What Is a Graduate Certificate?
Graduate certificate programs are stand-alone programs that generally provide students with specialized knowledge and training in a particular field that goes beyond undergraduate training. Often, the professional skills gained in these programs can help students advance their careers. These programs include graduate certificates and post-master's certificates and are usually short in nature. For example, they may only require between 12 and 15 credits of coursework or less. There are many different types of graduate certificates available in various fields that usually focus on a particular industry and/or job title. Here, we will discuss different aspects of these programs in greater detail.
What Is the Difference Between a Certificate and Certification?
There are some key differences between graduate certificate programs and professional certifications in a given field. Graduate certificate programs are a specific course of study open to anyone (with or without experience) that does not lead to professional certification. Certifications on the other hand, are based on an assessment process where students typically need to meet eligibility requirements (usually some experience in the field) and then pass an exam. Graduate certificate programs are designed based on academic standards that are specific to the school, while professional certifications are based on industry-wide processes. Certificates may also prepare students for further graduate study, while professional certifications are not tied to education, but may require a renewal process periodically.
Graduate Certificate vs. Master's Degree
While both a graduate certificate and a master's degree in a given field can help advance students' careers, some of the main differences between these two programs come down to time and money. In general, graduate certificate programs are much shorter in nature than a master's degree. These programs may be completed in as little as 1 year or less, while master's degree programs may take 2 years or more, depending on the program. Due to the lesser amount of credit hours required for a graduate certificate, these programs are often less expensive than a master's degree program.
What Are the Benefits of Earning a Graduate Certificate?
There are several different benefits to earning a graduate certificate in a particular field. One of the primary benefits is that it allows learners to further develop skills and knowledge in a specific area of interest. Often, students may choose to earn a graduate certificate in a field related to their current job or desired career to help advance their position and/or be more competitive in the job market. Others may choose a graduate certificate that may be beneficial to their career or help them explore different careers within the same field, such as entrepreneurs earning a certificate in various areas of business. Students may also decide to pursue these shorter programs to save time and money but need to realize that they will not receive as much advanced training as they may in a master's degree program. However, these graduate certificates can help prepare students for further graduate study and/or even transfer some credits towards a master's degree, which gives students some flexible options for the future.
How Can a Graduate Certificate Advance My Career?
The skills and knowledge obtained in a graduate certificate program are typically advanced enough to give students specialized skills that lead to job promotion, security, and/or flexibility. These programs are usually a quick return on the investment and can even lead to a pay raise. For example, according to PayScale.com, graduates with a bachelor's degree in human resources management made a median annual salary of $57,860 as of October 2020, while those with a graduate certificate in human resources management made a median annual salary of $59,721, as of November 2020. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reported that human resources managers have a job outlook of 6% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than average. Earning a graduate certificate in this field, as well as many others, could help applicants stand out amongst the competition as employers may prefer those with some advanced training.
Things to Consider for Graduate Certificates
There are several different factors to consider when choosing a graduate certificate program. After students have chosen what field and what kind of certificate they would like to earn, they may want to start comparing factors like cost, format, and the kind of skills they will obtain. While graduate certificates typically cost less than master's degree programs, they can still be expensive, so students may want to find a program that falls within their budget and/or offers financial aid options. Students may also need to look for a certificate program that fits within their personal schedule or offers the convenience in format that they need. For instance, some students may need a part-time program or may need to study in the evenings or online. Finally, students may want to think about the specific skill sets that a program offers through its coursework. This may be more necessary for technical degrees. For example, students earning a certificate in information technology may want to look at specific courses and what programs they may be working with to see if it aligns with their career needs.
Where Can I Earn a Graduate Certificate?
Graduate certificate programs are often available in an on-campus and online format. While the content of these different kinds of graduate certificate programs is usually the same, the way the information is presented may be slightly different. On-campus students may participate in more hands-on activities and have more face-to-face interactions with peers and professors. Online students may be able to work more independently and on their own time to complete assignments. On-campus formats may still provide some flexibility for students who work full-time with evening courses. Choosing between a campus or online graduate certificate program may come down to personal preferences and/or location, as some students may not live near an institution that offers an on-campus program.
