In today’s competitive job market, continuous learning and skill enhancement are paramount. For professionals seeking to advance their careers, gain specialized knowledge, or pivot into new fields without committing to a full degree program, Courses Online With Certificates offer a powerful and flexible solution. These focused programs provide targeted skills, industry-recognized credentials, and a faster route to career advancement.
Why Choose Online Certificate Courses?
Online certificate courses are designed to provide you with specific, in-demand skills that employers value. They serve as valuable complements to existing degrees, act as stepping stones towards further education, or simply provide a rapid pathway to acquire new competencies. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), a non-profit institution committed to accessible education, offers a wide range of accredited online certificate programs designed to propel your career forward.
Here are key advantages of pursuing courses online with certificates at SNHU:
- Acquire Job-Ready Skills: Certificate programs are meticulously crafted to deliver practical, real-world skills that are directly applicable in today’s professional landscape. Taught by industry experts, these courses focus on subjects employers are actively seeking, ensuring your new skills are highly relevant and immediately valuable.
- Career-Focused Curriculum: The curriculum of online certificate courses is laser-focused on career outcomes. You’ll learn the most current industry best practices and gain expertise directly applicable to your chosen field, boosting your professional profile and marketability.
- Accelerated Learning Paths: Compared to lengthy degree programs, certificate courses are designed for efficiency. Many programs consist of just four courses, allowing you to rapidly gain new qualifications and integrate them into your career trajectory in a significantly shorter timeframe.
- Affordable Education Options: SNHU, as a non-profit university, is dedicated to offering affordable education. Benefit from some of the nation’s lowest online tuition rates, making quality education accessible without excessive financial burden. Investing in courses online with certificates is an investment in your future that provides substantial returns.
Should I Get a College Degree or Certification?
A Streamlined Approach to Skill Mastery
If your goal is to master specific skills efficiently, courses online with certificates at SNHU could be the ideal path. These programs offer a focused approach to learning, allowing you to quickly gain expertise in a particular area. Understanding the distinctions between certificates and degrees – such as program duration, cost implications, and career outcomes – is crucial in determining the best educational route for your individual aspirations.
Upon completing a certificate program at SNHU, you’ll be well-equipped to leverage your newly acquired skills for career progression or to embark on an entirely new professional journey. Furthermore, credits earned through certificate programs are often transferable to associate or bachelor’s degrees at SNHU or other institutions, depending on the specific program’s transfer policies. This provides a flexible and stackable educational pathway, allowing you to build upon your certificate with further academic achievements.
Enhanced Benefits of Online Certificate Programs at SNHU
Choosing SNHU for your courses online with certificates comes with a range of additional advantages:
- Unparalleled Flexibility: Study on your terms with the flexibility of 100% online courses. Balance your education with your existing work and personal commitments, learning at a pace and schedule that suits your lifestyle.
- Dedicated Personalized Advising: From your initial enrollment through graduation, you’ll receive dedicated support from academic and career advisors. Benefit from personalized guidance tailored to your individual goals, ensuring you stay on track and maximize your career potential.
- Comprehensive Student Support Services: SNHU is committed to student success. Access a wide range of support services, including online tutoring, technical assistance, and career resources, all designed to enhance your learning experience and contribute to your academic and professional achievements.
Explore SNHU’s Diverse Portfolio of Online Certificate Courses
SNHU offers a wide array of courses online with certificates spanning various in-demand fields. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills in business, technology, healthcare, or other sectors, you’ll find a program tailored to your interests and career objectives.
Examples of Online Certificate Programs:
| Certificate Area | Program Link |
|---|---|
| Accounting | Accounting (Certificate) |
| Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity (Certificate) |
| Human Resource Management | Human Resource Management (Certificate) |
| Computer Programming | Computer Programming (Certificate) |
| Marketing | Marketing (Graduate Certificate) |
| Project Management | Project Management (Graduate Certificate) |
| Social Media Marketing | Social Media Marketing (Graduate Certificate) |
This table showcases a selection of available online certificate courses. Visit the SNHU website for a complete and updated list of programs.
