Should you just go for it and get a degree or get a certificate prior? It just depends on your situation. Grabbing that certificate is a great plan if you are heading to college and just graduated high school. If you are changing jobs or entering the workforce and not wanting to do a four-year degree getting a certificate is a great starting idea. What comes after high school is an option, not a necessity. Some students take the certificate route, and many take the degree option.
In’s and Out’s of a certificate program
- Certificate courses are generally shorter, and you can complete many in less than a year.
- Various institutions offer them and can range from certificate courses to certificate programs or certificate degrees.
- Certificate courses can be done part-time or full-time on the certificate program.
- Certificate courses are generally offered at colleges, universities, and certificate schools.
- The certificate program is an alternative degree that allows students to begin a certificate degree and then take advantage of the time saved to pursue other interests. Of all certificate programs, most certificate graduates find employment, and the certificate degree courses give them an added advantage when applying for jobs.
- It is not necessary to have a certificate degree before entering the certificate program; students can enter certificate programs after completing certificate courses
Types of Certificate Programs:
- Business
- Health Care
- Technology
- Criminal Justice
- Arts and Design
- Education
- Skilled Trade
- Legal
Although certificate courses are good for enhancing knowledge, they may not be enough to boost career options and advancement. Sometimes you may need a degree for career advancement. Degrees take more time than certificate courses to complete and require higher literacy skills.
Depending on your career choice and your need to advance further will depend on what you choose to pursue, such as a degree or certificate.
