EDUCATION: Special Section Certificate or Degree?

At some point in your career or during your college enrollment, you may find yourself with the decision of earning a graduate certificate or a graduate degree. &emsp;&emsp;It could also be a decision you are faced with when planning out a child's future, their education savings account (ESA), or when sending them off to college. &emsp;&emsp; &emsp;&emsp;Both options are great investments for you or your child's future, and they may sound somewhat the same — in some ways, they are similar — but they are also very different. How do you make that decision? It varies to each individual, their goals and what type of job they want or have. Certificate vs. degree: what's the difference? A graduate certificate is specialized training in a specific topic or skill. These certificates help develop skills that complement your experience or grow your knowledge in a particular subject area. These programs do not include a set of basic core classes. Instead, certificate programs focus on providing advanced information on one or two specific topics within an industry. &emsp;&emsp;A graduate degree is where you build a broad foundation of expertise in a field rather than just a single subject. How much time do you have to commit? Certificate programs typically take a shorter time to complete, and you would only need around 15 credits — depending on the school. Many graduate certificates can be earned in six to 12 months. &emsp;&emsp;Earning a graduate degree requires more time — several years of work and commitment. This type of degree requires around 48 credits for completion. &emsp;&emsp;You can do either of these options part-time, but that will extend the amount of time you will be going to school. Cost may also be a deciding factor Because the time varies so much between the two, a graduate certificate will cost much less than a graduate degree. Are you just looking for career advancement? Many people who already have a career may choose a graduate certificate to advance their career or as a stepping stone to enter into a new line of work. These certificates can help show employers you are serious about your work. &emsp;&emsp;Graduate degrees are generally easier to transfer between industries, which could give you more freedom when looking for something new. Graduate certificates don't have to be the end of the line If you decide to go for a graduate certificate and then realize you may want to get a degree in the future, you don't have to feel that time or money was wasted. Many schools allow the credits earned through a graduate certificate to be used toward entering a graduate degree program. &emsp;&emsp;Both a degree and a certificate can be an excellent and valuable investments for the future of your career. If you still need help with what decision is right for you, it may be a good idea to sit with a college advisor trained in assisting students through their academic planning.