How to choose between degrees vs. certificates

A decision to pursue a degree vs. certificate can depend on factors such as educational goals, timeline, budget and prior education. Understanding the differences in structure, cost and outcomes may help working adults choose the path that fits their circumstances.

When choosing between degrees vs. certificates, it’s important to understand the differences between them. Both may offer learning and skill development opportunities, but they can differ in the required number of courses, whether they are credit bearing and the type of credential earned. 

A degree is a credential awarded by an accredited institution once a student completes a specific set of content requirements in a field of study. Undergraduate degree programs may include general education coursework in addition to courses in a student's chosen field. A degree program may take several years, depending on the credential level.

• Associate degree: Generally requires about 60 semester credits and typically takes about two years. Associate programs can serve as a steppingstone toward a bachelor's degree and may offer the foundational knowledge needed to pursue a new field of work.
• Bachelor's degree: Generally, requires about 120 semester credits and can take up to four years of full-time study. Students often need to complete general education requirements alongside major-specific coursework. Many roles in management, healthcare administration, education and IT list a bachelor's degree as a baseline job requirement.
• Master's degree: Generally requires between 30 and 60 semester credits in advanced discipline-specific coursework and may take one to two years of full-time study.

Levels of education after high school completion, including formal college degrees, have historically been associated with higher earnings, and that can still be true today. 

A certificate is a credential that’s awarded after a student completes a specific set of courses in a chosen subject area. Certificate programs are typically  shorter than degree programs and can sometimes be taken in non-credit formats. They focus on building critical skills that are specific to a particular field or role.

Certificates can exist at different levels:

• Undergraduate certificates: May be completed alongside or independent of a degree program to help students gain and demonstrate specific skills relevant to their field, such as obtaining a certificate in human resource management or project management. If taken as credit bearing, certificates may be applicable to an undergraduate degree program or be used as transfer credit.
• Graduate certificates: Designed for students who have a bachelor's degree and who want to build specialized knowledge in a particular advanced subject area specific to their career or discipline.
• Non-credit certificates: These certificates are professional in nature and can often be completed quicker than undergraduate credit-bearing certificates. Typically, they are focused on professional development and narrower in their focus and application. Additionally, they aren’t transferable for credit to other institutions. 

Graduate certificates can help students gain new knowledge, develop skills and demonstrate proficiency in a shorter time than formal degree programs. And because they’re often more cost effective than degree programs, they are preferrable for some adult learners. 

Keep in mind that certificates aren’t the same thing as a certification.

A certificate results from an educational process that typically involves several courses and represents a cumulative set of knowledge in a subject area. Meanwhile, a certification results from an assessment process, which usually includes an exam administered by an industry organization. Certifications often require proof that a student has mastered certain skills or sets of professional standards endorsed by the certifying agency.

When weighing a degree vs. certificate, several practical factors can help clarify which option may fit a student’s situation: 

Choosing between a certificate and a degree isn’t always straightforward. Several factors may play a role, and the best answer can differ from one person to the next. The following factors may affect an individual’s decision:

• Stage of career: A student early in a career or entering a new field may benefit from the broad foundation a degree provides. Someone who is already established and looking to add a specific skill may find a certificate more practical.
• Timeline: Students who want to build a skill quickly may lean toward a certificate. Those with a longer horizon may prefer the depth of a degree program.
• Prior education: A student who already holds a degree may not need another one. A graduate certificate can build on existing education without repeating foundational coursework.
• Employer expectations: Some industries and roles prioritize degree completion, and others value demonstrated skills and specialized training. Reviewing job postings in a target field can help clarify what employers tend to look for.
• Budget and financial aid eligibility: The total cost of a degree program is typically higher, but federal financial aid may help offset it. Certificate programs may cost less overall but may not always qualify for the same types of aid.

A degree may be a good fit for students who:

• Have time and resources to complete a full degree pr
• ogram
• Are interested in new positions or opportunities that list a degree as a hiring requirement
• Will enter a competitive field in which degrees are often expected, even if  not required
• Plan to continue in their education and earn a higher-level degree after their first

It’s worth keeping in mind that a large number of occupations require a bachelor’s degree even for entry-level roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks 178 occupations that typically require a bachelor's degree for entry. And in some cases, even employers who don’t require formal degrees may still prefer them. 

A certificate may make more sense when the goal is to build a specific skill set in a shorter time. A student who already holds a degree but wants to add expertise in a focused area — such as project management or cybersecurity, for instance — may find that a certificate addresses that need without requiring additional time and financial costs that come with extra coursework.

Certificates can also be a practical option for working adults who want to explore a field before committing to a degree program. Graduate certificates, for example, may allow students to earn credit through coursework that can be used to pursue a master’s degree if they choose to continue their education. 

The degree vs. certificate path a student chooses can shape the pace, depth and direction of their education.

University of Phoenix offers nearly 30 certificates across four fields of study, including options at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some certificate programs at the University can be completed in under a year, making them a potentially efficient path for students who are ready to tackle immediate learning goals.

The University also offers online degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels designed for working adults, with online coursework and flexible scheduling.

For more information about these options, reach out to University of Phoenix.