You can earn a certificate degree either in preparation for a career, or to help further your career by refining your skills or learning new ones. Many certificate degrees can be earned online, or if you prefer one-on-one instruction, you can enroll in a certificate degree program in a traditional classroom setting.

You can learn both basic skills and more advanced, specialized methods by earning a college certificate degree online or in the classroom. Certificate degree programs types and styles include:

1. An in-person or online university certificate degree
2. Degree certificates offered by technical schools
3. Online certificate programs
4. Certification through a professional association
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Earn a certificate degree from a university

Many traditional, four-year universities offer certificate programs in everything from child development to management to computer science. Most of these universities offer both an in-person option and college certificate degree program online.

I recommend: Penn State University offers both graduate and undergraduate level certificates through its World Campus. Its certificate programs include subjects like corporate communication, project management and applied statistics. Duke University offers several professional certificates through its Continuing Studies program. The certificates offered include nonprofit leadership, human resource management, financial planning, technical communication and many others.

Compare certificate programs offered by technical schools

Vocational and technical schools specialize in certificate degree programs. Their programs include everything from computer programming to healthcare to automotive maintenance, and they offer a wide range of on-site and online business certificate programs.

I recommend: ITT Technical Institute offers certification and degree programs at its many locations around the country, or online. Programs range from computer forensics to project management to computer drafting and design. Or you can choose a local technical institute, such as Metro Technology Centers in Oklahoma City. Metro Tech offers certification in everything from architecture and construction to information technology to welding.

Find certificate degree programs online

Some institutions focus primarily or exclusively on web-based certification. You can learn at your own pace, and in any setting, whether it's at home, at work or even while traveling.

I recommend: The University of Phoenix offers online certification in business topics such as mediation, accounting and project management. Capella University offers online graduate certification in several areas, including human resource management, project management, nonprofit management, health care administration and criminal justice.

Earn a certificate degree through your professional association

Many professional associations offer certification programs designed to help members advance their careers. These certification programs cover both the basics and more advanced and specialized subjects, and many are available online.

I recommend: The Construction Management Association of America offers training and certification in construction project management. The American Management Association offers a series of seminars leading to its Certificate of Management Excellence.

Meet with your students frequently to help them determine what type of education they need to pursue in order to begin the career of their choice. Explain the benefits of each college certificate degree program online if they're interested in such a program and discuss benefits campus life may offer.

Explain the differences in each of the certificate degrees and create a dialogue about the expectations the students should have when they receive their certificate. Discuss the professional opportunities that will be available to them so they can tailor their education to the vocation of their choice.

1. Encourage students to consider a college certificate degree online.

2. Examine vocational degree certificates.

3. Explain the benefits of a business certificate degree program.

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Pick from among accredited online certificate programs

Create a list of online certificate programs the students are interested in and help them make a side-by-side comparison. Each educational center can provide you with statistics regarding graduation rates and job placement success rates for their facility to help students determine which program is best for them.

I recommend: University of Massachusetts has several certificate degree programs online available in a variety of subjects, including software development and design as well as criminal justice. Washington State University offers online certificate programs in early childhood development, organic agriculture and other popular career paths.

Compare certificate programs available from vocational schools

Show students the variety of options that are available to earn a certificate in the vocation of their choice. Vocational schools are a great way for students to earn a certificate and begin their career with the education they need to succeed. The variety of vocational schools available ensure your students can tailor their education to meet their specific goals.

I recommend: Rasmussen College offers a variety of vocational certifications both online and in a number of campuses located throughout the country. ATI Technical Training Center is prepared to help students earn a certificate degree in automotive repair, HVAC or any other of their certificate programs.

Educate students on the option of a business certificate degree

Explain to your students the versatility of a business certificate. With the solid background of business policies and principles, students who choose this path can expect a well-rounded education that'll help them break into the business of their choice. For students who don't have a specific career in mind, a business certificate is a general education certificate that will serve them well in the future whether they go back to school or directly into the work force.

I recommend: Brown Mackie College prepares students to enter the workforce with a strong understanding and knowledge of business practices and principles. American Institute of Business provides students with the education they need to succeed in the business world.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Help your students evaluate degree certificates to ensure the schools they're considering are accredited.

