If you’re looking to get into the IT industry fast, IT certificates are a great way to get your foot in the door. The information technology (IT) industry is a consistently strong and growing sector. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic challenges, IT projects remain a top priority in achieving digital transformation.
As companies across various industries adapt and enhance their technology, IT network professionals are more in demand now than ever. One of the best ways to accelerate your career is to start your education with an IT certificate program to show your competency in a particular technology field.
There are many career opportunities out there for a network professional. While an IT college certificate may not give you deep knowledge, the successful completion of a certificate can open up job opportunities. This article acts as a complete guide to IT college certificates.
What is an IT Certificate College Program?
An IT certificate college program is a specialized education that acts as an alternative academic credential to undergraduate or graduate degree programs. Such programs’ coursework is typically condensed, focusing almost entirely on a single topic. Certificate programs are growing in popularity because of their convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Being an IT professional poses various advantages, given that the IT industry is dynamic and one of the market’s fastest-growing sectors. That said, job seekers must bump their status to be at the top of the field. An IT certificate program is a proven and tested way of accelerating one’s career in the technology industry.
What’s the Difference Between a College IT Certificate and Professional Certification in IT?
The difference between a college IT certificate and an IT professional certification is that an IT certificate is available for both undergraduate and graduate levels. It allows you to learn or master a subject or skillset and can be earned by completing a certain number of credits.
Meanwhile, an IT certification is a professional credential awarded by a national professional organization. Certification paths determine that you have undergone training, education, and preparation to meet specific standards as an IT professional. The certification process involves passing the certification exam, and may include paying a fee.
IT College Certificate vs IT Certification: Key Differences
| IT Certificate | IT Certification |
|---|---|
| It is a beneficial outcome of an educational process | It is an outcome of an assessment process |
| It allows you to acquire basic or advanced certification knowledge and skills. | It strengthens knowledge and gives expert-level skills in a particular field or skill. |
| It signifies the certificate of completion of coursework with a specific focus. | It signifies a mastery or competency evaluated against a standard, typically done through a practice exam. |
How Long Does It Take to Get an IT Certificate at College?
Students who want to get a college IT certificate can complete their studies at their own pace, enrolling in as many or as few courses as required. Students interested in certificate programs can accomplish their studies from nine months up to three years.
Best IT Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Champlain College Online | Online Undergraduate Certificate Program in Web Programming | $318/credit |
| Devry University | Online Undergraduate Certificate in Software Design and Solutions | $100/session |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Information Systems | $930/credit |
| Full Sail University | Information Technology Certificate | $525/credit |
| Golden Gate University | Undergraduate Certificate In Information Technology |
$660/unit |
| Liberty University Online | Undergraduate Certificate in Web Development | $390/credit |
| Missouri State University | Information Technology Undergraduate Certificate | $257/credit |
| SANS Technology Institute | Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity (ACS) | $1,489/credit |
| The University of Arizona | Data Science and Visualization Certificate | $500/credit |
| Washington Technical Institute | Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Networking Online | $999/course |
Best Undergraduate IT Certificate Programs: Explained
As the IT industry becomes more competitive, it is best to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to climb from entry-level positions to managerial positions. To become proficient in technology, finding the best undergraduate IT certificate programs is essential.
IT College Certificate Program vs IT Associate Degree
Many students enter the field of continuing education under the impression that an IT college certificate program is the same as an IT associate degree. However, they differ in various ways. While associate degree programs may prepare students for role-based certifications in their field, they are not the same as certificate programs. Below are some of the factors that determine their differences.
- Length of time. In most cases, IT certificate programs take at least one year to complete. On the other hand, IT associate degrees take about two years or more, depending on the students’ availability.
- Earned units. An IT certificate program may or may not give you transferable education units. However, you can use units earned in an IT associate degree to continue to a bachelor’s degree.
- Depth of study. A student with an IT certificate may focus only on their specialization topic. A student with an associate degree must study a wider variety of subjects outside their major.
- Costs. Certificate programs vary in price depending on the curriculum and the school attended. However, an IT certificate usually costs less than an associate degree.
- Acceptance requirements. For an IT certificate program, applicants may need to meet one or more acceptance requirements. Meanwhile, students who want an IT associate degree only require a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate IT Certificate Worth It?
Yes, if you’re starting in the IT field and want to accelerate your career, getting an undergraduate IT certificate is a great help. It can provide you with enough knowledge and technical skills that act as a roadmap to achieve related jobs. Obtaining entry-level foundational certifications also tests you broadly on IT fundamentals and ensures that you have the necessary foundational knowledge of information technology principles.
Best IT Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University | Online Information Technology Graduate Certificate | $520/credit |
| Dakota State University | Information Technology Graduate Certificate | $465/credit |
| EC Council University Online | Information Security Professional Graduate Certificate | $540/credit |
| Louisiana State University of Alexandria | Online Graduate Certificate in Cloud Computing and Machine Learning | $852/credit |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | Certificate in Data Mining | $1,161/credit |
| Purdue Online – Polytechnic Institute | Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Business Analysis | $750/credit |
| Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Online | Cybersecurity Technology Graduate Certificate | $735/credit |
| SANS Technology Institute | Cybersecurity Engineering (Core) Graduate Certificate | $1,798/credit |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Engineering | Graduate Certificate in Information Security | $482/credit |
| University of Michigan-Flint | Graduate Data Science Certificate | $659/credit |
Best Graduate IT Certificate Programs Explained
Graduate IT certificate programs often provide comparable benefits to master’s degrees at a lower cost and faster pace. It can help you gain expertise and develop a wide range of IT skills. Additionally, it allows you to complete your higher education quickly and conveniently. If you’re an IT professional looking to advance your career, look at the best graduate IT certificate programs below.
