What is the difference between a certificate and a degree?
Certificates and degrees serve distinct purposes in education and career development. Understanding their differences may help you decide which aligns best with your goals. Read on to explore their benefits, costs, and durations to help you make an informed decision.
By: Janice Mejías Avilés, Edited by: Gabriela Pérez Jordán
Last updated: June 12, 2025
Certificate vs. degree programs: What's the difference?
Certificate programs help learners build new skills or practical knowledge to advance their careers in a field or transition to a new one. The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on learning with immediate workplace applications.
Certificates are earned after completing a short educational program focused on a specific area of study. In higher education, certificate programs are typically shorter than traditional degree programs, with no general education requirements or extensive theoretical coursework.
Keep in mind ...
A certificate is an academic credential earned after completing an education program, while a certification is a professional credential granted by passing an industry-recognized exam from a national or international certifying body.
A degree is an academic credential awarded by colleges or universities after completing a program of study. Degree programs integrate general education courses with specialized study in a major or field, equipping students to pursue career opportunities in their chosen area.
Differences between certificates and degrees
While the specifics may vary by type of program, institution, field of study, and delivery format (online, hybrid, or on-campus), here's a general comparison of certificate and degree programs:
| Difference | Certificates | Degrees |
|---|---|---|
| Time commitment | 1-18 months, depending on the type of certificate program |
|
| Costs | Lower program costs that vary, but could go as low as $50 or as high as $3,500 | Higher program costs that vary by degree; eligible for financial aid |
| Requirements | Some may require a high school diploma. Most certificate programs do not have degree requirements | High school diploma or equivalent; additional prerequisites for advanced degrees |
| Curriculum | Specialized skills or knowledge | General and specialized courses |
Types of certificates
edX delivers online certificate programs that may help you gain specialized expertise and competencies to unlock career opportunities and receive a recognized credential from top universities and colleges worldwide in weeks or months.
Online certificate programs from edX include:
- Executive Education: Short-term courses (6-10 weeks) for experienced business leaders, mid-to-senior managers, and entrepreneurs. These instructor-led, cohort-based programs focus on leadership development, the latest industry insights through real-world case studies, and building professional networks.
- Professional Certificates: Self-paced, flexible programs for working professionals, from beginners to advanced learners, looking to upskill or reskill in a few weeks up to 18 months. The curriculum combines academic knowledge with practical training, focusing on in-demand skills to support new job opportunities or career changes, with a verified certificate awarded upon completion.
- XSeries: Self-paced course sequences designed for curious learners who want to deepen their knowledge of interesting and popular subjects. These programs cover innovative or in-demand fields and offer a certificate of achievement to showcase expertise.
- Courses: Free, self-paced programs for individuals seeking new knowledge in a specific topic or skill. Most courses take 4-12 weeks to complete, with the option to upgrade and earn a certificate.
edX's MicroBachelorsⓇ or MicroMastersⓇ Programs may benefit those seeking to expand into a new area of expertise without committing to an entire degree program.
- MicroBachelorsⓇ Programs: These programs provide bachelor's degree courses with transferable, stackable credits. By gradually allowing learners to build credits, these programs help reduce the time and cost of earning a traditional bachelor's degree. MicroBachelorsⓇ prepare individuals for entry-level roles or to advance their careers while paving the way for earning a full bachelor's degree through accumulated credits.
- MicroMastersⓇ Programs: These programs provide graduate-level course series that may count as credits toward eligible master's degree programs. Students who earn a MicroMastersⓇ Program certificate can apply to a full master's program and, if admitted, pursue an accelerated and more affordable master's degree.
Types of degrees
edX also offers traditional advanced degrees, such as online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs from leading universities worldwide. These programs allow students to earn a recognized academic credential while balancing work and personal commitments. They cover fields such as artificial intelligence, business, computer science, data science, healthcare, education, engineering, law, and public health.
Degree programs include:
- Bachelor's degrees typically require four years of full-time study and include general education, electives, and major-specific courses. For example, a computer science degree may include algorithms, programming languages, and software engineering coursework.
- Master's degrees are advanced programs typically completed in 1-3 years that focus on a specialization and often require a capstone project, thesis, or practicum. For instance, a master's in business administration curriculum may cover finance, leadership, and marketing topics.
- Doctoral degrees are the highest level of academic achievement, typically requiring 4-7 years of theoretical study, research, and a dissertation. These programs prepare graduates for careers in academia, research, or leadership roles in specialized fields.
Certificate vs. degree programs: Which should you choose?
Both paths may support your career goals, but choosing between certificate and degree programs depends on your objectives, your time to study while working, and your budget.
Consider whether you're looking to develop specific skills quickly for a current role or new job or want broader training for career change or flexibility.
Certificates may focus on targeted skills and faster workforce entry, while degrees typically offer comprehensive training that can be applied to various career paths.
To make an informed choice, research and compare program costs, curriculum, duration, and projected job growth in your field. Check the program's accreditation status to confirm it meets industry standards and is recognized by employers.