There are many benefits to earning a bachelor’s degree, which takes about four years to complete. Often, a bachelor’s degree is required to pursue advanced careers and earn a high salary. However, there is a shift happening in higher education. While a bachelor’s degree was once the norm, it is no longer the standard expectation (or path taken) among college students. More and more individuals are going to college to pursue faster, shorter, and career-focused programs that end in a certificate award or associate degree.
In fact, research from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce found that the number of undergraduate students pursuing a collegiate certificate or associate degree (50 percent) exceeds those now pursuing a bachelor’s level education (47 percent).
There are many benefits to earning a certificate or associate degree. On one hand, these awards are quick-to-complete, typically taking two years or less. As such, the tuition costs of these programs are often less than a four-year program. On top of these perks, both associate degree and certificate programs are very career-oriented, offering candidates the skills they need to qualify for jobs in their fields (and start earning fast).
If you recognize the value of a college education, but desire a shorter path to completion, you may be considering an associate degree or certificate program. Below we discuss the details of —and differences between—these two types of collegiate awards.
What is a postsecondary certificate?
A postsecondary certificate is an undergraduate academic award offered after the completion of a career-focused program of study. These certificates are awarded by colleges, universities, vocational schools, or technical institutes, and take anywhere from several months to two years to complete. Typically, those who pursue postsecondary certificates do so to gain additional, career-specific skills and qualifications, without committing to a long-term degree program.
While postsecondary certificate programs can vary in length (and intensity), they are generally much shorter in duration than degree programs. Certificate programs are designed to provide practical training and concentrated coursework in a specific field, with a focus on helping students develop skills that are directly applicable to the workforce. Usually, students do not need to complete additional liberal arts course requirements in certificate programs, unless they apply to their field.
Like degree programs, collegiate certificate programs can prepare students for a variety of career outcomes, including jobs in healthcare, business, manufacturing, culinary arts, robotics technology, and many others. The specific requirements and curriculum of each program will depend on the institution and the field of study.
Two primary types of students pursue postsecondary certificate programs: Those who are looking to gain advanced skill sets after completing a high school diploma, and those who are looking to grow their knowledge to reach their career goals. With that in mind, some certificates are offered at the entry-level, while others (such as a certificate in Addiction Counseling) might need to be paired with additional experience or education requisites. However, both types of students share a common thread, in that they have their sights set on a particular profession or industry. For these individuals, a certificate leads to valuable credentials in the workforce. Some certificates are even stackable, meaning individuals can build upon their education and qualifications over time.
What is an associate degree?
An associate degree is a type of undergraduate academic award offered by higher education institutions, such as colleges, community colleges, technical schools, and universities. Earning an associate degree takes about two years to complete.
Associate degrees are offered in various disciplines, ranging from business to healthcare, the sciences to liberal arts. These programs of study are designed to give students the foundational knowledge and skills they need in a particular, chosen field. While they are shorter to complete than a bachelor’s degree, they still provide valuable credentials and preparation for entry-level positions in many different industries. Sometimes, an associate degree is the standard requirement to enter certain occupations, such as respiratory therapy or dental hygiene.
An associate degree can also serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree, which can be valuable for individuals who desire to enter the workforce fast but go back to school later to advance their education. For example, many registered nurses (RNs) pursue an associate degree at first, qualifying them for licensure, but later pursue a bachelor’s to increase their career and earning potential.
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Key differences between an associate degree and a certificate
Both associate degrees and certificate programs are postsecondary awards that allow individuals to earn a college education and enter the workforce fast, without a long or costly investment in school. While these two options share many similarities, there are key differences between the certificate and associate degree routes.
- Career outcomes
Associate degree and certificate programs are usually career-oriented, meaning they offer a clear path to a certain profession or industry. However, not all programs are created equal. There are associate degree programs out there that do not have a career focus, and allow students to explore different pathways or interest areas. These types of associate degrees, such as an associate degree in General Studies, are great for students who want to get started on their college trajectory or develop a versatile skillset, without a formal career path carved out.
Meanwhile, postsecondary certificate programs always have a specialized curriculum that leads to a specific career. Postsecondary certificate programs offer practical training and/or necessary testing in a certain subject, positioning students to launch their careers right after graduation.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that some careers require an associate degree: respiratory therapists, dental hygienists, funeral directors, and sonographers are just some examples. In these instances, an associate degree is a must. A certificate is simply not an option.
- Commitment
Postsecondary certificates can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years to complete. Usually, however, they fall within the six to 18-month range. Because of the narrowed focus on the curriculum, students do not spend added time in courses that don’t apply to their major. Rather, they can spend time completing workforce-focused classes and get into a career quickly. It’s for this reason that some institutions are partnering with employers to promote accelerated, career-oriented certificate programs and fill ongoing workforce demands.
Meanwhile, associate degree programs take two years to complete and usually require a full-time commitment in the classroom (on-campus or online). However, there are flexible programs available. While associate degree programs take longer than certificates, they are still a faster alternative to your traditional bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Comprehensiveness
Because associate degrees require a longer time commitment, they typically offer a more comprehensive curriculum than the average certificate program. In an associate degree program, you will cover a wider breadth of knowledge with general education courses in communication, mathematics, and the sciences. Meanwhile, in postsecondary certificate programs, you will hone in on more practical skills training related to your field. For example, those earning a certificate in Welding will spend the entirety of their program learning skills and techniques specific to that trade. There are pros and cons to both options, so it is important to do your research and decide which makes the most sense for you and your goals.
- Transferable skills
When you spend more time in school, and cover a broader range of classes, you are more likely to gain a more comprehensive knowledge base and skill set. Now, apply this thinking to the comparison of an associate degree vs. certificate program. An associate degree often includes general education courses that work to enhance one’s skills in critical thinking, written communication, computer literacy, and more. These skills can be applied across an array of industries, and will be valuable even if you decide to change career paths.
On the other hand, postsecondary certificate programs stay true to their career focus, developing the skills that will be directly applicable to the chosen career. In welding, to continue with the example above, those courses will cover topics related to welding safety, principles, machinery, and techniques. In an LPN certificate program, students will take courses that are directly related to nursing, such as clinical skills development and pharmacology. These typically cannot be applied to other career sectors.
- Requirements
Both associate degree programs and postsecondary certificate programs require the completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. While specific requirements for programs will vary, it is worth noting that certificate programs can have even more requirements than the average associate degree.
Typically, associate degree programs require a high school level education and, occasionally, a few prerequisite courses. After that, you can simply apply to the college or university of your choice!
However, postsecondary certificate programs can vary in their requirements. Some are offered at the entry level, with requirements similar to those of an associate degree program. Others, however, might require a certain level of experience, training, or education before applying. Again, be sure to research the requirements for any potential program of interest.
Collegiate certificate vs. associate degree: Which award is right for you?
Both associate degrees and certificate programs are great for those looking to earn a college education fast and get into a career they love. However, as you weigh your options, you must ask yourself which type of program aligns best with your career goals and needs. Ask yourself:
- Do I know the exact career that I want to pursue right now?
- What level of education does my dream career require?
- Will I need further education down the road and, if so, how much?
- How long can I commit to a postsecondary program, from a time and financial perspective?
- Are there programs available in my field of interest, and at what level?
Answering these questions can help you make an informed decision on the best-fit program for you. However, if you still have more questions, or wish to explore the options available at Goodwin, you can always reach out to us. Request more information online to learn more.
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Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.