In today’s rapidly evolving job market, continuous learning and skill enhancement are crucial for career advancement. If you’re looking to gain a competitive edge without committing to a full degree program, Online Certification Courses offer a fast, flexible, and affordable pathway to professional growth. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), a non-profit institution renowned for its commitment to accessible education, provides a wide array of online certification courses designed to equip you with in-demand skills and propel your career forward.
At SNHU, our online certification programs are meticulously crafted to help you:
- Acquire Essential Skills: Certificates can build upon existing degrees or serve as a stepping stone towards further education, providing targeted skills for specific career paths.
- Learn Real-World Applications: Our career-focused programs are developed and taught by industry experts, ensuring you gain practical knowledge that employers actively seek.
- Accelerate Your Learning: With programs often requiring just four courses, you can complete your certification and start applying your new skills in less time than traditional degree programs.
- Invest in Affordable Education: SNHU is committed to offering some of the most competitive online tuition rates in the nation, making quality education accessible to everyone.
Should I Get a College Degree or Certification?
The Agile Route to Skill Mastery
Are you aiming to master specific skills efficiently? An online certification course from SNHU could be the ideal solution. Certificates offer a focused learning experience, allowing you to gain expertise in a particular area in a significantly shorter timeframe compared to pursuing a degree. Understanding the nuances between a certificate and a degree – such as cost implications, program duration, and career outcomes – is essential in determining the optimal educational path for your aspirations.
Upon completing an online certification program at SNHU, you’ll be well-prepared to leverage your newly acquired skills for career progression or to embark on a new professional journey. Furthermore, the credits earned through your certificate program can often be transferable towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at SNHU or other institutions, subject to the program’s transfer policies.
Unlocking Further Advantages with SNHU Online Certifications
Choosing SNHU for your online certification unlocks a host of benefits, including:
- Unparalleled Flexibility: Study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world. Our online format is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.
- Dedicated Personalized Guidance: From enrollment to graduation, you’ll receive dedicated support from academic and career advisors, ensuring you stay on track and achieve your goals.
- Comprehensive Student Support Services: Access a range of resources including online tutoring and 24/7 technical support, designed to enhance your learning experience and ensure your success.
Explore SNHU’s Diverse Portfolio of Online Certificate Programs
SNHU offers a wide spectrum of online certification programs across various disciplines, catering to diverse career interests and goals.
| Online Certificate Programs |
|---|
| Accounting Certificate |
| Accounting Graduate Certificate |
| Advanced Counterterrorism & Homeland Security Graduate Certificate |
| Athletic Administration Graduate Certificate |
| Business Analysis and Reporting for Accounting Graduate Certificate |
| Computer Programming Certificate |
| Cybersecurity Certificate |
| Dyslexia & Language Based Learning Disabilities Graduate Certificate |
| Finance Graduate Certificate |
| Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate |
| Healthcare Quality & Safety Post Master’s Graduate Certificate |
| Human Resource Management Certificate |
| Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate |
| Information Systems and Controls Graduate Certificate |
| Leadership of Nonprofit Organizations Graduate Certificate |
| Management Accounting Graduate Certificate |
| Marketing Graduate Certificate |
| Operations & Supply Chain Management Graduate Certificate |
| Project Management Graduate Certificate |
| Public Administration Graduate Certificate |
| Six Sigma Black Belt Graduate Certificate |
| Social Media Marketing Graduate Certificate |
| Tax Compliance and Planning Graduate Certificate |
Gain a Competitive Edge with a Certificate
Earning a certificate from an accredited and respected institution like Southern New Hampshire University is a significant achievement. It not only unlocks new opportunities but also sets you on a path of continuous professional development.
SNHU’s online certificate programs are broadly categorized into:
- Undergraduate Certificates: These offer the quickest route to document your progress towards a higher degree or to acquire new skills for career advancement or transitions. They are ideal for individuals looking to gain foundational knowledge and skills rapidly.
- Graduate Certificates: Designed for professionals seeking to update their skills, gain specialized knowledge, or position themselves for career advancement within their current organization or in future roles.
In either case, adding a certificate to your resume provides a valuable credential that can significantly enhance your competitiveness in the job market.
Potential Salary Increment
For individuals entering the workforce or seeking to enhance their earning potential, an online certification program can make a tangible difference in your salary.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with some college education but no degree may earn approximately 10% more in median weekly earnings compared to those with only a high school diploma.¹
Understanding Salary Expectations: It is crucial to remember that salary statistics are influenced by various factors, including experience level, industry sector, geographic location, individual skills, and overall economic conditions. Salary figures cited are not guarantees of actual earnings or employability.
This salary advantage can further increase as you pursue higher education. For instance, transitioning credits from a certificate program to an associate degree can be a strategic move. Individuals with an associate degree earned about 18% more in median usual weekly earnings than high school graduates in 2022.¹ Even when compared to those with some college but no degree, associate degree holders still earned around 7% more.¹
For degree holders seeking further specialization, online certifications offer significant potential for salary growth. Investing in further education demonstrates initiative and enhances your skillset, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.
