Anthropology: Study of human societies and cultures and their development.
* Geography: Study of the Earth's surface, features, and inhabitants.
* Natural Sciences: Studies the physical world.
* Physics: Study of matter, energy, and their interactions.
* Chemistry: Study of matter and its properties.
* Biology: Study of living organisms.
* Earth Science: Study of the Earth and its systems.
* Astronomy: Study of celestial objects and the universe.
* Formal Sciences: Deals with abstract concepts and systems.
* Mathematics: Study of numbers, quantity, structure, space, and change.
* Computer Science: Study of computers and computational systems.
* Logic: Study of valid reasoning and argumentation.
* Statistics: Collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of data.
* Applied Sciences & Technologies: Apply scientific knowledge to practical problems.
* Engineering: Application of science and mathematics to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, and systems. (Many sub-branches like mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical engineering, etc.)
* Medicine: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
* Agriculture: Cultivation of crops and raising of livestock.
* Technology: The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. (Many sub-branches related to specific areas like information technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, etc.)
* Informal Education: Learning that occurs outside of formal institutions. This includes self-learning, apprenticeships, and community-based learning.
II. Categorization by Level:
* Primary Education (Elementary School): Foundational education for young children.
* Secondary Education (Middle and High School): Builds upon primary education, often introducing specialization.
* Tertiary Education (Higher Education): Includes colleges, universities, and vocational schools offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
* Continuing Education: Lifelong learning activities undertaken after formal education.
III. Categorization by Purpose:
* Vocational Education: Focuses on specific skills and trades for employment.
* Liberal Arts Education: Focuses on broad knowledge and critical thinking skills.
* Professional Education: Training for specific professions (law, medicine, etc.).
This is not an exhaustive list, and many areas overlap significantly. For example, bioengineering sits at the intersection of biology and engineering. The constantly evolving nature of knowledge and technology creates new sub-branches and interdisciplinary fields continuously.