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?

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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.

 

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?

 

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

 

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.

 

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 .

 

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?

 

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)

 

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

 

Post-MBA Cert

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.

 

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.