Regardless of your career stage, a certificate can be a powerful catalyst for career progression.
The Rising Popularity of Certificates
Short-term, skills-focused learning options like online certification courses have witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years. SNHU offers over 30 certificate programs online, spanning diverse fields such as accounting, human resource management, and criminal justice.
Pathway to Professional Certifications
The skills acquired through SNHU’s online certificate programs can extend beyond immediate job application. They can also serve as valuable preparation for industry-recognized professional certifications. For example:
Project Management Graduate Certificate: This program includes coursework that fulfills the educational prerequisites for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam, a highly sought-after industry credential.
Graduate Certificate in Six Sigma: This program positions you to pursue the Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam, which can open doors to leadership roles in manufacturing, engineering, operations, and executive management.
Voices of SNHU Online Certification Graduates
“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
“(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
“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
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Certification Courses
What are the best online certificate programs available?
The “best” online certificate program is subjective and depends on your individual interests and career aspirations. However, Southern New Hampshire University offers top-tier 100% online certificate programs designed for flexibility and accessibility. Our online courses are asynchronous, allowing you to study at your convenience while adhering to weekly deadlines. This format is particularly beneficial for working professionals.
SNHU’s commitment to affordable education and accelerated program completion are significant advantages. Some certificates can be completed in under 6 months. Whether you’re seeking an undergraduate certificate to build towards a degree or a graduate certificate for career advancement, SNHU offers valuable options to enhance your skills and career prospects.
Are online certificates genuinely worth the investment?
Yes, online certificates can be a worthwhile investment, particularly when they lead to tangible skill development and career benefits. The value of a certificate is amplified when earned from a reputable, accredited non-profit institution like Southern New Hampshire University. SNHU’s programs are designed with industry relevance, taught by experienced faculty, and offered at competitive tuition rates.
The online format provides unparalleled convenience, removing geographical barriers and allowing you to pursue education without disrupting your current commitments. The networking opportunities with peers and instructors online further enrich the learning experience. If your goal is to acquire specific skills and advance your career, an online certificate is a highly valuable and efficient option.
What are some of the quickest online certificate programs to complete?
Certificate programs, by their nature, are designed to be quicker than full degree programs. SNHU’s online certificate programs are specifically structured to help you gain job-ready skills efficiently. Some programs can be completed in as little as 20 weeks. For instance, graduate certificates in areas like Advanced Counterterrorism and Homeland Security, Forensic Accounting, Human Resource Management, Six Sigma, and Computer Programming often consist of just four courses.
The undergraduate certificate in Computer Programming is even faster, potentially completable in just 16 weeks. While some programs may be slightly longer, many SNHU certificates require only 5 or 6 courses in total. Furthermore, some programs offer credit transfer options, potentially shortening your completion time further. Online certificates offer a faster route to acquiring valuable skills compared to traditional degrees.
Should I pursue an online certificate or a master’s degree?
The choice between an online certificate and a master’s degree hinges on your individual goals and needs. A graduate certificate typically involves fewer courses and is therefore less expensive. At SNHU, some graduate certificates are just four courses, potentially completable in around 20 weeks or less, offering focused skill development for specific career objectives.
However, a master’s degree holds significant weight in the job market and may be a prerequisite for certain positions. While a certificate provides targeted skills, a master’s degree offers a more comprehensive and in-depth curriculum within a specialized field. Many graduate programs at SNHU can be completed in approximately 15 months.
Consider the “stackable” option: SNHU offers certificate programs that can be credited towards a master’s degree, allowing you to progress incrementally towards a graduate degree while gaining valuable credentials along the way. Evaluate your career goals, desired depth of knowledge, and time commitment to determine the best path.
Do employers actually value online certificates?
Yes, employers increasingly recognize the value of certificates. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that a significant portion of the U.S. workforce holds certificates or licenses.¹ This suggests that employers actively value these credentials during hiring.
Certificates, especially when combined with a degree, demonstrate a commitment to professional development and skill enhancement. Earning a certificate can significantly boost your career advancement prospects. Some employers even offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing relevant certifications. If you’re seeking career advancement or a career change, an online certificate from SNHU can be a powerful tool to gain employer recognition and approval.
Can I effectively list online certificates on my resume?
Absolutely. All earned credentials, including online certificates, are valuable assets to highlight on your resume. They showcase your dedication to acquiring new skills and knowledge, demonstrating initiative and a commitment to self-improvement. Listing a certificate, particularly if earned while employed, highlights your ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
Certificates provide concrete evidence of your skills, adding credibility beyond simply stating your abilities. Furthermore, some certificates, like the Project Management Graduate Certificate and the Graduate Certificate in Six Sigma from SNHU, prepare you for additional industry certifications, further enhancing your resume and career prospects. SNHU’s online CPA certificates also prepare you for specific sections of the revised CPA exam. Regardless of the specific field, an online certificate is a valuable resume addition that can help you stand out to potential employers.
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.
