What Is the Difference Between a Certificate, Diploma and Degree?

Certificate vs. degree and diploma vs. degree: which credential is the best fit for your educational and career needs? Read on to see how a college diploma differs from postsecondary degree and certificate programs.

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College Certificate, Degree, and Diploma Programs

When deciding what kind of post-secondary education you want to pursue, there are many options. Whether you choose a certificate, diploma, or degree program should depend on the kind of job you're looking for and the time you have to commit to the program. In general, certificate and diploma programs take less time to complete than a degree and are more focused on a specific skill, so you can get a job as soon as possible. Degrees often include more general education, in addition to coursework in a specific area of study, and are required for various professional fields. The following information will help you understand the differences between a diploma vs a degree, a certificate vs a degree, and a diploma vs a certificate. Find out more about these awards in the chart below.

Award Type Certificate Undergraduate or Graduate Certificate Diploma Degree
Institutions Vocational and technical schools; community colleges 2- and 4-year colleges and universities Vocational and technical schools; community colleges 2- and 4-year colleges and universities
Completion Time About 1 year About 1 year About 1 year 2-4 years or more
Career Fields Technical and vocational fields Enhance professional skills or specialize in an area Technical and vocational fields Professional fields requiring undergraduate or graduate degrees

Certificate vs Degree Programs

diploma vs. degree

Overall, certificate and degree programs differ in the amount of time they take to complete, the institutions that offer them, and the fields of study they focus on.

What Is a Certificate Program?

Vocational and technical certificate programs are focused on a specific skill and are usually offered at community colleges or technical and vocational schools. These certificate programs generally take about a year to complete but could take as little as a few months. There are many options for college certificates, and certificate programs are available in fields like cosmetology; auto repair; heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technology (HVAC); and more. Other examples include medical receptionist certificates and small engine repair certificates. Associate's degrees may be offered in some certificate areas, but a certificate program allows students to complete their education more quickly to be able to enter the workforce.

Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates

After you understand what a certificate is, you will decide which educational level is appropriate. Many colleges and universities offer undergraduate or graduate certificates that can be completed in conjunction with a bachelor's or master's degree program. Undergraduate or graduate certifications allow students to concentrate in a specific area of their degree field and may help show future employers that an applicant has specialized knowledge. Undergraduate and graduate certificates are available in different fields, from business to information technology.

Certificate Type Examples
Undergraduate Business Certificates (Management & Entrepreneur, Finance & Accounting), Legal Certificates, Education Certificates (Teacher Assistant, Early Childhood Education),
Graduate Applied Mathematics, Early Intervention, Digital Video, Experience Design, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, Leadership, Renewable Energy

Advantages and Disadvantages to Certificate Programs

There are many benefits of certificate programs including the extension of knowledge and skills. This prepares employees for higher job responsibility, enhances professional prospects, and increases promotion opportunities, pay raises, and job flexibility when employed. Furthermore, a certificate program can encourage professional development and enhance self-awareness and image.

Some disadvantages to certificate programs include high costs of programs, a great commitment of your personal time, lack of industry-wide curriculum control in terms of quality and type, and the potential inability to transfer certification to a university or college for credit to continue your education.

What Is a Degree Program?

There is a vast difference between degree and certificate programs. Degree programs can be completed at various levels: associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate. This can take two years for an associate's degree, four years for a bachelor's degree, two additional years for a master's degree, or more than four additional years for a doctorate. These degrees are offered at colleges and universities. Although students receive degrees in certain areas of study, they usually require you to take general education courses in various subjects so that you get a well-rounded education. Many professional fields, from engineering to education, require at least a bachelor's degree, but some may require higher degrees.

Different Types of Degrees

  • Associate's Degree: This degree is often a quicker, less expensive way to a potential career change. This level of degree focuses on technically-specific skills and education. Associate's degrees are generally 60 credits and can be completed in two years. The course workload translates roughly into the first two years of a bachelor's degree and can show future employers a level of responsibility and time management. Associate degrees are considered the first step of post-secondary education and a helpful academic vehicle for acquiring a bachelor's degree. There are three types of associate's degrees: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
  • Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree is typically 120 credits and takes roughly four years to complete. It often guarantees a higher earning potential and many jobs today require it as a qualification necessity. While the cost of tuition varies greatly from institution to institution, the cost of attaining a bachelor's degree can be fairly expensive. Part-time education is a viable option and many schools offer scholarships and financial aid to students. There are three types of bachelor's degrees: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Within each of these degrees are a large variety of majors.
  • Master's Degree: This degree is the first level of graduate study and requires anywhere from 36-54 credits to complete. Many master's degrees are pursued while the student is working, so the length of time varies, but if one attends full-time, this degree can be completed in two years. While a master's degree is not necessary for many careers, it can greatly increase your earning potential and job candidate appeal. Students can get a master's degree in many specialized fields such as a Master of Music (MM) or a Master of Architecture (MARCH), but the most common degrees are a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS/MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Master of Education (M.Ed)
  • Doctorate Degree: In most professional careers, a doctorate degree is the highest level of education one can attain. Most doctorates require 90-120 credits and a research dissertation to be completed; this can take anywhere from four to eight years, although the average time is six years. This degree is highly specific and necessary only if it is required for your intended career, such as a College Professor. The most common degree is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) which specializes in most humanities and science subjects, but there are also doctorates for applied or professional fields, such as a Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Public Health (DPH), or a Juris Doctor (JD).

Diploma vs Degree

A college diploma takes about a year or two to complete. Like technical or vocational certificates, diplomas focus on a specific skill or field, without the general education coursework required by a degree. Diploma and certificate programs are often offered in the same fields, like engineering; however. there is a large difference between a degree and a diploma in engineering. Diplomas are usually a little more intensive and detailed than certificate programs and may take longer to complete. Diplomas are also common in the healthcare field, like dental X-ray diploma programs. Other examples of diploma programs include areas like welding, HVAC, electrical power distribution, diesel equipment mechanic, and more.

What is a Technical Diploma?

Note that sometimes when people refer to diplomas, they are using it as a catchall term for a document that shows someone graduated from a school or received a degree, like a high school or college diploma. When people refer to a diploma certificate, that is often what they mean. However, a technical diploma can also be used to describe a diploma.

Some examples of technical diplomas are automotive engineering, massage therapy, baking and pastry arts, landscape gardening, cosmetology, or fine arts.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Diplomas

There are many advantages to diploma programs including taking significantly less time to obtain than a degree and making a candidate job-ready much faster. In addition, they encourage the student to explore a wide array of different careers, allow learning that is flexible. and requiring far fewer prerequisites to enter the program.

There are few disadvantages to attaining a diploma in a career you are passionate about, although one should be cautious entering into a program without a good idea of the job they would like to pursue. These programs are great opportunities to focus and hone professional aspirations, however, you will want to do so with purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a certificate program?

A certificate program allows focus on a targeted subject area or vocational skill with attention to particular actionable skills and techniques. These programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

What is a diploma?

Diplomas are similar to certificates in that they specialize in a specific professional field, but take longer to obtain. Generally, diplomas require moderate general education courses and require 1-2 years to complete.

What is the difference between a diploma and a degree?

The main difference between a diploma and a degree is the amount of credits and time required for completion. A degree requires more general education requirements to graduate than a diploma does. A diploma necessitates 40-60 credits and can take around 2 years. A degree is generally 120 credits and will take around 4 years instead.

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