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Certificates, diploma, and degree are very different courses from each other. All three require different credits in order to graduate. Certificates, diploma, and degree courses are suitable for certain specific fields or career goals. Diploma and certification courses take less time to complete.
The degree programme is different from diploma and certification as in order to take a degree, the student must have general education courses to support proper education. For example, in many universities, a student earning a bachelor’s degree are required to take math, science, English, history etc.
There are many that students can opt for but choosing the type of program depends on various factors. Students must consider all the factor to choose the best option for them.
Diploma, Degree or Certification Courses: The Differences
| Award Type | Certificate | Graduate Certificate | Diploma | Degree |
| Institutions | Vocational, Technical Schools; community colleges | 1 and 4-year institutions | Vocational and Technical Schools; community colleges; hospitals | 2- and 4- year institutions |
| Completion Time | Minimum 1 year | Minimum 1 year | Minimum 1 year | 2 years,4 years,2 years, 4-6 years Depending upon the program |
| Career Goals | Technical and vocational fields; skill enhancement | Professional skill Improvement or specialization | Technical and vocational fields | Professional fields requiring undergraduate or graduate degrees |
Certificate Programs
After taking a series of courses in a specific subject, a certificate is earned by the student. As per the interest of the student in their professional field, they earn the certificates. The certificates can also be used in similar programs to earn degrees. There are graduate certificates also which are often taken alone or alongside a graduate degree program.
Diploma Programs
The diploma is awarded through technical schools or community. The diploma is similar to certificates. A diploma in nursing can be shown as an alternative to the bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree. These programs provide education to the student within the specific fields. It helps the students to get employment easily.
Degree Programs
If a student takes a degree, then many potential doors for the student gets open. Today many career opportunities require that the applicant should have at least a bachelor’s degree. Several other career opportunities require even more than a degree. The emphasis in a degree program is given on academics. UGC approves the degree and the approval is must to earn a degree. After passing 12th class students can get a degree. In degree program, there is one subject in which specialization is done and other subjects are called electives.
Which is Better and Why?
To know about which of these is better after 10+2, it totally differs from individual to individual. Many students want to earn at an early age, they can join diploma courses as it can be completed within the time period. There are many opportunities after completing diploma courses. The relative importance of a diploma in comparison to a degree is less.
Degree programs are considered to be the best in comparison with diploma and certification courses. Degree programs are 3 to 4 years long conferred by a UGC-recognized university. An institute is not capable of providing a degree. In order to pursue higher education, UGC approved university degree is accepted. The student holding degrees are preferred over the students having diploma or certification courses. Degree programs give very deep knowledge and potentially helps the student to start their career at a higher level. Thus, degree programs are considered to be the best in the long-term future as it promises to give more knowledge and has the best career opportunities.
