Graduate certifications are a good alternative to earning a master’s degree for people who may not have the time or money to commit to earning a degree. Graduate certificates can keep students up to date on the latest industry trends and information so that they can have extensive, specialized knowledge in their field without needing to commit to earning a degree. Certificates are also good for seeking advancement in your field, so you can be sure that you are likely to get your money’s worth out of pursuing a certificate program.
The CFA
The chartered financial analyst, or CFA program, is a program offered through the CFA Institute. Earning the CFA designation can be extremely difficult, and there are a few requirements that applicants must meet to succeed in the program and earn their CFA.
First, applicants must pass each of the three levels of the CFA exam in succession, then they must acquire qualified work experience, submit professional reference letters, and finally must complete a professional conduct statement to become a member of a local CFA chapter.
The CFA is an extremely difficult exam that is given over several parts, so you should make sure that you are prepared to study. For most professionals, taking a prep course is the best way to study for the CFA exam.
The good news is that if you can somehow manage to study and pass all three levels of the CFA, you’re likely looking at more advancement opportunities and increased pay. In fact, studies show that the CFA designation increases salaries by 15-20%.
Graduate Certificate in Data Sciences — University of Michigan-Flint
This program offered through the esteemed University of Michigan allows applicants to become familiar with the always-changing field of computer science. This program is targeted at people who have already earned a B.S. in computer science, computer information systems, or other business or technical areas.
This is an extremely worthwhile certificate to earn because of the incredible Return on Investment (ROI) it offers. The field of computer science is always expanding, and always has plenty of new opportunities for people just starting in the field. Take advantage of this certificate to catapult yourself into the field of computer science so you can start making huge returns on your studies.
Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing and Innovation — North Dakota State University
This graduate certificate program offered through North Dakota State allows applicants the opportunity to expand their knowledge of digital marketing in an increasingly digital world. Stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and advances in the field of marketing to ensure that you will be able to provide timely and relevant marketing work and advice.
What sets this certificate apart from the rest is its focus on innovation in the field of marketing. Not only will you learn about the current trends and technologies that are shaping the field fo marketing today, but you will learn how to adapt to future changes.
Classroom Technology Integrationist — UMaine Online
This certificate program offered through the University of Maine Online allows students the ability to learn how to effectively integrate technology into the classroom. This is increasingly important in an educational system that places a high value on technology in the classroom. With so many innovative technologies making their way into the classroom, especially in the wake of the Coivd-19 Pandemic, it is important to be up-to-date and familiar with these technologies, and how you can use them most efficiently in a classroom setting.
As an educator, it is important to make sure that you are adapting to and using the newest technologies that are available to your classroom. Chances are, most of your students will already know the basics of the technology they will be using in class, so it’s important as an educator to make sure you’re familiar with the technology too. Taking this certification program will help you make sure you are able to teach a modern classroom with all the latest educational technologies.
Graduate Certificate in Communication and Leadership — Purdue University
This certificate program offered by Purdue University is a great program designed for applicants seeking to increase their professional potential — helping their chances of earning leadership positions in their field. This is a good general program for applicants who desire a leadership role in a variety of different fields.
This program focuses on teaching students leadership and communication skills in a professional setting. Students are offered unique perspectives and education on communicating with a diverse, multi-cultural team, and are taught how to apply the skills they learn in a real work setting. Students who complete this program can expect to be able to communicate effectively both with high-level executives and all of the different people that are a part of their team. Students will also become highly effective at maximizing productivity in the workplace.
Certificate in Applied Linguistics and TESOL — University of Technology Sydney
This language program offered by the University of Technology in Sydney is crucial for applicants seeking to teach English to non-native speakers. TESOL, also known as teaching English to speakers of other languages, is a well-known program in the field of languages.
Taking this certification program is a good way to make sure that you are staying current on the aspects of TESOL. Teaching someone a language is never easy, so getting this certification can help you make sure that you are providing your students with the best possible education. Students in this program will work with highly respected authors and specialists who will teach them the best practices of teaching English to non-native speakers and applied linguistics.
Conclusion
Graduate certificates are an often-overlooked way to go about boosting your success in your career. Graduate certificates can provide you with the most up to date knowledge and information in your field so you can be sure that you are staying on top of your game. Take advantage of the knowledge certificate programs offer to give yourself a big boost in your career without actually making the time-consuming, expensive commitment to earning a graduate degree.