Campus Graduate Certificate Programs
Students may consider earning a graduate certificate on campus if they live close enough to a university or college that offers their program of interest and/or if they would like to receive face-to-face instruction. These certificate programs may contain more hands-on activities or labs that can be completed on a school's campus. For example, students wishing to earn a certificate that is more technical in nature, such as a graduate certificate in clinical laboratory sciences or computer science, may decide to take their program on-campus for hands-on learning experiences. On-campus programs may also take advantage of group work and allow students to work closely with their cohort, which can further develop leadership and communication skills.
Online Graduate Certificate Programs
Online graduate certificate programs may allow students to study synchronously or asynchronously. Students who have to sign in to class at a given time may benefit from more interaction with professors and peers, while still having the convenience of studying from home. Students who need to work independently on their own schedule may need an asynchronous program. Online graduate certificates are still available in a wide range of fields and some may still offer cohorts, which allows students to work with their peers via distance learning tools.
How Much Does a Graduate Certificate Cost?
The cost of graduate certificate programs varies greatly amongst schools, programs, and formats. Typically, in-state residents will pay less per credit hour than out-of-state residents, but some online graduate certificate programs may offer the same tuition rates no matter where the student lives. Students also need to be aware of fees when calculating the total cost of a program. No matter the format, students may need to pay general, registration, or comprehensive fees, and some online graduate certificate programs may have an additional technology fee. While the cost of graduate certificate programs varies greatly, there are some certificates that can be completed for about $3,000, while others may cost upwards of $13,000.
Financial Aid & Tuition Reimbursement for Graduate Certificate Programs
There are several different forms of financial aid available to students attending accredited institutions to help pay for their education. Students should always start the financial aid process with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to select any loans or grants that are available from the federal or state government. Then students may begin comparing tuition discounts and/or scholarship availability at schools of interest. Some schools may offer various types of tuition discounts, such as military service member discounts, or even tuition reimbursement options. Tuition reimbursement may be available from students' employers to help encourage employees to gain additional skills to benefit the organization.
Scholarships are another common and great option to help pay for school, as these awards do not have to be repaid. Students may find scholarships pertaining to their gender, race/ethnicity, interests, talents, and more. Often, these scholarships are available from colleges and universities, professional organizations, and other groups. Some schools may provide general certificate scholarship programs, such as the University of Washington and its Certificate Scholarship Program that awards between $2,500 to $5,000 to winners. Other schools may offer scholarships by department, such as Indiana University and its Lesa Lorenzen Huber Fellowship/Scholarship that is open to students in any online program within the School of Public Health. Still, other schools may offer automatic scholarships for specific student populations in specific programs. For example, Ohio University offers $1,500 scholarships to veterans or corporate partners pursuing an online graduate business certificate.
Graduate Certificate Accreditation
Students should always look for an accredited school to attend. Accredited institutions offer a variety of benefits, including typically being preferred by employers. Students at accredited schools can also apply and qualify for financial aid and may be able to transfer credits to and from accredited institutions more easily. Many schools that offer graduate certificates are regionally accredited by organizations, such as the Higher Learning Commission, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Some graduate certificate programs may have an additional level of accreditation based on their subject area. For instance, some online business certificate programs are accredited by business-related organizations, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This means these programs have met additional academic standards specific to the field of business.
What Types of Graduate Certificate Programs Are There?
Graduate certificate programs are available in diverse subject areas, from the liberal arts to the sciences and healthcare. Students working in or entering competitive or growing fields, such as business and information technology, may benefit from gaining the advanced skills taught in a graduate certificate program to help stand out from other applicants. Other graduate certificate programs, such as those in human resources or education, can help prepare students for professional certification or qualify students for endorsements on their licenses. Explore some areas that offer graduate certificates below.
