Many considerations must be taken into account when choosing a doctoral master’s degree. To get started, it’s worth considering the time it takes, the cost, and the pros and cons of each. It is also extremely important to explore your own personal goals and the reasons why you want to pursue a graduate degree.
If you need a doctorate, like being a university professor, you have the answer. If you want to start a business and benefit from networking while you’re in school, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) might be a good idea. Consider what career you want to pursue and find out the requirements first.
Benefits of a Graduate Certificate
If you want to learn specific skills relevant to your business or want to make a complete career change, a Graduate Certificate could be beneficial For example, if you are currently working In healthcare, you can study healthcare management certification so you can transition from clinical work to administrative duties. Or, if you have a business and want to push it to grow even further, you might consider a certificate in business administration.
Time and money are the main reasons people choose to do a graduate certificate over a master’s degree. Thus, the main advantages are:
University degree rate
What is a basic degree? Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Foundation Diplomas are Level 5 work-study courses, equivalent to two years at university. They can lead directly to a career or be “promoted” through further study to a full bachelor’s degree.
How long will it last? Full-time HND/basic degrees take about two years, and part-time courses take longer.
What are the advantages of a Master?
There are several reasons why one might consider doing a master’s degree instead of a doctorate in their postgraduate studies. These include:
- It takes about a third of the time compared to a PhD and also costs less.
- This is a great way to set yourself apart from those who only have an undergraduate degree without committing to a substantial research degree.
- The ultimate goal is more career oriented than research. For example, it’s often an “easier” route to change or advance your career if it aligns with your career goals.
What is a Graduate Certificate?
Like a master’s degree, a graduate certificate is a credit-based academic qualification issued by a university. However, a graduate certificate focuses more narrowly on a specific field than a master’s degree.
Graduate certificates are a much smaller investment of time and money than a master’s degree. They are typically required to complete three to five graduate level courses. Most graduate certificates at Harvard Extension require four courses, for example.