Boost your career with professional degrees and certificates

In today’s fast-paced and competitive job market, staying relevant is key to career growth. Whether you’re looking to move up in your current field, shift to a new industry or enhance your skill set, a professional degree or certificate may be a good option. 

A professional degree is a specialized graduate-level degree focusing on real-world applications and skills needed to enter a particular career path. A certificate is an academic credential that provides specialized knowledge and skills in a specific field.

We talked with Anna Denucci, enrollment coach and director of the UW–Madison Continuing Studies student call center, about what to look for when considering professional degrees and certificates.

How can someone assess whether a professional degree or certificate is necessary? I recommend reviewing job positions or LinkedIn profiles of people working in roles you are interested in. Identify the required skills, credentials and experience needed. Informational interviews can also provide valuable insights. If you don’t have a specific professional goal, pursuing a degree or certificate to meet personal academic goals is also beneficial! Certificates are useful for learning new concepts that may be helpful in your career, or new technology like AI or UI/UX design.

What are the key benefits of earning a professional degree or certificate? Professional degrees and certificates could help you learn and expand applicable skills for career development. Credentials from accredited institutions can enhance your resume, demonstrating initiative and drive to meet your goals. These programs also expand your professional network and add new projects and skills to your portfolio.

What factors should individuals consider when deciding between a degree versus a certificate? Consider your time and financial situation before committing to a degree. If you’re unsure about a full master’s program, start with a certificate to ensure completion and gain credentials. Your experience might make a specialized certificate more beneficial than a full degree. Ensure the program’s benefits outweigh potential negatives like time away from your family or tuition costs. Finally, seek advice from trusted colleagues, managers and family members.

What are the financial and time commitments involved in pursuing these qualifications? Each program has its own tuition price per credit, so consider how you’ll fund it. Scholarships, federal aid, employer and military benefits may be available, but vary by student and program. Prepare to spend at least 2-3 hours studying per credit each week. For a 3-credit course, plan for 6-9 hours weekly. This can vary by program and study habits, so ensure you have the time to commit and succeed.

What role do employers play in supporting or recognizing professional degrees and certificates? Some employers offer education benefits or professional development stipends to support  employees. A supportive manager might also help by allowing flexible time for school or checking in on your progress. This varies by company and manager, but many fields encourage continuing education. Connecting with your employer shows your commitment to self-improvement and your field.

Denucci said learners should look for accredited organizations and universities to ensure the degree or certificate holds value. Check program rankings, too. Evaluate the curriculum, credits, resources and support to determine if the program meets your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to talk to me about your options!

For information on UW–Madison professional degrees and certificates, see pdc.wisc.edu.

The Lifelong Learner is a monthly feature written by UW–Madison’s Continuing Studies staff. This article originally appeared in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 13. Beth Jaggers, academic advising manager, can be reached at [email protected].