There has been significant growth in the number of certificate degree programs online. As people attempt to advance their careers and make themselves more marketable, there will be an increasing demand for various programs, such as online business certificate programs.

If you're interested in finding certificate programs online, you'll want to check the cost of the program before committing. As you examine program costs, consider the following factors:

1. Online certificate degree programs vary according to the number of courses or credits you get for the price.

2. The overall tuition is only part of the cost of degree certificates; additional fees can add up quickly.

3. Some fields require advanced training that goes beyond the initial college certificate degree program online.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare certificate programs and their costs

Before settling on any particular certificate program, it's best to compare the costs for various programs so that you get your money's worth. First, you should make a list of prospective programs, then list off the costs of each program and the number of credits you get for the cost.

I recommend: University of California San Diego Extension International Programs offers several certificates, which cost anywhere from $100 to $12,200. University of California Riverside also offers numerous certificate programs. Tuition for each program is listed on the "dates and fees" page.

Evaluate scholarship and tuition savings opportunities for a college certificate degree online

Many institutions provide scholarships to lure students to their campuses. Some even discount tuition periodically, to encourage more students to enroll.

I recommend: Walden University periodically offers limited-time scholarships and tuition savings opportunities for particular programs. Students must meet certain eligibility requirements, but the savings on cost can make it easier for you to earn a certificate degree. Westwood College offers a high school scholarship program dedicated to motivated high school seniors.

Compare accredited online certificate programs and their hidden costs

It is not uncommon for hidden fees to appear here and there. Unfortunately, hidden fees accumulate and before you know it, it's as if you're paying for an extra course. Some schools hide costs in these fees, making tuition appear lower, while fees are pushed higher.

I recommend: Devry does a good job of explaining their tuition and fee structure. They lay out all additional expenses, including a student services charge and the costs of textbooks, supplies, and specialized equipment. Capella University also details various fees, including application fees, transcript fees, prior learning assessment fees, and graduation fees.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with the company you work for to see whether they provide tuition assistance for employees who want to earn certificate degrees.
• •  If you're retired from or active in the military, you may qualify for special discounts that will help you earn your university certificate degree online.

Certificate degree programs can prepare you for a new career or enhance skills in your existing career by teaching detailed job skills or concepts, either in a classroom environment or online at your convenience. If you are planning to use a certificate degree program to enhance your existing job skills, it is wise to consult with your organization to verify that they recognize the program you plan on enrolling. One can complete certificate degree programs in areas such as health, accounting, business, management and information technology.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Paralegal certificate degree

A paralegal certificate prepares one for a career in the legal profession by providing education on legal terminology, court processes and legal software such as PACER, Westlaw and CaseMap.

I recommend: For information on paralegal certificate degree programs, refer to the Boston University Center for Professional Education website.

Vocational certificate degree

Vocational certificate degrees are available in a variety of specialized areas, such as financial investigations, medical transcription, Internet marketing, criminal justice, computer information technology, database administration, web programming and web design. They aim to prepare students for direct entry into a career field.

I recommend: Refer to the Rasmussen Online website to see examples of vocational certificate degree programs.

Business certificate degree

Business certificates offer those entering the field opportunities to gain education on business practices (such as office etiquette), procedures and use of software such as Microsoft Office. Those already working in the field can also benefit from business certificates by completing management programs.

I recommend: For information on business certificate degrees, refer to the Brown Mackie College website.

Professional association certificate degree

Professional associations and organizations may offer courses related to the field that enable members to earn certificates as part of their professional development program. While continuing education is an option for some associations and organizations, for others, it is mandatory in order for members to stay abreast to changes in the industry.

I recommend: To see an example of certificate degrees offered by a professional organization, refer to the Construction Management Association of America website for information on their Professional Construction Manager Certification program.

Graduate certificate degree

Graduate certificate degrees enable professionals to continue their education by taking a course related to their line of work in which they earn a certificate upon course completion, or by enrolling in a more intensive program which involves completing several courses. Types of graduate degrees include statistics, disaster preparedness, geographic information systems, project management and supply chain management.

I recommend: Refer to the Penn State University website for a list of graduate certificate degrees they offer.

Technical certificate degree

Technical certificates provide career opportunities in fields such as information technology, drafting and design and electronics technology.

I recommend: For information on technical certificate degrees, refer to the ITT Technical Institute website.