A recognized university or college confers a degree to a student on successful completion of the program. Associate's, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees are the common degree programs. Degree programs are attained in core subjects such as English, science, math, history and philosophy. Certificate programs make a student “job-ready” by providing essential knowledge and skills required for a job. A student takes up series of courses to complete a certificate program. Trade schools and other similar educational institutions award certificates on successful completion of a course of study.
Degree programs focus on academics and help students widen their knowledge base. The core subjects in a degree program offer a rounded education, where students get exposed to diverse topics and subjects. A mathematics degree program, for example, would also include studies in English, science and other topics in the initial years of the course. Certificate programs help an individual to specialize in a trade or business. These are job-oriented and include workshops and other practical experiences in addition to classroom training.
A bachelor’s degree takes about three to four years for completion. It includes a major, electives and general education courses. A master’s program requires one or two additional years of academic study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Students undergo research training and present a research paper at the end of a doctoral program. To enroll in a doctoral degree program, candidates must possess a postgraduate degree. As a general rule, students can earn a certificate in less than a year. However, there are higher level certificate programs that take more than a year to complete.
A degree program, though it does not guarantee a job, prepares an individual for multiple careers instead of a single field or position. Degree programs lay a foundation for higher education, and many career positions require an individual to possess a bachelor's degree as minimal education. For example, individuals with a degree in economics may find employment at investment banks or even marketing firms. However, a certificate holder would not usually be deemed eligible to even apply for these jobs. Earning a degree opens doors for more opportunities than a certificate program. Certificate programs help candidates with recognized degrees change careers or get promoted at their current jobs.