A degree is built upon a general education that includes an area of specialization. A degree program includes a variety of academic courses, often referred to as core courses or basics, that are intended to give students a well-rounded education, not necessarily related to your field of interest. This core curriculum includes classes in math, English, humanities, foreign languages, etc. A degree is typically about 120 semester hours. Two-year institutions, which are typically treferred to as community or junior colleges award associate degrees, while four-year colleges and universities award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

A certificate is more occupational in nature and doesn’t require a broad knowledge base as compared to a degree. Certificate programs are designed to place you at a certain skill level in a field. Many certificate programs may eventually lead to a degree when combined with academic courses. Although as a general rule certificates take less time than regular degrees (there are some exceptions), the individual courses are no less academically challenging than the courses in a degree program. Please note that there is a big difference between being certified and having a certification. Getting a certificate in accounting, for instance, does not make you a Certified Public Accountant. You can get certificates at community or junior colleges and vocational trade schools.