Graduate Certificates - Worth the Money or Not?

[perrik]

Ok so as I'm getting close to finishing my BSHS I've found a few graduate certificates that I would like to take. Are these worth the money? Has anyone done any of these? How do they get classified on a transcript and resume? Do you get a certificate of completion or what? I know that some jobs will require a degree and so many hours graduate work or courses and I'm wondering if this would apply. My main focus is staying with teaching so I'm not sure if I spend the money on these or just wait until I can get into and finish a masters program. I would really like to get some feedback from all you smart, helpful people here! Thanks! hilarious

Graduate certificates are handy - it's like a mini-master's. They're particularly handy if your undergrad degree isn't related to your current or desired field, or if you just want a competitive edge.

The education section of your resume would read:

• Graduate Certificate in Something Or The Other, University of Whatever

• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Excelsior College

Some of my target grad programs offer both a grad certificate and a MS, with the certificate program consisting of the core courses of the MS. Finish the certificate, and you're a third of the way through the MS!

And don't forget, if you're formally enrolled in a graduate certificate program, you are usually eligible for the same graduate financial aid as those enrolled in graduate degree programs.