Are you looking to get ahead in your career or switch paths entirely, but feel like a full degree program is too much of a commitment right now? Online certificate courses could be the perfect solution to rapidly gain valuable skills and enhance your professional profile. At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), a non-profit university dedicated to accessible education, we offer a wide range of accredited and affordable online certificate programs designed to help you achieve your career goals faster.
SNHU’s online certificate courses are structured to provide you with:
- Targeted Skill Acquisition: Certificates are designed to build upon your existing education or serve as a stepping stone towards a degree.
- Real-World Relevance: Our career-focused programs are developed and taught by industry professionals, ensuring you learn skills that are directly applicable and sought after by employers.
- Accelerated Learning Paths: Many of our certificates consist of just four courses, allowing you to quickly gain expertise and credentials.
- Affordable Education: As a non-profit institution, SNHU is committed to offering some of the most competitive online tuition rates in the nation, making quality education accessible.
Should I Get a College Degree or Certification?
The Fast Track to New Skills
If your goal is to quickly master specific skills, an online certificate course at SNHU can be a more efficient route compared to pursuing a full degree. Understanding the key differences between certificates and degrees – such as program duration, cost, and learning outcomes – is crucial in determining which educational path best suits your needs and aspirations.
Upon completing an online certificate course at SNHU, you will be equipped with the practical skills to advance in your current role or embark on a new career journey. Furthermore, the credits earned through your certificate program can often be transferred towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at SNHU or other institutions, depending on the program’s transfer policies.
Advantages of Choosing SNHU for Your Online Certificate
Earning your certificate from Southern New Hampshire University comes with several key benefits:
- Flexible Online Learning: Study from anywhere, anytime with our fully online certificate courses, designed to fit around your busy schedule.
- Dedicated Support System: From enrollment to graduation, you will receive personalized guidance from dedicated academic and career advisors, ensuring you have the support you need to succeed.
- Comprehensive Student Resources: Benefit from a range of student support services, including online tutoring and technical assistance, to enhance your learning experience.
Explore Our Diverse Online Certificate Programs
We offer a wide array of online certificate programs to meet various career interests and professional development goals.
List of Programs
Gain a Competitive Advantage with a Certificate
Earning a certificate from a reputable and accredited institution like Southern New Hampshire University is a significant achievement. It not only opens doors to new opportunities but also establishes a foundation for continuous learning and career growth.
SNHU’s online certificate courses are broadly categorized into:
- Undergraduate Certificates: These offer a rapid pathway to document your progress toward a higher degree or to acquire new skills for career advancement or transitions.
- Graduate Certificates: Designed to enhance your existing skills or develop new expertise relevant to your career field, graduate certificates can position you for promotions or new roles within your current or future organizations.
Regardless of the type, a certificate provides a valuable credential to add to your resume, giving you a distinct advantage in a competitive job market.
Enhance Your Earning Potential
For individuals entering higher education or looking to boost their income, online certificate courses can make a tangible difference in salary.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that individuals with some college education but no degree can earn approximately 10% more in median weekly earnings compared to those with only a high school diploma.¹
Understanding Salary Expectations: It is important to note that salary statistics are influenced by various factors, including experience, industry, location, individual skills, and economic conditions. Salary figures cited are not guarantees of actual earnings or employment.
Furthermore, pursuing further education beyond a certificate can significantly increase your earning potential. For instance, transferring certificate credits into an associate degree program can be a strategic move.
In 2022, those holding an associate degree earned about 18% more in median weekly earnings than high school graduates, and approximately 7% more than those with some college but no degree.¹ For professionals who already hold a degree, acquiring a certificate can further enhance their qualifications and earning prospects. Employers value candidates who demonstrate initiative in self-improvement and can apply specialized skills to benefit their organizations.
Whether you are starting your career or seeking to advance, a certificate offers a powerful tool for professional progress.
The Growing Popularity of Certificates
Short-term educational credentials like certificates have witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years. SNHU offers over 30 certificate programs, both online and on campus, across diverse fields such as accounting, human resource management, and criminal justice studies.
Preparation for Industry Certifications
The skills you develop in SNHU’s online certificate courses can extend beyond general knowledge enhancement. They can also prepare you for industry-recognized certifications that validate your expertise. For example:
Graduate Project Management Certificate: This program includes coursework specifically designed to fulfill the educational prerequisites for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam, a highly valued industry credential.
Graduate Certificate in Six Sigma: This program positions you to pursue the Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam, which can significantly enhance career opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, operations, and executive leadership roles.
Hear From SNHU Certificate 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 Certificate Courses
What are considered the best online certificate programs?
