Depending on the educational facility’s schedule, students complete the classes by quarter or semester, so it takes eight quarters or four semesters to receive an associate’s degree. Certificates are often obtained as an add-on to an associate degree.Īssociate degree programs require two years of full-time classroom attendance in order to complete a degree. Certificate programs provide additional focused education, and further training, towards a measurable level of competence as a certificated “expert” in the subject. As mentioned above, the programs are tailored to individuals who already have specific academic and/or experiential knowledge of the subject. Length of time towards completion: While there are exceptions, in most cases it takes students one year (two semesters) to complete a certificate program. Associate degree programs differ in the sense that anyone with a high school diploma, or who has passed the General Education Development (GED) test, may begin an AA program. Depending on the focus of the certification, applicants may need to have a certain level of career experience or educational experience before they can be admitted into the program. Requirements for acceptance: In most cases, a certificate program will have one or more requirements before a candidate may be accepted. Three differences Between Associate Degree Programs and Certificate Programs Certificate degrees are extremely focused in their objective(s) and are related to a specific job or career niche.īesides this general difference, there are three main differences between the two: the requirements to begin the program, the length of time towards completion, and the number of transferable education units earned at the end of the program. In general, an associate degree encompasses a varied educational platform that requires courses specific to your degree concentration in addition to general education courses. What’s the Difference Between a Certificate and an Associate’s Degree? While associate degree programs may prepare a student to obtain certification in their chosen area or career field, it is not the same thing as a certificate program.

Many students enter the continuing education arena with the belief that an associate degree program and a certificate program are the same thing.

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