Certificate vs. Degree ProgramWhich is Best for You?

Presented by: Daniella Baltimore and Justin Hasty

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About UMUC• Founded in 1947

• Member of the University System of Maryland (respected state school)

• Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

• Career-relevant academics

• Dedicated to busy professionals

• 90,000+ students

• 90+ programs

• More than ½ of our students are military affiliated

• UMUC has a rich history in delivering quality education, including trending certificate programs

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Poll Question

Time for a quick poll question!

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FAQs

• How do I know if a certificate program is right for me?

• Can certificates be transferred into a degree program?

• Is a degree more valuable than a certificate?

• Does a certificate program offer certification in a specialized area?

• Does my employer reimburse for certificate programs?

What is the end goal?Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal and professional goals. Here are some questions we frequently get asked at UMUC:

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Certificate Characteristics

• Shorter in length (12-18 credits or 4-5 courses)

• Quicker to complete

• Focus on one concentration/subject

• Shows mastery of a specific subject

• Most award college credit (not the same as CEU credits)

• May be able to transfer into a full degree program

What are the basic differences?A certificate program is a cluster of courses that focus primarily on a particular subject or concentration. There usually are no general education courses or electives in a certificate program. Basic characteristics are:

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Degree Characteristics

• Longer in length (Bachelor’s =120 credits/~40 courses, Master’s = 36 credits/~12 courses, MBA = 6 courses, 6 credits each)

• Shows mastery of a specific subject

• Includes electives and general education requirements

• Not all courses will be related to your major

What are the basic differences?A degree is an extensive program offered at 2 and 4 year institutions. The curriculum includes subjects that are not always directly related to your major. Basic characteristics are:

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Snapshot DifferencesCertificate Degree (associates, bachelor’s,

master’s doctorate)

Institutions 2 and 4 year institutions 2 and 4 year institutions

Completion Time About 1 year 2 years, 4 years, 2-3 years,4-6 years

Number of Credits (at UMUC)

12-18 120

Career Goals Professional skill enhancement or specialization

Professional fields requiring undergraduate or graduate degrees

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Certificate vs. CertificationCertificate Certification

Results from an educational program/process (includes a cluster of courses in a specialized area)

Results from assessment process (standardized test/exam)

Students can pursue a certificate, even without professional experience

Often requires a certain amount of professional experience

Awarded by an educational provider/institution Awarded by a third party, standard-setting organization(e.g., PMI, SHRM) and is accompanied by a designation after your name (e.g., PMP)

Demonstrates knowledge of content within a certain period of time

Ongoing requirements to maintain

Can sometimes be transferred into a degree program or used as a pathway to achieving a degree

No relationship to attaining higher education or degree (exception is undergrad IT program at UMUC)

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Making the Choice!How do You Decide?There are many factors to consider when making a program selection. The following can help you narrow down your choices:

• Career Change• Promotion Opportunity• Long-term goals of getting a degree• Supplemental/add-on education• Time Commitment• Enhance Resume• Cost (review tuition assistance policy)• Flexibility/Modality

UMUC Programs

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UMUC Degree ProgramsBachelor’s Degrees

• Accounting• Business Administration• Management Studies• Communications Studies• Computer Networks and Security• Cybersecurity• Human Resource Management• Marketing• Software Development and Security• Information Systems Management

Master’s Degrees

• MBA • Computer Networking• Cybersecurity Technology• HR Management• MS in Management• Project Management• Cloud Computing Architecture• Data Analytics• Information Technology• Digital Forensics

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UMUC Certificate ProgramsUndergraduate Certificates

• Computer Networking• HR Management• Management Foundations• Project Management• Spanish for Business and the

Professions• All undergraduate certificates

are 16-18 credits

Graduate Certificates

• Acquisition & Supply Chain Management•Cybersecurity Management and Policy•Cybersecurity Technology•Foundations in Business Analytics•Homeland Security Management•Information Assurance•Instructional Technology Integration•Leadership and Management•Project Management•All graduate certificates are 12-18 credits

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Alliance BenefitsDid You Know?Partner employees, their spouses, and legal dependents may be eligible for some great benefits!

• 25% tuition reduction on out-of-state tuition rates

• $50 application fee waiver• Customized portal for and their families• Primary point of contact

Thank You!