Online degrees are popular and gaining popularity because of the flexibility, convenience and potential savings they offer students. Many people can get a college education who otherwise would not and could not because of the accessibility of online degrees. In today’s economy with so many people out of work, finding affordable and quick ways to beef up a resume or get new or improved skills is in high demand. Continuing education is an option many are considering as an alternative to pursuing a degree.

Certificate programs, including online certificate programs, can provide students the kind of boost to their career they are looking for in a short period time and at a lower price than a higher degree. Due to the demand for certificates, it also seems that the quality of certificate programs (including online certificate programs) is improving, another vote for continuing education!

I talked to my friend Todd who recently got a certificate in Construction Project Management from a well known university in New York. Here’s what he had to say about his certificate experience:

How long did it take you to complete the certificate?

It took a year and a half which was the average for most students because most of them had families and jobs. An online certificate program could take even less time.

What were the requirements for the certificate program?

There were none. It seemed like the school targeted a diverse group of professionals including engineers, architects, tradespeople as well those who were just interested in the construction and/or project management.

What were the classes like?

The classes varied depending on the teacher. The teachers were adjunct professors and tended to be professionals in the field without education or teaching backgrounds. So, some teachers were good at teaching, some were not. The best classes were led by dynamic and creative teachers.

Some classes were strictly lectures, others required more student participation. The content material was at the college level, what you would find in a bachelor’s program. There was not much homework since, again, most students had families and jobs. Many classes did assign papers, group and individual projects and presentations.

Why did you pursue a certificate program?

1. I wanted to take some classes in project management because it seems like an emerging field that is not limited to any specific industry.

2. I wanted to learn more about construction project management - I had experience with the building side but not the construction management side - in order to round out my knowledge.

3. I chose a professional certificate because it seemed like the best route to re-vamping my education as far as getting the quickest and greatest potential payback.

4. The professors were professionals in their field and that meant more practical, hands-on “this is how it is” information and knowledge as opposed to a degree program which is far less practical and hands-on.

5. The class was helpful preparation for me to get my PMP (Project Management Professional) credential.

What would you like to share with people considering a certificate program?

1. Find out if that particular program allows you to transfer credits to a degree program in the future.

2. Talk to former students about the quality of the program and the best teachers.

3. Learn about the relationship of the department offering the certificate program. The closer they are to the school, the better the quality of the education. Look to see if the program is advertised and promoted in the regular catalog alongside the degrees or if it is a separate school (continuing studies). Smaller universities will not likely have a separate school.

4. Take advantage of the opportunity to network with teachers and classmates alike. More than in a degree program, certificate students are networking and looking for work and one professor even encouraged students to exchange business cards since at least one person would get a job out of the class.

5. Consider taking it online, especially if it is less expensive and at a reputable school.