Have you considered a Master's Certificate as a way to boost your higher education without making a commitment to another full degree?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 17:57:46 -0400

Apparently master's certificates are gaining traction and have credibility. It appears that certificates are formatted to transition into a full degree if the student chooses to go into a degree program. Once I complete my M.A. in Geography, I wouldn't mind following up with an online master's certificate in Applied Statistics through Penn State (or better). Has anyone done something like this, and what could we expect out of working full time and completing online master's courses part time?

Edit: Other questions--
Are there any subjects that are better off at a master's level?
Which universities have you gotten your master's certification through?

Response by CA Delete D. made Oct 22 at 2017 6:24 PM

CA Delete D. — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 18:24:38 -0400

Absolutely. It is a focused, efficient way to fill a skills gap; much like technical certifications. I think the allure of pricey, time-consuming matriculation programs is dwindling. The return on the investment, for many folks, just is not there. I remember just back in 2013 when I wanted to use my gibill, and get a bachelors: I was absolutely convinced it had to be a brick-and-mortar institution with in-person class work, in order to considered seriously credible. Online courses and credentialing programs abound now, and just seem far too convenient to ignore as a legitimate option. I'm not convinced that filling a skills gap by cheaper, quicker, and reliable means is something that should be ignored in favor of a costly degree, particularly those traditionally favored within the ivy league and other brand names. Make sure you are getting what you are paying for and don't be pressured into spending time and money on a program that just may be popular for reasons that have nothing to do with your own career trajectory.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 22 at 2017 7:10 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 19:10:02 -0400

Such certificates should only be done positively accredited, leading to certification, registration, and/or licensure. Engineering had a unique degree, I'd read MIY had it, called an Engineer's degree, midway between a masters and a doctorate, I've seen such things elsewhere, as well. If you want geography, with, as you say, applied statistics, I'd look very seriously at doing a doctorate in data science, such programs exist, I'm not sure if they're available for certificates.. If you'd care to discuss more, I'd of course be most eager for your thoughts. A friend has looked at such certificates for intellectual property (IP), combined with a paralegal, the latter being ABA approved, I think both were online.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 22 at 2017 7:11 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 19:11:47 -0400

I did my first masters in elec engrg (EE) part time, not online, live, and found I was totally burned out by it. It took a really, really long time, I'm not saying that to dissuade, only to try to explain whaynrealities I encountered, that's all, honest

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 22 at 2017 7:18 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 19:18:08 -0400

http://www.coloradotech.edu/degrees/doctorates/computer-science/big-data-analytics

There are numerous others, however, this is, I think, fairly representative of what I'd mentioned that might be suitable.. .

big-data-analytics

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 22 at 2017 7:35 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 19:35:38 -0400

http://www.analyticbridge.datasciencecentral.com

Thought this might also be of interest....

Response by CPT Christopher Coker made Oct 23 at 2017 9:51 AM

CPT Christopher Coker — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 09:51:00 -0400

I think the certification programs are definitely worth consideration. Depending on the certification you're after, you should treat it like your masters program in regards to work load.

The way I view certifications: it's kinda like getting a graduate degree. If you think you are going to get actionable skills from the course that you'll be able to apply to your business/career then definitely pursue it. At the end of the day, credentials only go so far. We truly set ourselves apart by how we apply the knowledge we've gained and the value we add to others and the organizations we belong to.