Online Certificate Programs 2023

Online Certifications

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Certificate programs prepare students to work in a specialized trade or update their professional skills. These programs teach practical skills and training for a specific career. Learners may complete a certificate program to gain career training as a resume booster, increase their salary potential, or learn more about technological advances in their field. 

Certificate programs appeal to both undergraduate and graduate students. Students who hold a high school or GED diploma can pursue undergraduate certificate programs to gain entry-level positions within a specific field. Alternatively, students with bachelor's or master's degrees can advance their skills with graduate certificate programs. 

A college education can cost thousands of dollars per semester. Students can spend far less on a certificate program. Certificates also allow students to circumvent graduate school and save money if they already hold a bachelor's degree.

The earning potential relative to the low cost of a certificate program can offer lucrative career opportunities. For example, construction and building inspectors earn a median salary of $67,700 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Similarly, pipefitters and plumbers earn a median annual salary of $61,550.

Online Certificate Program: Frequently Asked Questions

Best Online Certificate Programs 2022

What Are the Goals of a Certificate Degree?

Career training and continued education offers value in all industries, especially as technology continues to evolve. Certificates could boost learners' opportunities in fields such as business, healthcare, and technology.

Since certificate courses develop a narrow skill set, students should use their certificate program to apply actionable skills in an array of industry-related topics. Some certificate programs dive more deeply into the subject or help learners develop a more refined skill set. No matter what the certificate program entails, certificate training goals should elevate performance in students' field of choice.

Students can earn a certificate in various niche areas, including business, healthcare, technology, criminal justice, and arts and design. Students can also pursue a certificate in education, skilled trades, social services, health and fitness, and hospitality. All classes aim to elevate student skills in these specializations.

Why Get a Certificate Degree Online?

Certificate-holders can point to many professional and personal benefits to pursuing a certificate program. Learners may want to earn an online certificate for the following reasons.

What Are the Requirements for a Certificate Degree?

Admission requirements for online affordable certificate programs vary depending on the program. Students may not need to submit as much official documentation for a certificate program compared to a degree program.

Official documentation may require students to prove that they possess a high school or GED diploma and offer proof of age. Individuals under the age of 18 may not apply in some cases. Alternatively, applicants for graduate-level certificate programs may need to show proof of a bachelor's degree, offer graduate test scores, and/or show applicable professional experience.

Certificate-seekers will only learn the practical skills taught in that program. For example, a construction and building inspector certificate program teaches students how to inspect construction sites and buildings to ensure that the structures meet all required codes and regulations.

Learners may need to demonstrate required competencies, such as through examinations.

Scholarships for Certificate Degree Students

With a little research, certificate-seekers can find scholarships to help fund their studies. Below, we offer a few scholarship examples for students pursuing an online certificate program.

Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock worked in college admission for 12 years and writes for numerous publications, including "The Journal of College Admission." Her website, College Money Tips, helps families smoothly navigate the college search process. She currently works as a freelance writer and financial editor, covering higher education, college savings and personal finance.