Gain a Competitive Edge with a Professional Certificate
Earning a certificate from a reputable, accredited institution like Southern New Hampshire University is a significant accomplishment. It not only opens doors to new opportunities but also establishes a foundation for lifelong learning and career growth.
SNHU’s courses online with certificates are primarily categorized into:
- Undergraduate Certificates: These provide an efficient route to document skill acquisition, advance towards a higher-level degree, or acquire new skills for career advancement or transitions. They are ideal for those seeking a quick and impactful way to enhance their qualifications.
- Graduate Certificates: Designed for professionals seeking to update their skills, specialize in a specific area, or gain credentials for career advancement. Graduate certificates can significantly boost your resume and position you for leadership roles within your current organization or in new ventures.
In either case, adding a certificate to your resume provides a tangible credential that can differentiate you from other candidates and significantly enhance your career prospects.
Boosting Your Salary Potential with Certificates
For individuals entering the workforce or looking to increase their earning power, courses online with certificates can make a substantial difference in your salary trajectory.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that individuals with some college education but no degree can earn approximately 10% more per week than those with only a high school diploma.¹ This highlights the immediate financial benefits of pursuing even short-term educational credentials.
- Understanding Salary Statistics: It is important to note that salary figures are influenced by various factors such as experience, industry, location, skills, and economic conditions. Statistical data serves as a guideline and does not guarantee specific salary increases or job placement.
Furthermore, continuing your education beyond a certificate can lead to even greater earning potential. Credits earned from courses online with certificates can often be applied towards an associate degree, for example.
Individuals with associate degrees earn approximately 18% more per week than high school graduates and about 7% more than those with some college but no degree.¹ For those who already hold a degree, adding a certificate can provide a competitive edge, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and specialized skills that employers highly value.
No matter where you are in your career journey, courses online with certificates offer a strategic pathway to advance your professional standing and increase your earning potential.
The Rising Popularity of Certificate Programs
Short-term, skills-focused learning options like certificates have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. SNHU offers over 30 certificate programs across both online and on-campus formats, covering diverse fields such as accounting, human resource management, criminal justice, and more. This reflects the growing demand for targeted, efficient, and career-relevant education.
Preparation for Industry Certifications
Beyond skill development and career advancement, courses online with certificates at SNHU can also serve as excellent preparation for industry-recognized certifications. These professional credentials can further enhance your credibility and marketability within specific sectors.
Examples:
- Graduate Project Management Certificate: This program includes coursework that fulfills the educational prerequisites for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam, a highly sought-after industry certification.
- Graduate Certificate in Six Sigma: This certificate program positions graduates to pursue the Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam, a credential that is highly valued in manufacturing, engineering, operations, and executive roles.
By choosing the right certificate program, you can gain both valuable skills and targeted preparation for industry-leading certifications, significantly boosting your career prospects.
Hear from SNHU Certificate Graduates
Alt text: Andrew Cyr, SNHU graduate with a Graduate Certificate in Accounting, highlighting the career benefits of online courses with certificates.
“My boss was extremely pleased when I started taking my (certificate) courses at SNHU, and it helped me check another box that ultimately led to a promotion.”
Andrew Cyr ’21, Graduate Certificate in Accounting
Alt text: Monica DeNofa, SNHU graduate with a Project Management Graduate Certificate, emphasizing the foundational knowledge gained from courses online with certificates.
“(The certificate) helped with my yearly review, and I’ve been a bigger asset to the project management team by having the foundational knowledge.”
Monica DeNofa ’21, Graduate Certificate in Project Management
Alt text: Holly Sagers, SNHU graduate with a Certificate in Human Resource Management, showcasing how courses online with certificates can lead to further educational pursuits.
“I was seeking to expand my knowledge of HR. … I love SNHU so much that I decided to continue on for my associate and bachelor’s degrees.”
