Can’t decide between earning a professional certificate or a master’s degree? Both options can fulfill career and hiring requirements, broaden your intellectual horizons and even lead to salary increases.
But if you’re looking to advance your career quickly and at a lower price point, a professional certificate is the way to go. Do you need to get up to speed in new or quickly evolving industries, such as project management, data analysis or digital marketing? Are you re-entering the workforce and need to get current with what’s happening in your field? A certificate just might be your solution.
And that’s what a lot of adult learners are heading toward: In the U.S., more than 1 million certificates are awarded each year. By comparison, there were 880,200 master’s degrees awarded by post-secondary institutions in 2021–22, with the most popular fields being business (205,751), education (151,707), and health professions and related programs (141,978), according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
There’s obviously quite a draw toward certificates. Why, you ask?
Forbes has an answer:
“With a shorter, more focused certificate, you can refine your skills in a particular area or close a gap in your knowledge. Certificates allow you to stay competitive in a constantly changing market by keeping on top of developments in your industry, such as new technology or environmental considerations, without going back to school for a full degree.”
There are benefits to earning a certificate over a master’s or doctorate degree, including:
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More flexibility
If you’re working full time, earning a certificate may fit into your schedule better. While a certificate still requires dedication and a time commitment, you can take just one course at a time and complete the program at a slower pace. Plus, many professional certificates have courses offered online, allowing you to complete one from anywhere. -
Time efficiency
Certificates typically require less time to complete as compared to degrees. A certificate program can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, usually allowing no more than five years to finish. -
Cost-effective
Generally costing less than degree programs because they require fewer courses and less time, certificates tend to be more affordable and accessible—especially for working professionals or those on a tight budget. -
Specialized areas of study
You develop expertise in your choice field and acquire knowledge and practical skills that can be immediately applied to your work or toward your career goal. -
Industry and employer recognition
Prove your skills and stay up-to-date with industry standards, leading to faster job opportunities or promotions. -
Aid in career transitions
When changing careers to a new industry or role or if you already have a degree in another field, a certificate provides a more direct way to gain the relevant skills.
Certificates to Meet Many Needs
We offer certificate programs designed for learners of all ages who may or may not have completed a bachelor’s degree and who want to acquire the knowledge and skills to either apply for grad school or to advance or change their career. Our courses and programs combine theory with practice, and are taught by leading industry professionals. For example, most courses are project based where each class session engages you in meaningful discussions. You’re immediately applying theory to real-world scenarios—operational knowledge to take back to the job.
This was true for Swapna Savant, a Certificate Program in Leadership and Management graduate: “The curriculum was relevant to my work, and the interaction with both the instructors and fellow students was enriching. We had regular group projects and discussion forums, which allowed us to apply our learning in real time and learn from each other's experiences and perspectives. The lessons I learned from the certificate were immediately applicable.”
Swapna, like many others, utilized the certificate to boost her learning of business areas that were not specifically included in her degree background.
But as Audrey Mickahail of Opportunity at Work points out in The Future of Work podcast, approximately half of the U.S. workforce don’t have degrees to begin with. Frequently, these workers come across barriers in their job searches brought on by a false need for a baccalaureate degree as a representation of their knowledge and experience in a field. They are instead what Audrey calls STARs, or workers who are “Skilled Through Alternative Routes.”
“Of the 140 million workers who are active in the American labor market today, 70 million of them are STARs,” she says. “And that means they have gained skills through short-term credential programs.
“STARs have a high school diploma. They, in many cases, have some college, but they have not completed the bachelor's degree.”
Related: Are Skills the New Degree?
“It's really critical for the conversation to evolve away from college-or. It's college-and,” Audrey adds. “If you want to go to college, if that's the right choice for you, if you can afford it, for a whole bunch of reasons, we are very big believers in college. And it is still a very reliable path to the middle class.
“The problem is when that becomes a drawbridge that prevents others from being able to experience some of those same opportunities. If college is your path, that's fantastic, and we would never try and dissuade anyone from pursuing a bachelor's degree. But that is not everyone's preferred pathway.”
Top Five Reasons to Pursue a Certificate
1. You can continue to work while attending classes on evenings and weekends, or asynchronously online.
2. You’ll spend less money working toward a certificate than a master’s degree, especially with an employer-reimbursement program.
3. You’ll get the training in practical hands-on skills—not just theoretical knowledge. You’ll learn the latest in tools, skills and information that reflect the realities of the job market as closely as possible.
4. You don’t have to wait for a traditional application date! You can jump into a certificate when you’re ready.
5. You can finish the majority of certificates in a year—get in, get out, get on with your career!
At its core, a certificate is grounded in a job-first mentality. It can also be a way for you to experience the field you want to pursue one course at a time.
Why Choose Our Certificates
Usually, a certificate comprises a series of courses taught by instructors who have real-world industry experience and who tailor their curriculum toward working professionals’ needs with career advancement in mind. These instructors are cutting-edge researchers or advanced professionals in their fields.
Like any division of UC Berkeley, our certificates and their respective courses follow our world-class academic standards so that you are sure to receive the high-quality education you’d expect from Berkeley.