Graduate Certificates in Business
Although there are general business graduate certificates available, business is a broad field with many different subfields. Most of these subfields offer various types of graduate certificate programs that aim to provide students with focused, advanced knowledge in a particular area. For example, students can pursue finance, human resources, or marketing certificate programs. There are also graduate certificate programs available for specific job titles, such as business analyst certification. Students may also find certificates that focus on a specialization within a given field. For instance, within the field of management, students may pursue a risk management certificate.
In general, there are many business-related certificate programs that are focused on further developing students' leadership and management skills. Other programs may focus on giving students specific skill sets, such as programs in digital marketing. Many of these certificate programs can be completed in 1 year and may be offered part-time. Some schools may require students to finish their certificate program in 5 years. Depending on the program, students may need to meet prerequisite requirements. For instance, some business analytics certificate programs may require that students have a background in areas such as statistics, calculus, computer programming, and other mathematics. It is fairly common for graduate certificate programs in business to be available fully online.
Graduate Certificates in Education
Education is also a broad field that offers many different types of graduate certificate programs. These programs are generally designed to help students prepare for leadership-based roles within their schools that carry greater responsibilities, and/or to specialize in a particular area of education. For example, some common leadership certificates include those in instructional leadership or educational leadership. Those wishing to specialize may pursue certificates in areas such as special education, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, education policy, or community college administration. Some teacher certification programs may be specifically designed to help students earn licensure or certificate endorsement to qualify to teach in that particular field.
Graduate certificate programs in education are typically designed for those who have already earned an undergraduate degree in the field and/or are working in education. These programs usually take 1 to 2 years to complete and students may want to research specific education requirements in their state to see how a program may align with requirements. There are some education graduate certificates, such as some in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that may require applicants to hold a master's degree. Although certificates in education may be more common in on-campus formats, there are still plenty available online.
Graduate Certificates in the Humanities
The humanities includes a broad range of subject areas, and graduate certificates are available in many, if not most, of them. Students may pursue graduate certificates in areas such as communications, public administration, theology, social justice, philosophy and ethics, and the visual arts. There are also certificates available that may focus on a specific area of a broader subject, such as a certificate in maritime history vs. a general history certificate. These certificate programs may be less technical in nature but may provide students with advanced knowledge concerning theories and concepts in the field. They typically consist of liberal arts courses and fewer science- and math-based courses. Some of these certificate programs may be completed in as few as 6 months, and many are available in on-campus and online formats.
Graduate Certificates in Nursing & Healthcare
The growing field of nursing and healthcare offers an array of graduate certificates. Similar to business degrees, these programs are typically focused on further developing students' leadership and management skills or focusing their skills to a particular subfield or job title. For instance, students may pursue a broader level certificate, such as a graduate certificate in health care management or public health certificate. Students may decide to pursue a certificate in a particular field, such as a healthcare policy or physical therapy graduate certificate or one pertaining to a specific job title. Job title certificates are especially common in nursing and may be available at the post-master's level, such as a certified nurse midwife or family nurse practitioner. Some of these certificate programs may take closer to 2 years to complete due to the more advanced skills training, such as a family nurse practitioner program. Other certificate programs, such as ones in healthcare management, may be completed in as few as 8 months. There are several graduate certificate programs in nursing and healthcare that are available in online formats.
Graduate Certificates in Psychology
Psychology graduate certificates are typically designed to further one's knowledge in a specific specialization area of the field for mid-career advancement or further job qualifications. However, there are graduate certificates in general psychology or other broader areas, such as behavioral science, available. These general certificate programs may include electives that allow students to personalize their program to align with specific career goals. Depending on their interests, students can pursue graduate or post-master's certificates in areas such as family studies, domestic violence prevention, addictions, industrial organizational psychology, or health psychology. These specialized certificate programs focus on advanced theories and skills in the particular subfield. Some of these psychology certificate programs can be completed in about 1 year, and some may be available fully online. Usually, graduate certificate programs in psychology do not lead to certification as a professional psychologist. However, some programs, such as a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) may prepare students for professional certification exams.