Holly Sagers ’21, Certificate in Human Resource Management
These testimonials from SNHU graduates underscore the tangible career benefits and positive impact of courses online with certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions about Online Certificate Courses
What are the top online certificate programs?
The “best” online certificate program is subjective and depends entirely on your individual interests and career goals. However, effective programs share common characteristics: relevant curriculum, experienced instructors, flexible online formats, and affordability.
SNHU’s 100% online certificate programs are designed to be accessible and adaptable, allowing you to study from anywhere, anytime. The asynchronous nature of online learning provides flexibility for working professionals. Furthermore, SNHU’s commitment to affordability and career-focused education makes its certificate programs a compelling choice. Many certificates can be completed in under 6 months, providing a rapid return on your educational investment.
Are online certificates a worthwhile investment?
Yes, online certificates can be highly worthwhile, particularly when they lead to the development of valuable, in-demand skills. The value is amplified when you choose an accredited, non-profit institution like Southern New Hampshire University. SNHU’s certificates are designed to provide practical skills, are taught by experienced professionals, and offered at competitive tuition rates.
The online format enhances accessibility, removing geographical barriers and allowing you to pursue education without disrupting your current commitments. The structured online environment fosters networking opportunities with peers and instructors, further enriching your learning experience. If your goal is to enhance your skill set and advance your career, courses online with certificates represent a valuable and efficient pathway.
What are some fast certificate programs?
Certificate programs are inherently faster than full degree programs. SNHU’s certificate programs are specifically designed to equip you with job-relevant skills efficiently, enabling you to quickly apply your new knowledge in your career.
Some SNHU graduate certificate programs, such as those in Advanced Counterterrorism and Homeland Security, Forensic Accounting, Human Resource Management, Six Sigma, and Computer Programming, consist of just four courses and can be completed in approximately 20 weeks. Undergraduate certificates, like the Computer Programming certificate, can be completed even faster, in as little as 16 weeks. Many other SNHU certificates involve only a few additional courses. Furthermore, SNHU offers potential credit transfer options, potentially shortening your program duration further.
Certificate or Master’s Degree: Which is right for you?
The choice between a graduate certificate and a master’s degree depends on your specific career objectives and educational aspirations. Graduate certificates are typically more cost-effective and require less time commitment due to fewer courses. They are ideal for acquiring specific skills for a targeted career goal.
However, a master’s degree offers a more comprehensive and in-depth education, often required for certain advanced positions and carrying significant weight on your resume. Master’s programs provide a deeper dive into a specialized field and can broaden your career opportunities. Many SNHU master’s programs can be completed in as little as 15 months. A strategic approach is to consider “stackable certificates,” where certificate program credits can be applied towards a master’s degree, providing a flexible and progressive educational path.
Do employers value certificates?
Yes, employers increasingly recognize and value certificates as indicators of specialized skills and professional development. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that a significant portion of the U.S. workforce holds certificates or licenses, suggesting employer recognition of these credentials.¹ Certificates demonstrate a commitment to learning, skill enhancement, and professional growth, making candidates more attractive to employers. Some companies even offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing relevant certificate programs.
Adding courses online with certificates to your qualifications can significantly enhance your appeal to employers and contribute to career advancement.
Can I include online certificates on my resume?
Absolutely! All earned credentials, including online certificates, are valuable assets to include on your resume. Certificates demonstrate acquired skills, knowledge, dedication, and self-improvement. Listing certificates, especially those earned while working, highlights your ability to manage multiple responsibilities and your commitment to professional growth.
Furthermore, some certificates, like the Graduate Project Management Certificate and the Graduate Certificate in Six Sigma, offer the added benefit of preparing you for industry certifications, further strengthening your resume and career prospects. SNHU’s online CPA certificates also prepare you for specialized areas within the CPA exam. In summary, online certificates are valuable resume additions that showcase your skills and commitment to professional development.
References
Sources & Citations (1)
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (visited May 16, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2019/labor-force-participation-rates-are-higher-for-people-with-professional-certifications-or-licenses.htm (visited May 16, 2023)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
