There are multiple paths you can take in order to meet both your education and career goals. Choosing a vocation will help you determine whether a certification or degree is the best option. Which will work best with your future plans? Make that decision based on the following information.
The Differences
The main difference between earning a degree versus a certification has to do with specificity. When working towards an Associates or Bachelor’s degree, you’ll end up taking some classes that have nothing to do with your major. This is not the case when you work towards earning a certification. These are targeted programs that provide you with the specific information you will need to work in your future career field. Think of it as in-depth training for your future job position.
An article written for study.com expands on this by saying, “Certificates offer ‘bite-sized’ pieces of education that usually provide practical workplace skills in a short period of time. Meanwhile, college degrees provide a larger educational base and take a bit longer to complete. You are probably most familiar with Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, which generally take two and four years to earn, respectively. Certificates vary in length, too, but nearly all take less than two years and most last less than one year.”
Cost
Many people are overwhelmed by the cost of a traditional degree. The idea of taking out huge student loans can be daunting. This has resulted in the increasing popularity of certification programs. Most certification programs can be completed for a fraction of the price of a traditional college degree. Check your local community colleges to determine exact costs.
Available Certifications
The best way to find out which certifications you can obtain from your local college is to ask. Certification programs are broken down into two larger categories. The above mentioned articled elaborates on this by saying, “The majority of useful certificate programs focus on skill-based and technical jobs, such as contracting, nursing, and auto servicing. These programs are likely to land you your desired job more quickly after earning your certificate. However, there are also broader programs, like project and business management, global studies, and even ‘general education.’ These may help you land a job, but they are also designed to count towards Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees if you plan to continue your education or to supplement a graduate degree.” Make sure you look into all your options to find the certification that will benefit your future self the most.
Deciding Factor
As cliché as it sounds, the most important deciding factor when it comes to choosing a degree or a certification is you. Which will align best with the vision you have of your future? If you’re 100% certain about the career path you’re interested in, choose the educational path that will get you there.
Whether you earn a certification or a degree, you’re making the choice to learn new skills and that is something you should be proud of.