The “best” online certificate program is subjective and depends on your individual goals and interests. However, Southern New Hampshire University provides top-tier 100% online certificate courses that offer flexibility and accessibility. Our online format allows you to study from any location and manage your coursework around your personal schedule, ideal for working professionals. With weekly deadlines but no fixed class times, you can learn at your own pace.
Affordability and program duration are also key considerations. SNHU is dedicated to providing accessible and cost-effective education. Many of our certificates can be completed in under six months. Whether you are seeking an undergraduate certificate to advance towards a degree or a graduate certificate to refine your skills and career trajectory, SNHU offers valuable options. Acquire new skills or enhance your existing expertise with our affordable online certificate courses.
Are online certificates actually valuable?
Yes, online certificates can be highly valuable, particularly if they help you acquire sought-after skills and knowledge. The value of an online certificate is closely tied to the quality and reputation of the institution offering it and the relevance of the skills you gain. Short-term programs like certificates have become increasingly recognized and valued in the professional world.
Choosing an accredited, non-profit university like Southern New Hampshire University ensures that your online certificate courses are rigorous, taught by experienced faculty, and focused on real-world skills. The online format offers unparalleled convenience, allowing you to balance education with other commitments. Moreover, online learning environments foster networking opportunities with peers and instructors, providing valuable professional connections and insights. If your aim is to enhance your skillset and advance your career, an online certificate from a reputable institution is a worthwhile investment.
Which certificate programs can be completed quickly?
Certificate programs are inherently designed to be shorter than degree programs, offering a faster route to skill development. At Southern New Hampshire University, our online certificate courses are specifically structured to provide practical, job-relevant skills that can accelerate your career progression.
Several of our programs are designed for rapid completion. For instance, our graduate certificates in areas like 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. Some programs, like the undergraduate certificate in Computer Programming, can be finished in as little as 16 weeks. While program lengths vary, many SNHU certificates require only five or six courses. Additionally, SNHU offers the potential to transfer previously earned credits towards some certificate programs, potentially shortening your time to completion. Consult with an admission counselor to explore credit transfer options. Regardless of the specific duration, a certificate program offers a significantly faster pathway to acquiring new skills compared to a full degree.
Should I pursue a certificate or a master’s degree?
The decision between a graduate certificate and a master’s degree depends on your individual career objectives and educational needs. A graduate certificate typically involves fewer courses and thus is less expensive and quicker to complete. At SNHU, some graduate certificates are just four courses long, potentially completable in about 20 weeks or less. Certificates are ideal for acquiring specific skills for a targeted career goal. If you need to master a particular skill set quickly, a certificate program is a focused and efficient choice.
However, a master’s degree offers a more comprehensive and in-depth education, which can be essential for certain career paths and positions. While it requires a greater time and financial commitment, a master’s degree provides advanced knowledge and can significantly enhance your career prospects. Many graduate programs at SNHU can be completed in approximately 15 months, making them relatively efficient for a graduate-level degree.
For those seeking both focused skills and advanced credentials, SNHU offers stackable certificate programs that can be directly applied towards a master’s degree. This allows you to earn a certificate while making progress towards a master’s, providing flexibility and progressive career advancement. Consider your long-term career goals, desired depth of knowledge, and time commitment when deciding between a certificate and a master’s degree. For a deeper comparison, explore the differences between certificates vs degrees.
Do employers value certificates?
Yes, employers increasingly recognize and value certificates as indicators of specialized skills and professional development. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a significant portion of the U.S. workforce holds a certificate or professional license.¹ This suggests that employers recognize the value of certificates in hiring and career advancement. Certificates, especially when combined with a degree, demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and skill enhancement, attributes highly valued by employers.
Earning a certificate can be a strategic move for career advancement. Some employers even offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing job-relevant certificates. If you are looking to take on more responsibilities or transition to a new role, an online certificate, such as those offered by Southern New Hampshire University in fields like project management, finance, human resources, and marketing, can provide the necessary skills and credentials to gain employer recognition and approval.
Is it appropriate to list online certificates on my resume?
Absolutely! All earned credentials, including online certificates, are valuable assets to include on your resume. A certificate signifies the skills and knowledge you have acquired through dedicated effort, demonstrating your commitment to professional growth. Listing a certificate, particularly one earned while working, highlights your ability to manage multiple responsibilities and your proactive approach to self-improvement.
Certificates effectively showcase your skills to potential employers, providing concrete evidence of your expertise. While stating you possess a skill is subjective, having a skill certified by an accredited university adds significant credibility. In addition to enhancing your resume, some certificates, such as the Graduate Project Management Certificate and the Graduate Certificate in Six Sigma at SNHU, also prepare you for industry-recognized certifications, further bolstering your professional credentials. SNHU’s graduate-level online CPA Certificates also prepare you for specific sections of the CPA exam. No matter the specific field, a certificate is a valuable addition to your resume, helping you stand out to 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.
