Certificate vs. Degree: Which One Should You Choose?
Professionals researching the benefits of a certificate vs. degree program may be wondering which track is right for them. On one hand, learners at the start of their careers may find that enrolling in an online bachelor’s degree program can provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue jobs in a particular field. On the other hand, professionals with several years of experience may find that earning a college certificate can provide them with a specialized education in a particular area—such as marketing strategy or business writing—and help them advance in their careers.
Learners who are interested in advancing their education but are concerned about the time commitment associated with a college degree are likely to find that completing a college certificate, such as an online professional certificate can prepare them with the in-demand specialized training needed to pursue a promotion, an alternate career path, or to expand their credentials.
Below are just a few of the similarities and differences between certificate vs. degree programs.
Definitions: Certificate vs. Degree
Both certificates and degrees demonstrate that a professional has enhanced skills in a particular area. For example, professionals interested in earning a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree can choose to major in a variety of areas—such as biology, nursing, computer science, and psychology, among others. Graduates often find that having a degree makes them more competitive in the job market.
Certificate programs also demonstrate that professionals have completed advanced training in a specific area, such as Leadership; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); Design Thinking; and Legal Innovation, among others. However, unlike bachelor’s degree programs, which require learners to take a certain number of general education classes—such as mathematics, English, and history, among others—courses within a certificate program are narrowly focused.
A key difference between certificates and post-graduate degrees is that while master’s and doctoral degrees provide learners with broad knowledge in a particular field, such as nursing, the curriculum for a certificate is far narrower. For example, human resource professionals interested in learning how to expand an organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives may find that completing an online DEI certificate, as opposed to a master’s degree in human resources, more directly helps them reach their professional objectives.
Other similarities and differences between certificate vs. degree programs include the following:
Similarities Between a Certificate and a Degree
Certificate and degree programs are great options for professionals interested in upskilling. Both require learners to complete assigned coursework, and both types of programs can help experienced professionals transition into more specialized roles. Additionally, individuals often find that the knowledge they’ve gained by completing a degree or certificate program makes them more marketable, which can be especially helpful when applying for jobs or career advancement opportunities.
Differences Between a Certificate and a Degree
Certificate and. degree programs may share certain similarities, but their differences are vast. Examples of key differences include the following:
Differences in Admissions Requirements
Prospective learners interested in applying to a degree program often must meet a variety of admissions requirements, such as having a minimum grade point average (GPA) or quality point average (QPA). Applicants to undergraduate and graduate programs are also typically asked to provide high school transcripts, college entrance exam scores, or college transcripts as part of their application packet. Many certificate programs, on the other hand, do not have stringent entry requirements. Enrollment and payment of the program fee may be all that’s needed.
Differences in Experience Requirements
Some graduate programs require learners to have a minimum number of years of working experience in a particular industry to be considered for entry. For example, baccalaureate-prepared nurses interested in earning a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing often must have 2-4 years of full-time work experience in a clinical environment. Certificate programs, on the other hand, do not have this type of requirement.
Differences in Completion Timelines
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs often require multiple years of study. The time it takes to complete each program can vary widely depending on the program’s credit hour requirements and whether a learner is enrolled in part-time or full-time coursework. Completion timelines for certificate programs, on the other hand, are much shorter. Some learners find they can earn a certificate in as few as 10 weeks, depending on the program they’ve enrolled in.
Differences in Cost
Lastly, the cost of a certificate vs. a degree program is also vastly different. For example, the Education Data Initiative reports that as of April 2023, the average cost for in-state learners living on campus to earn a 4-year degree was recorded at $102,800. The same organization also reported that as of November 2022, the average cost of a master’s degree in the US was recorded at $62,500.
The cost to enroll in a certificate program, on the other hand, is significantly less. Although the cost to enroll in a certificate program varies widely depending on the type of certificate, many learners find their tuition rate is a fraction of what it would cost to enroll in a degree program. For example, enrollment in Suffolk University’s DEI and Design Thinking certificate programs is less than $1,500.
Benefits of a Certificate for Current Professionals
The benefits associated with completing a college certificate are numerous. For example, not only do certificate programs help learners gain practical, industry-specific skills, but they can often be completed in far less time than what’s required for a traditional college degree.
Additionally, professionals interested in expanding their knowledge in a specific, narrow area, such as NonProfit Human Services Management, Community Health and Community Health Management, and Corporate Finance, among others, are likely to find that completing a certificate program can provide them with the advanced knowledge needed to pursue career advancement opportunities.
Earn a Professional Certificate at Suffolk University
Are you interested in learning more about how earning a professional certificate can help you advance your skills and career? The Suffolk University’s Center for Continuing & Professional Education (CCPE) 100% online certificate programs are designed to enable learners to expand their knowledge and learn on their own time, regardless of whether they’re aiming to advance in their existing careers or pivot to a new direction.
Learn more about how an online professional certificate from Suffolk University’s CCPE can help you upskill in as little as 10 weeks.
Sources:
Education Data Initiative, Average Cost of College & Tuition
Education Data Initiative, Average Cost of a Master’s Degree
Indeed, “What Are Certifications, Definition, Benefits, Types and Examples”
Indeed, “What Are Professional Certificates? (With 10 Examples)”
Indeed, “What Is a Graduate Certificate? (Definition and Benefits)”