Q&A with the Experts: Talking Certificates and Degrees with Melissa Feuer

Making a major career change, a slight career shift, or even returning to a previous career often requires new and updated skills. Two popular choices for working adults are evening, weekend, or online graduate programs or certificate programs.

I met Melissa Feuer, Executive Director of Student Engagement for The George Washington University College of Professional Studies (CPS), while conducting my own  “informational meeting” ( See June issue of Career Savvy) when I was transitioning into the careers field.  Melissa leads the student and career services for the CPS, which is specifically geared toward working professionals and offers both certificate programs and degrees. She agreed to answer some common questions about certificate and degree programs.

Q. Can you explain the main differences between a certificate program and a degree program? 

Post-graduate certificate programs are designed to provide students with specific information they need to advance in a field. They contain fewer credits than master’s programs, therefore take less time to complete. Often the course material and professors are the same as in related master’s degree programs; certificate students take the “core” part of the master’s program, and the master’s students complete additional coursework. 

Q.What should people think about when choosing between a certificate program and a full degree? 

I always advise potential students to think about their goals and what qualifications potential employers in the field desire. Some employers value certificates sufficiently, as it confirms to them that this candidate has the knowledge and skills to do the job. Other employers additionally value the discipline and dedication a student demonstrates when obtaining a master’s degree in such a field. It is incredibly helpful to talk to people in the field who are responsible for hiring or have experience seeing the hiring patterns in their organization before making an investment in any post-graduate program. 

Q.  A number of different organizations offer certificate programs, including universities, community colleges, and even professional associations. What criteria or what should people think about when choosing a certificate program that meets their needs? 

Keep in mind that when a professional association offers coursework, it is not credit-based and will most likely not be transferable to another learning institution if the individual decides to pursue further education in the future. 

People who think they could be interested in a master’s degree at some point should look into certificate programs at accredited institutions. They should always keep in mind their career goals and what type of program fits best with those goals. Talking to others in the field who have achieved those goals is critical. 

Q. What should people keep in mind when they are deciding between an in-person certificate or degree program and an online certificate or degree program?

Online education is a terrific advancement that allows people to enroll in excellent programs regardless of location. But people don’t realize how much work and discipline online programs require. 

Most online programs run at a quick pace, with constant upcoming deadlines, little time in between courses, and somewhat limited instructor interaction, depending on the program. Students who are self-motivated, comfortable with technology, and possess excellent time management skills do very well in online programs. Others who feel they need personal contact to stay motivated and excited about their learning may prefer the in-person environment. 

Thanks, Melissa! 

Melissa Feuer leads the student services and career services teams at the George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS). The CPS offers undergraduate, post-graduate certificate, and master’s programs that address the competency requirements of adults working in emerging and rapidly changing professions.

If you're interested in getting some personalized feedback on certificates or degrees you may want to pursue, please feel free to contact Phaedra at info@resumesandcareerstrategies.com to learn about her complimentary, no-obligation consultation.