Thread: Grad certificate vs. second masters?

What's the real benefit in getting a second masters degree vs. a graduate certificate in that second area of study?

When does make more sense to get a certificate vs. an additional masters?

--
Joe Nekrasz

Originally posted by bazonkers
What's the real benefit in getting a second masters degree vs. a graduate certificate in that second area of study?

When does make more sense to get a certificate vs. an additional masters?

--
Joe Nekrasz

Not sure what you're getting at. In my own case, over the time frame of January 2, 1991 to July 29, 1992, I accumulated 49 quarter hours of graduate courses in business administration and was awarded an MBA in Entrepreneurship . Then, over the time frame of October 1992 to May (?) 1993, I accumulated an additional 12 quarter hours of graduate courses in marketing . By themselves, those additional 12 credits would have been worth a Graduate Certificate in Marketing . Or my original 34 credits of management core courses could be re-applied for a second MBA in Marketing . I figured basically everyone knew what a master's degree was while the graduate certificate sounded kind of nebulous to me and so chose the latter.

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For example:

Let's say someone earned a masters in humanities and then wanted to move more into education and needed additional coursework.

Would getting a graduate certificate in ed usually be enough or would the second masters in ed usually be required to be competetive?

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In short, I'm asking why would someone get a certificate instead of a masters in that subject. Does it just come down to less work required for the certificate?

I think in many cases you would pursue a certificate in a related subject to enhance their degree (e.g., marketing certificate to supplement the MBA ). I seem to recall a few discussions on this subject recently. There are a few variations on the "certificate" - some are academic (with degree credits), while others are intended for 'professional' development. My two cents :)

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	Argosy University Argosy University Argosy offers online Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate in Business Administration, psychology, and HR-related degrees, with many specialty degrees, including organizational psychology, exercise psychology, HR, public administration, higher education administration, and many more. Argosy also offers the same degrees and more from 19 locations across the U.S., and is a leader in the distance/online education field. Argosy has one of the largest graduate student communities in the nation, and is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Originally posted by bazonkers
In short, I'm asking why would someone get a certificate instead of a masters in that subject. Does it just come down to less work required for the certificate?

In my case, the graduate certificate would have been 12 to 18 quarter hours compared to 46 to 49 quarter hours for the full (first) MBA . So, the graduate certificate is but a fraction of a master's.

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Originally posted by bazonkers
For example:

Let's say someone earned a masters in humanities and then wanted to move more into education and needed additional coursework.

Would getting a graduate certificate in ed usually be enough or would the second masters in ed usually be required to be competetive?

If you were looking at getting into secondary education and left your bachelor's program without picking up your education major and teaching certificate, you will likely need either a full second bachelor's or second master's in education to get that teaching certificate (and, for the master's degree at least, you will need to double check for sure that the degree program you choose says certification track). If you're looking at college teaching , you won't necessarily need an education degree (unless you plan on being an education professor). However, I think I remember there being an interesting three(?)-course graduate certificate in community college teaching available via dl through D'Hills www.csudh.edu .

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	Education Degrees Education Degrees Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. The education that students acquire is key to determining the future of those students. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential. They are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods •Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree. •Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts. •Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs. Click Here to find FREE information on schools offering this course of study.

Originally posted by Ted Heiks
IHowever, I think I remember there being an interesting three(?)-course graduate certificate in community college teaching available via dl through D'Hills www.csudh.edu .

This graduate certificate is exactly what I have been seeking when I apply to graduate school next spring. I am hoping to be able to teach at a local community college while working towards an MSCS.

	Education Degrees Education Degrees Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. The education that students acquire is key to determining the future of those students. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential. They are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods •Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree. •Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts. •Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs. Click Here to find FREE information on schools offering this course of study.

Originally posted by sentinel


This graduate certificate is exactly what I have been seeking when I apply to graduate school next spring. I am hoping to be able to teach at a local community college while working towards an MSCS.

I notice you use the example of a master's in humanities. Are you a HUX grad?

Originally posted by bazonkers
What's the real benefit in getting a second masters degree vs. a graduate certificate in that second area of study?

When does make more sense to get a certificate vs. an additional masters?

--
Joe Nekrasz

I think than rather of getting a graduate certificate, I would try for a Post Master's certificate. Many schools offer this option for Master's holders as Post MBAs, Certificates of Advanced Study, or even Education Specialists. I think this would be the best option as it shows that you are going one step beyond instead of going one below (graduate certificate) or the same (another master's degree)

	George Washington University George Washington University GWU offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science; and Master’s Degrees in Education and Human Development, Paralegal Studies, Public Relations, Educational Technology Lead, MBA – Healthcare, and MPS in Security and Safety Leadership. GW University is a prestigious and well regarded school. Established in the heart of the nation's capital in 1821, GW provides innovative programs in more than 200 fields of study, including graduate certificate, master's and doctoral programs. Under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty, you will explore both theory and practice in courses that prepare you to meet the needs of an increasingly complex society. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Originally posted by bazonkers
In short, I'm asking why would someone get a certificate instead of a masters in that subject. Does it just come down to less work required for the certificate?

It's shorter and often more focused. While I would have no desire to earn a second master's degree, I could see myself earning any one of several different graduate certificates.

Also, there is value in a graduate certificate if you want to credential some experience or to move into a new field.


Tom Nixon

RFValve,

Any DL post-MBA certificates from RA institutions spring to mind? If you have any input I'd be interested, before I start googling fiendishly. Thanks.

	American InterContinental University Online American InterContinental University AIU offers Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in all the following programs: business administration (MBA, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, etc), criminal justice, computer science, information technology, healthcare administration, medical billing and coding, fine arts, and education. Special learning facilities include a learning resource center, art gallery, and computer labs. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Originally posted by bazonkers
What's the real benefit in getting a second masters degree vs. a graduate certificate in that second area of study? When does make more sense to get a certificate vs. an additional masters?

If you're a university instructor and want to be able to teach an additional subject, you need 18 postgraduate credits in it. A certificate might foot the bill perfectly, while a Master's would be too much.

-=Steve=-

I could see the benefit in pairing related degrees with a specialized Grad certificate (for example an MBA with a specialized Grad certificate such as project management, contracting, logistics management , etc).

I know that in Government (civil service) circles, a Grad certificate in a high demand area paired with an existing degree can result in a promotion.

	American InterContinental University Online American InterContinental University AIU offers Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in all the following programs: business administration (MBA, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, etc), criminal justice, computer science, information technology, healthcare administration, medical billing and coding, fine arts, and education. Special learning facilities include a learning resource center, art gallery, and computer labs. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

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