Certificates can also refresh or build upon the skills you already obtained with a master’s degree. Or get back into the swing of learning by completing a certificate before you look at graduate-level education.
In some fields, a certificate can help you obtain a license to practice, satisfy a state or national education requirement, or become eligible for higher pay scales. For instance, going on to obtain an accounting certificate can boost your pay by 10 percent, according to Robert Half.
Pete Dillon, a Certificate Program in Accounting graduate, knew his career goals from the beginning. “During my studies at UC Berkeley Extension, I wanted to maximize two things: learning relative to work and marketability of my experience. So I immediately knew I wanted to go for the accounting certificate.”
Vrushali Patki, who completed our Certificate Program in Business Analysis, turned to us to further enhance her expertise and stay informed on the latest industry trends and best practices. As our business analysis courses align with the International Institute of Business Analysis® (IIBA) Business Analysis Competency Model®, Vrushali knew she was able to identify the areas of focus to develop skills in order to meet the needs of organizations and her own career growth.
“My goal was to leverage the comprehensive curriculum to deepen my understanding of business analysis methodologies and tools, ultimately advancing my career to the next level,” she says.
How Long Will It Take?
Earning one of our certificates typically takes one to two years, but some programs can be completed in as short as a few months. They are designed for working professionals, so you take courses in the evenings, on the weekends or online. This flexible schedule allows you to take one or a couple courses at a time—it’s up to you and your availability!
In contrast, a master’s degree typically takes two years or more and may not be compatible with full-time employment. The application process can be time-consuming and requires advance planning: GRE or other test scores are required in addition to college transcripts, and application materials are generally accepted only once per year, often as long as one year before the program begins.
Briseida Uriarte, who completed the Certificate Program in Financial Planning and Analysis, understood that we adhere to UC Berkeley’s high academic standards and appreciated being able to complete her studies according to her availability.
“The UC system is the best in the country, and UC Berkeley Extension has a program with engaging coursework in financial planning and analysis,” says the certificate graduate. “In 2021 and for the better part of 2022, my job was mostly remote, and so I took advantage of taking classes in the evenings.”
Can I Keep Working?
The flexibility to continue working differentiates certificates from many master’s degrees. The typical on-campus master’s degree takes a student out of the workforce for two years, which means not only two years of lost salary, but also work experience and retirement contributions. Certificates are also convenient if you’re changing careers, where your ideal is to continue working while you train for that new profession.
“Working a full-time job and raising two teenage boys, the program's flexibility aligns with my demanding schedule,” graduate Jessica Bonnecaze adds regarding her decision to complete our Certificate Program in Business Analysis to pivot from her previous software development roles.
Career-changer Molly Isenbarger confirms: "I wanted to balance getting enough focused education to be useful in my role without giving up my job to do a full-time student workload. I also had my first son at the time, so real life dictated the best choice for me. The length and requirements of the certificate was a great fit where I knew I would get so much learning from it, but didn’t need to commit to a full graduate degree. Especially in the accounting world, the CPA is the ultimate credential."
Or if you want to excel in your current role or advance your career in the field, which is what Justine Manaid, a graduate of our Certificate Program in Facilities Management, did.
“I appreciated the time demand of the classes, which was intense, but I knew that that would allow me to complete the program quickly. I managed to complete the certificate while fully employed, newly married and caring for my young family, nursing my newborn—all during a worldwide pandemic.”
What Will My Employer Think?
Completing a certificate shows your dedication not only to your subject area, but also to learning. You’re investing in yourself and that speaks volumes to any employer—current or future.
Clinical Research Conduct and Management graduate Elliott Asarch says, “I was able to complete the four classes in less than a year, and right afterward I was hired at a Bay Area–based medical device company in Silicon Valley called Intuitive as a clinical research associate where I support pharmaceutical clinical trials. So completing the certificate was a success. In that one year of taking classes, I was able to not only strengthen my work experience, but I also got a full-time position in the industry.
“Earning the certificate really opened doors for me,” Elliott continues. “Whether it was during a job interview or having the confidence in knowing that I can do the job and be competitive with other applicants, it was definitely meaningful.”
Shobana Ramamurthi, a Professional Program in Project Management graduate, says that completing our program gave her the skills, credibility and confidence to land a new job in the field she wanted. “A formal education in project management has made me see the big picture, and to be able to understand the objectives, strategize to create business value, and plan and execute projects successfully,” she adds.
“Professionally, the certificate is a valuable asset that enhances my qualifications and credibility in the industry,” says Himanshu Bhadra, graduate of our Data Analysis program. “It signifies that I have a solid foundation and up-to-date expertise in data analysis, which is highly regarded by employers and colleagues. The skills and knowledge I gained through the program have already had a positive impact on my current job. I am now better equipped to tackle complex challenges, implement innovative solutions and contribute more effectively to my team and organization.”
What Is My Next Step?
Remember, you are studying for the knowledge and competences you can get out of the program. Take the certificate courses gradually, course by course, as your schedule permits to gain the knowledge that comes from the classes.
The value of your certificate is definitely what you make of it, and employers see how they can also benefit from your investment in your career.
