Okay, this is probably one of the most commonly asked questions we receive from potential students, “Should I do an entire degree program or just get a professional certificate?” And to be honest, the answer is often not as simple as A or B, but we can offer some advice and information on the two options.
Cost: Most often, of greatest importance to the student is the cost. A certificate is clearly the more affordable option as it consists of a group of courses ranging from two weeks to six months, whereas a degree program ranges from two to four years. If you already have a job and an undergraduate degree, and you just need to pad your credentials or pick up a few new occupational skills, the certificate options is probably the route for you. However, if you do not yet have a college degree, the financial investment of at least a 2-year associate’s degree is definitely worth it. A college degree arms an individual with the credibility that a certificate alone could never achieve. In other words, to get in the door of the skilled labor market, an undergraduate degree is almost a necessity. And in terms of graduate degrees, I believe the cost is worth it if you are truly motivated to diversify across fields or gain management credentials.
Career Direction: Working professionals that are looking to achieve management or executive levels within an organization are almost expected to have graduate degrees these days. Therefore, a certificate is ideal when one is looking to make a few extra bucks on the job while adding to the resume, but probably won’t propel an individual into a higher level on the corporate ladder. For that, it is necessary to further one’s education in their field of practice or through a management program at the graduate level. Working professionals whose job growth has become stagnant or are simply frustrated by slower than expected advancement should definitely look to a graduate program for a much needed edge. Moreover, job opportunities are much more plentiful once you have your graduate credentials, so moving to new companies and higher positions will be much easier.
Field: A professional’s field of work is also an important variable when deciding upon further education. For example, nursing, IT, or paralegal professionals who are not looking to change fields should look to the quicker/cheaper certificate programs that will provide all the necessary licensing to advance in their respective careers. However, economists, market analysts, and psychologists, and others are often expected to pursue higher degrees before achieving career advancement. Often it is a question of how “scholastic” one’s occupational field is considered. Certificates are often sufficient for more technical positions, whereas occupations associated with academia tend to place high value on degrees.
Again, there is no formula in deciding what program (certificate or degree) to pursue. My best advice is to weigh your career goals and financial situation, talk it over with family and friends, and ask the academic advisor at your potential schools any questions you may have. Through those steps, you are guaranteed to be well informed and armed for a successful choice.
Steve
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