certificates?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by JH50, Dec 11, 2005.

Loading...
  1. JH50

    JH50 Member

    There has been some talk lately on this topic. Do they mean anything on a resume? Personally, the eCornell Supervisor Skills certificate program seems very appealing, but is very pricey. Are they worth the cost, or are you better off just going for a Masters degree. Thanks!
     
  2. DesElms

    DesElms New Member

    If you've read the "some talk lately on this topic," around here, then you know that a certificate can be useful:
    1. for someone with no degree at all who simply wants to evidence some study in a certain area which may be useful in a job or to impress an employer... but without going out and getting an entire degree (a certificate's worst use, in my opinion); or,
    2. for someone who has a degree (usually a bachelors degree) in one area, and would like to evidence additional study -- often an additional major's worth -- at the same level as said degree (or, if it's a bachelors, then at an immediately post-graduate level, but not quite at the level of a full masters), and which is in a completely different area from said degree (a certificate's best use, in my opinion.).[/list=a]Item b., above, instead of a second bachelors degree, which is often the impulse of bachelors degree holders in, say, something like criminology, but who would like to evidence additional study in management, as well... or so was the specific case in the "some talk lately on this topic" around here, to which you refer. Said "talk" occurred because the question of whether a certificate "atop" a bachelors looked better on a resume than two bachelors degrees.

      The easiest, most-no-nonsense, no-screwin'-around way of a holder of a bachelor of science in criminology evidencing that s/he's no slouch in management, either, would probably be to go straight from the bachelors degree into the chosen MBA program. However, if s/he would like to get the management onto the resume more quickly, probably more easily (since the study would be at the undergrad level), and in a way that's clearly sort of "connected to" or "added-on to" the primary bachelors degree, a certificate is perfect... and is, actually, precisely the use for which most of them were created.

      Affordability is a huge consideration, as always. The eCornell certificates are expensive; and if chosen over a somewhat less expensive equivalent credential from a somewhat less famous school, the difference in price could be chalked-up to the name recognition of an impressive place like Cornell versus a somewhat more affordable credential from somethingoranother state university.

      Just because it's education we're talking about, here (rather than cars or air conditioners), doesn't mean that the old adage, "[y]ou get what you pay for" doesn't, to some degree (no pun intended), still apply.
     
  3. JH50

    JH50 Member

    Ok DesElms,

    Let me give you my scenario and tell me what you think. I am awaiting a promotion (anytime after Jan 1st - currently sitting at #1 on the list) and a baby (due at the end of January :) ). I desire a MCJ but realize that now is not the time.

    I have been examining the eCornell route as it would provide a foundation for learning for my future role and I am also thinking that it could supplement the MCJ. Most programs I have looked at don't cover leadership. It can also be completed in 6 months.

    I have no desire to pursue and MBA and I am not sure how relevant it is in law enforcement. A Masters in Public Administration is more applicable in my opnion.

    So in my scenario, is a certificate worth it?

    As always I appreciate the input.
     

Share This Page