How are professional certificates different from degrees?
Written by: Janice Mejías Avilés, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo
Published: May 13, 2025
Professional certificates and degrees are academic programs that help you build the skills needed for your career but serve different purposes.
Explore how they compare and which option might suit your goals.
Explore professional certificate programs
What is a professional certificate program?
A professional certificate program is a series of college courses that help learners develop specific skills in a particular field. These programs typically last a few months and award a university-issued certificate upon completion, validating expertise in the chosen subject area.
Although professional certificate programs typically have open enrollment — little to no admissions requirements — they are ideal for individuals who already have an academic foundation and want to build upon it or aim to learn new skills for a career change.
What is a degree?
A degree program provides a comprehensive postsecondary education in a broad study area rather than focusing on a single skill or topic. Programs include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
These programs combine general education, major-specific courses, and electives that cover foundational knowledge and specialization. Graduates earn a degree, an academic credential often required in specialized career paths, such as nurse practitioners, data scientists, and information security analysts.
Professional certificates vs. degrees
Professional certificates and degrees share a common goal: helping you build skills to improve your career opportunities. These programs provide college-level education, which may improve job prospects and earning potential.
According to a 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, workers with some college education or an advanced degree reported higher median weekly earnings and lower unemployment rates.
However, both programs offer distinct benefits and target specific types of learners.
Professional certificate programs may be suited for workers seeking to upskill or reskill quickly, while degree programs may be a better option for roles that require foundational knowledge or advanced subject matter expertise.
Professional certificate programs focus on targeted skills and typically take 2–10 months to complete, with costs ranging from $500–$1,500 on edX.
Advanced degree programs delivered by edX provide comprehensive academic training. They take 4–8 years to complete, and costs vary widely by institution and program length, from $10,000–$200,000. Be sure to check individual program costs for specific details.
How to decide between a professional certificate and a degree
When deciding whether to enroll in a professional certificate vs. a degree program, here are things to consider:
- Research job postings for the roles you're interested in: Look at the required education, proficiency, or experience to understand which program aligns with your career goals. For example, some roles specify a bachelor's degree, while others prioritize industry-specific expertise.
- Examine your career aspirations: For instance, if you want to become a computer and information research scientist, you'll need at least a master's degree. On the other hand, a professional certificate program may be sufficient if you already hold a bachelor's degree and want to explore artificial intelligence fundamentals or transition into a data science role.
- Reflect on how much time you can dedicate to your studies: Advanced degrees, such as bachelor's or master's programs, are time-intensive — bachelor's degrees typically take 4 years, and master's degrees range from 18–36 months. Professional certificates, in contrast, can often be completed in a few months.
- Compare the costs of each option: Professional certificates are generally more affordable. While employers may require degrees for advanced roles, professional certificates may enhance your credentials if you already hold a degree.