Is it better to get a degree or a certification if you want to have a career in IT?

Answer 1

both

Answer 2

I think I am qualified to answer this questions because I have been in the IT field for well over a decade. You need at least a 4 year college degree just to get an interview, as beng certified means nothing without a higher education. Also, being certified will not guarantee you a job without experience, but having a Bachelors degree will at least get your resume notices and possible get you an interview. If all you have are certs, then your resume will end up in the HR trash receptacle before anyone in the IT dept even has a chance to see it. Trust me, get a college education first, as I have seen too many ceritifed people, especially consultants, in this field who don't know jack squat, let alone not having a formal college education.

A certification is "NOT" a degree. It simply states that you have passed a few exams and demostrated proficiency in the subject matter which you are certified for, be it Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, Oracle, Solaris, etc. Having an IT certification will not prepare you for working in a corporate environment, as the ability to speak and write well is something that requires a higher education. I have run into so many certified "IT professionals" who couldn't write a technical manual if their careers depended on it, simply because they lack the skills.

An IT professional is not just a techie, it is a "profession" and any professional must have a higher education.

Answer 3

I have pondered that myself for a long time. In each case their are benefits and drawbacks.
A degree has the added benefit, that if, in the future, you should become unsatisfied, you have some good credits to pursue another area. It is usually a tad more expensive, but with financial aide it could be cheaper. You can also pick your own clothing out to wear to a college. You have a more varied social environment with an awful lot of opportunities you will not find at "certificate" type school.
I will use ITT for an example of a certificate school. You will get an excellent education for the field you are learning, but it is or can be just as expensive as some community colleges. They have a dress code that resembles a Lutheran seminary, and in many instances the credits in these type schools do not transfer, or are so diminished that you'll need to take the course again anyway. Also many of these "certificate" schools, will state that they are accredited, which they are, but the accrediting board of your region, may not recognize them at all! I know, I got my Paralegal certificate from such a school. If I could advise, I would tell you to take the road less traveled and go for the degree. It looks better on the wall as well.

Answer 4

Ideally, both.

A good degree will give you the academic and theoretical background, the certification will give you the detail on specific commercial products.

Plus, a degree will be more useful in the future if you decide to change career.

Answer 5

The degree is a 4 year process. the certification you receive in cisco or orcal is a 2 year IT degree. The four year is better, for you can extend that degree to a Masters degree. The Masters Degree in IT is what major corporations supervisors and vp's need to progress up the corporate latter

Answer 6

When you choose for IT you have to watch out not to be investing in something which already is a coomodity. Internet, communication, that kind of IT would be good to look for. It can be a short course - up to 1 year. Search for and compare information. Check the bureau of labor statistics.

Answer 7

a degree is better in the long run.

Answer 8

DEGREE! BUT EITHER WILL TAKE YOU FAR IF U HAVE WILL POWER, FAITH AND DETERMINATION!