Stupid Question about MS vs. Certificate

Hey All,

This is my first time on this forum. I am looking into getting a Masters Degree in Information Technology and would like to go for a security concentration. I would like to take online courses so my choices might be limited. I would prefer to go to a school that is accredited through the NSA (CNSS).

Now to the actual question. I am seeing a lot of schools that offer a MS degree and then also the Graduate Certificate.

What is the difference? Is the Graduate Certificate just a specification?

I would appreciate feedback on this.

Thank you,

Mike

 

A graduate certificate is generally 4-6 classes - an MS is generally 10-12 classes.

Certificates are attractive to persons who already have a MS who desire specific skills and as a resume enhancement.

Certificates are also attractive as a credential to earn "en route" to an MS - as a resume enhancement also or in case their life situation changes.

 

I've known two individuals in Government circles who enhanced their credentials with Graduate certificates, and in both cases it resulted in a substantial promotion.

For example, one lady had a BS in Management (UT San Antonio in residence), and the Graduate certificate she earned in Acquisition and Procurement (Webster University in residence) landed her a nice increase and civil service grade promotion in a contracting agency. The other individual augmented an existing MBA (UT Dallas in residence) with a Human Resources Grad certificate (not sure about the source), and was promoted in the same position to a higher grade.

Obviously not everyone has the same success, but in some cases they can add measurable value to your employment prospects.

Dave

 

I'd like to chime in with my support of the growing utility of certificates. So long as they're accompnied with a transcript to indicate exactly what they entail, they can be a very worthwhile investment. One measure of their acceptance is the cost, which sadly will knock your socks off in some cases.