Graduate certificate programs are often driven by the market in response to changing workplace needs and business opportunities. Graduate certificates can offer an efficient way to get up to speed on trending science industry topics. Depending on the industry and desired career path, graduate certificates can provide advanced education in various disciplines, such as data analytics. Or they can enhance your personal credentials and broaden opportunities without obtaining a master's degree.

Graduate certificate vs. master’s degree

A graduate certificate can provide be a more timely and specific, cost-effective and faster alternative to a master’s degrees. A graduate certificate can allow you to expand your knowledge of a subject by taking some of the same graduate-level courses as degree-seeking students without the time and money commitment required for a master’s degree. The time to complete a graduate certificate can range from six months to a year. So if you are interested in earning additional credentials but can't commit to the time and cost required for a master’s degree, then a graduate certificate may be a more suitable option for you than graduate school.