1/3 of Certificate holders have Advanced Degrees

Certificate programs are an excellent way for people who are looking to change careers, improve their current work status, or increase their earning potential to keep up with the trends in their existing or future fields. Certificates allow students to gain additional knowledge, work experience, and expertise, providing certificate candidates some distinction from their peers.

According to Forbes, certificate programs can be better than a graduate degree. Here are a number of reasons why a professional certification might be right for you.

1. Smaller Commitment,

2. Faster Payback (According to the Institute for College Access and Success),

3. Better Practicum Opportunities

4. More focused

5. Up to date skills

The number of people who hold post-baccalaureate certificates has increased by more than 50% since 2005 — and the numbers continue to grow.

The growth in certificate programs is in large part due to the smaller commitments of time and money. Usually specific and subject-focused, they require taking anywhere from four to eight targeted, college level courses. They aren’t designed to be a replacement for a degree, but they allow professionals to learn new skills to move them ahead in their careers, get them up to speed in a new field, or meet state licensing requirements.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gingerdean/2017/05/31/2-reasons-why-a-certificate-is-better-than-an-expensive-graduate-degree/