Bachelor’s degrees are a minimum requirement for most professional positions, but more people than ever are pursuing additional certificates — or only earning certificates to enter a new field.
If you’ve grown up hearing that you should “get a degree or get left behind,” choosing between a degree and a certificate can be a tough decision when you’re looking to advance their career. Understanding the differences in time, cost, skills gained, and industry value can help you decide which path is right for you.
While both certificate and degree programs are designed to build knowledge and career readiness, they differ in scope, structure, and how they are recognized by employers and academic institutions.
A certificate is a focused educational program that helps learners develop specific skills or competencies in a defined subject area. Certificates are often designed for career advancement, upskilling, or reskilling rather than broad academic study.
This should not be confused with a certification, which is a professional credential that verifies your competence in a specific role or skill set, usually through an exam. Certifications are often issued by industry or professional organizations rather than schools, and many require ongoing renewal or continuing education to stay active. Examples include a teaching license or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential, which both require regular renewal.
Most professional certificates entail or result in:
Certificates may be offered by accredited universities or through continuing education divisions. While certificates themselves are not degrees, those issued by accredited institutions are widely recognized by employers as evidence of industry-standard, job-relevant expertise. Some certificates offer academic or extension credits, while others are non-credit but still valued in the workplace.
A degree is a comprehensive academic credential awarded by an accredited college or university after completing a formal, multi-year program of study. Degree programs provide foundational knowledge, theoretical understanding, and the ability to develop broad skills over a longer period of time.
Degrees typically entail or result in:
Degrees are regulated through institutional and programmatic accreditation bodies and are widely recognized across industries, employers, and licensing organizations. In many fields, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is a prerequisite for certain positions or professional licenses.
Both certificates and degrees can lead to fulfilling career paths and lucrative job progression. The choice to pursue a professional certificate or a degree may simply come down to how long it takes to complete and how much it costs. In general, certificates are faster and more affordable, making them ideal for skill-building or career shifts, while degrees require more time and investment but provide deeper, widely recognized credentials.
Professional certificates can be completed in anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the program and pace. Online and self-paced formats enable learners to fit coursework around work and life.
Certificates generally cost less than degrees, often ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. They offer a lower financial barrier while delivering specific, career-relevant instruction.
Degree programs typically take several years to complete: two years for an associate degree, four years for a bachelor’s, and one to three years for a master’s. Part-time or online options can extend this timeline.
Degrees are a larger investment, with two- to three-figure tuition prices ranging widely depending on the institution and program type. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may help offset costs, but overall expenses are significantly higher than most certificate programs.
Whether you earn a certificate or degree can influence the types of roles you qualify for, as well as your earning potential. Here’s how they compare across several fields:
Before embarking on a new educational or training journey, it’s imperative that you understand current industry standards and employer expectations. Then, you can choose the pathway that aligns with your field, role ambitions, and the skills employers are actively seeking.
Certificates can help you enter a field quickly or pivot into a new specialization without a long-term commitment. They’re especially valued in fast-changing industries, such as technology, healthcare, and digital marketing, where new tools and practices evolve rapidly. Employers often see certificates as proof of specific, job-ready skills.
Degrees, on the other hand, signal a broader knowledge base with a stronger foundation in theory, as well as critical thinking and leadership skills. They are typically preferred for professional roles in education, engineering, healthcare, and business leadership. Many employers require degrees for advanced positions or licensure.
There is no rule that says you can’t earn both. In fact, pursuing a certificate after earning a degree in the same field can signal to employers that you’re dedicated to improving your skill set. Conversely, if you wish to move away from the field in which you earned your degree, a certificate can enable you to switch careers and potentially prepare you for further education.
Not sure which to choose to achieve your career goals? It might help to weigh the pros and cons. Keep in mind that some of these may not apply to your situation or have any significant impact on your decision.
Deciding between a certificate and a degree comes down to your career goals, timeline, budget, and the skills you need to develop. Both paths have unique advantages depending on your situation.
Consider a certificate if:
Professional certificate curricula are often updated more frequently than degree programs to reflect current industry trends. They provide a competitive edge by equipping learners with the most relevant skills and knowledge while demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning. Many employers reward certificate holders with new responsibilities, promotions, or salary increases.
However, you should consider a degree if:
There is ample research that demonstrates that bachelor’s degree holders tend to have higher lifetime earnings than those with only professional certificates. However, this is highly field-dependent; those with certificates who work in technical fields may earn significantly more than those with bachelor degrees in liberal arts, for example.
As mentioned previously, education doesn’t have to be an either/or decision. Many learners start with a certificate to gain targeted skills quickly and then decide to pursue a degree to expand their knowledge and credentials. Alternatively, degree holders may pursue certificates to specialize in a niche area or stay current with evolving industry trends.
Here are some tips for pursuing one following the other:
No matter what field or industry you’re in, combining certificates and degrees can provide a flexible, strategic pathway to career advancement and fulfillment.
The University of San Diego offers dozens of certificates through the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. With options spanning education, business, engineering, healthcare, and more, you can upskill or reskill on your own timeline in a flexible online format. Explore all of USD’s certificate programs and courses today:
Is a certificate better than a degree?
Neither is universally better. Certificates provide targeted skills and faster entry into the workforce, while degrees offer broader knowledge and often higher earning potential. The best choice depends on your career goals, timeline, budget, and industry requirements.
Can I get a job with just a certificate?
Yes. Many fields hire candidates with professional certificates, especially for specialized roles or skills-based positions. Certificates can also help advance your current career.
Which is faster: certificate or degree?
Certificates are generally faster to complete, often taking weeks to months, while degrees typically require 2–4 years of study. Certificates are designed for quick skill-building, whereas degrees provide in-depth education.
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