Which is better associates or certificate

Forgot your password? Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive mail with link to set new password. This search is limited to articles published in the last three years. For a more comprehensive search of every issue, please visit our digital magazine page. Type your search term above. How valuable are certificates and associate degrees? Black and Latino students remain overrepresented in certificate and associate degree programs.

By: Matt Zalaznick January 28, A new study sheds more light on the earning potential of associate degree and certificate holders, such as these graduates of Maryland's Howard Community College.

Many students enter the continuing education arena with the belief that an associate degree program and a certificate program are the same thing. While associate degree programs may prepare a student to obtain certification in their chosen area or career field, it is not the same thing as a certificate program. In general, an associate degree encompasses a varied educational platform that requires courses specific to your degree concentration in addition to general education courses.

Certificate degrees are extremely focused in their objective s and are related to a specific job or career niche. Besides this general difference, there are three main differences between the two: the requirements to begin the program, the length of time towards completion, and the number of transferable education units earned at the end of the program.

Requirements for acceptance : In most cases, a certificate program will have one or more requirements before a candidate may be accepted. Depending on the focus of the certification, applicants may need to have a certain level of career experience or educational experience before they can be admitted into the program. Associate degree programs differ in the sense that anyone with a high school diploma, or who has passed the General Education Development GED test, may begin an AA program.

If you have work experience and are interested in a management position, you might benefit from a degree, which is a requirement for many upper-level positions. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Finding a Job.

What is a certificate? What is a degree? Certificate vs. Time commitment. How to choose between a certificate and a degree. Determine how quickly you need to earn your credentials. Think about balancing work and school. Consider the field you want to work in. Plan how far you want to advance in your career.

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