IT Graduate Certificate Program vs IT Master’s Degree
IT graduate certificate, and an IT master’s degree can both contribute significantly to your career growth. A graduate certificate is awarded to professionals for completing an advanced IT educational program. On the other hand, candidates who have achieved a certain level of mastery in their field will earn a master’s degree.
- Allotted time. An IT graduate certificate usually takes between six to 12 months of full-time study. The IT master’s degree will typically take one to two years for full-time students.
- Concentration. An IT graduate certificate is concentrated and focuses on specific IT subjects, while an IT master’s degree provides in-depth subject knowledge.
- Growth mindset. An IT graduate certificate is best for individuals looking to advance their careers as soon as possible. An IT master’s degree is usually for students pursuing academic, theoretical, and intellectual interests.
- Cost. An IT graduate certificate is less expensive than a master’s degree, which may appeal to those with multiple financial responsibilities.
- Academic award. An IT master’s degree leads to the award of an academic degree, while a graduate certificate does not. Choose if you want to attain a higher academic award or comple certificate courses without the degree. Many institutions allow credits from graduate certificates to be transferred toward a master’s degree.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate IT Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate IT certificate is worth it as it not only provides marketable skills, but also allows you to increase your earning potential and boosts your credibility. It can also provide a chance for professional development networking, including professional friendships and mentorships that help you reach the top of the field.
Graduate certificate programs produce qualified candidates for a variety of career fields. An advanced IT certificate can also help you prepare for a range of certifications. Popular certifications and graduate certificate programs can both give your resume a boost.
IT Certificate Program Coursework
An IT certificate program provides a wide variety of courses for students. If you’re looking to become a security manager, database administrator, or cloud security professional, there are many programs you can choose. These graduate certificate programs will give you access to more than entry-level jobs.
The online learning platform is an ideal way to study a certificate program, especially for working professionals who want to advance their careers. We’ve listed a few courses below that you may find in an IT certificate program.
Security Foundations
This course will give students core knowledge and allow them to develop practical skills in technology, computers, and security foundations. These are fundamental if you are interested in business intelligence and want to launch a career in cyber security.
Applied Data Visualization
This course introduces students to integrated concepts and tools for conveying complex data sets using various visualization techniques. Students learn about data exploration, manipulating, and reshaping data through visualizations.
Data Engineering
This course allows students to develop skills in using industry-standard tools and practices and making large data sets. It will also focus on technical tools, including storage and data management.
Website Design and Development
This course focuses on designing and developing websites using graphics and multimedia applications. It includes HTML editors such as Microsoft FrontPage or Macromedia Dreamweaver.
Computer Hardware and Operating Systems
This course enables students to learn topics including components of a computer, the Windows operating system, and the Linux operating system.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With an IT Certificate from College?
You can access jobs like web developer, cyber security specialist, help desk analyst, and software engineer with an IT certificate from college. With the knowledge and skills you learn, there’s a high possibility that you will land some of the most successful IT jobs in the industry. To guide you, below are the best jobs and careers you can get with an IT college certificate.
Best IT Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Cyber Security Specialist | $107,675 |
| Software engineer | $88,896 |
| Web Developer | $60,832 |
| Junior Data Analyst | $52,028 |
| Help Desk Analyst | $46,230 |
Best IT Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations are expected to grow 13 percent faster than the overall labor force between 2020 and 2030. IT job candidates can expect high demand from employers in various industries. An IT certification from a college can help you land some of the best IT jobs described in the list below.
Should I Also Get an IT Certification?
Yes, you should also get an IT certification. An IT certification entails various benefits, including financial growth, career advancement, and personal fulfillment. It is also a recognized benchmark mapped to a specific skillset. Certifications validate your commitment and technical expertise in the IT industry.
Best IT Certifications
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Cloud Practitioner. This certification validates your understanding of the fundamentals of IT services and how they work in the Amazon Web Services Cloud Platform. As an Amazon AWS Cloud practitioner, it also proves your knowledge of core AWS services and how the cloud influences business decisions.
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). This certification demonstrates that you understand how to detect weaknesses and vulnerabilities in computer systems. It shows you are familiar with the tools utilized by a malicious hacker.
- Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE). This certification focuses on the technical and governance aspects of implementing privacy solutions. It validates your skills in navigating data privacy and security complexities.
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE). The CCIE certification determines that you’ve reached the highest level of Cisco certification. It demonstrates that you have at least five to seven years of hands-on professional experience in the Cisco-certified network before earning your expert-level certification.
- Oracle MySQL Database Administration. This certification validates your ability to install and optimize MySQL Server, configure replication and security, backup and optimize MySQL database fundamentals.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for IT Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate for IT is worth it. As an individual looking to grow a career path in the IT industry, it is crucial that you get an IT college certificate if you don’t plan on getting an associate or bachelor’s degree. This will deepen your understanding of the field and achieve a faster payback of success. An IT certificate is an ideal entry-level management credential.
IT Certificates FAQ
The best IT certifications to get are the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and CompTIA (A+, Cloud+, Security+), to name a few. You could gain an expert or entry-level certification depending on your professional and educational history.
The best courses for entry-level IT jobs are online certificate programs in web programming from Champlain College and a software design certificate from Devry University. Other courses include certificates in information technology from Full Sail University and a data science certificate from the University of Arizona.
You can start your IT career by gaining relevant knowledge and skills through IT certificates, associate degrees, or four-year degrees through various colleges and universities. You can get entry-level jobs by studying for an Associate Degree in Information Technology or through a college certificate program.
You qualify to join an IT company by equipping yourself with competitive technical skills. Investing in education and enrolling in IT certification programs is crucial to validate that you have undergone training and lessons that fit your career.
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