What is better: certificate degree or associates?

Question

If someone has just a High School education and wants to further their career, would it make more sense to get a certificate degree which is very affordable and quick, or to go for an associates or bachelors which is very time consuming and expensive? I was looking to get my certificate in paralegal because it's cheap and a quick certification. The certificate would be from a reputable school, so I dont know if that would make the difference...

Answer 1

Certificate programs mean diddly and don't think employers don't know that you got it cheap and quickly. Real degrees such as A.A., A.S., B.A, B.S., M. A., M.S. show that you took the time to thoroughly learn your subject matter and that you have the discipline to stick to it and finish what you start.

Answer 2

Well, if you do decide on going to college as opposed to a certificate school, you should just go for a 4 year degree.
However there's alot of advangtages of going to a certificate or trade school.
1) Less expensive than college
2) Faster graduation
3) Trade schools typically have placement programs so you can graduate and be placed in your field quicker, and if your lucky you'll get placed at a job that will PAY for you to earn a degree if that's what you choose to do later on.
4) If you do decide to ever go to college later on, SOME of those classes may have transferrable credits.


Good Luck!

Answer 3

The training certificate is much more valuable than an Associate degree. Think about it: How many times have you seen a job posting that requires a 2-year degree? Not much. The only way a 2-year degree is valuable is if you are planning on eventually transferring it to a university for a 4-year degree. Otherwise, it's essentially worthless.

Answer 4

It definitely depends on the field/job. In your case, the certificate is just as valuable (and more cost-efficient) than the AAS degree. However, if you plan to change jobs at any time, your certificate won't be valuable at all, and you may find yourself trying to find a job with just a high-school degree.

Also, sometimes employers look for degrees because it shows follow-through. You learn more in college than just what you learn in class, and college-degreed employees are often more well-rounded in the business world.

Answer 5

That was me when I was 25... I felt that I couldn't ever get ahead or a job that could meet my expenses. I actually had to hold down 2 jobs just to afford an apartment and a car. (I went to college but still owe LOTS in student loans.)

I think it really depends on what field you are entering... Prime example? My husband has an AA in electrical engineering and has a well-paying job with one of the worlds biggest computer chip makers... the label is probably on your computer right now. He makes almost twice as much as I do with a teaching degree; this is even after 10 years of teaching.
He just completed his BS, just to have it, but it won't affect his pay in anyway. (He just wanted to have it just in case...)
I know that you can get certifications in technology, such as MCSE and so forth, and that should get you into a decent job as well.
My advice: Almost anything that pays well will require a time and money investment... look at it as investing in yourself.

I would also suggest taking an online Myers/Briggs test. This will give you some ideas as to fields that you would do well in.
(http://typelogic.com/ is still free, I believe.)

Best of luck,
Mon :-)

Answer 6

I don't know about paralegal but my spouse got her certificate instead of degree and started making near 20 bucks an hour right out school in her medical field.

Answer 7

Look at the ads for the job you want. Do they request an AS or a certificate degree?

Answer 8

If you want to go to college you have to start from associates degree and go for better one after 2 years.But if you want find some job in different places you can have certificate.It what u choose.