There are major differences between a certificate and a degree. For example, someone looking to become a carpenter does not need to get a degree; they earn a certificate instead. However, depending upon the career being chosen in a particular field, one may need a degree so as to acquire a suitable job. A degree is desirable, and in most cases, required for the most professional jobs beyond minimum wage.
Certification Explained
In general, the completion of a certificate means that an individual has been trained and is now qualified to perform a specific job or has gained professional knowledge and experience in a certain area. Certification is usually only valid for a certain period of time and must be renewed to stay up-to-date with the raising standards, new trends and technology. A certificate is awarded upon completion of the training program from a vocational school, junior college or university.
Certifications are common in professions such as:
- Construction
- Health care
- Accounting
- Aviation
Degree Programs Explained
Degree programs, on the other hand, are the study of a core topic in a specific field. Unlike certificate programs, they have a set number of credit hours and online education course requirements that students must complete in order to earn a degree at the undergraduate or graduate level. Liberal arts courses, such as English, Mathematics, History, and Science must be completed before students are able to take specialized courses more relevant to their chosen major subject. College advisors play an important role in helping the students choose college courses and field of study.
Degree Type
Degrees come in many levels such as, Associate, Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral levels such as Master of Business Administration or Bachelors of Arts. An online associate degree takes two years to complete, a bachelors degree takes four years, which is an additional two years from the associate degree, and a masters degree consumes two additional years beyond the bachelors degree and so on. Depending on your field of study, some degree programs may require students to complete the prerequisites before entering into a program. A diploma is awarded upon completion of a college or a university degree program.
It is of great benefit to hold both a degree and professional certificate in some fields, especially if your major subject does not offer many employment options or allows for job mobility.
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