Here is a ring to decode the mysteries of degrees, certificates, and certifications.
- Masters: A master’s degree typically requires a year and one-half to two years of full-time study. To earn a master’s degree you usually need to complete from 36 to 54-semester credits of study (or 60 to 90 quarter-credits). This equals 12 to 18 college courses. Most master’s degrees are awarded by public or state universities.
- Microcredentials: Micro-credentials are digital certifications that verify an individual’s competence in a specific skill or set of skills.
- MicroMasters: MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses (usually between 4 and 6 courses) from top universities designed to advance your career. They provide deep learning in a specific career field and are recognized by employers for their real job relevance.
- Professional Certificate: Professional Certificate programs are series of courses (minimum number of courses is 2) designed by industry leaders and top universities to build and enhance critical professional skills needed to succeed in today’s most in-demand fields.
- Certification: This is not an academic designation. Certifications come in all shapes and subjects – from forensics to intrusion to ethical hacking. They are typically administered by independent accrediting organizations like CompTIA, EC Council, GIAC, ISACA and (ISC)2.
- Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree offered by most accredited four–year schools, including most private, public and online colleges or universities. Bachelor’s degrees are available in a wide range of academic fields. Attainment of a bachelor’s degree demonstrates that you have successfully completed a general and broad education with a focus on a specific major. Once you’ve earned you’re bachelor’s degree, you’ll gain access to a wide range of opportunities, whether you plan to continue into graduate school or enter the job market.
