What is the difference between a certificate and an associate degree?
Two types of certificates are awarded by Schoolcraft College: pre-associate certificate and post-associate certificate. A pre-associate certificate is awarded upon satisfactory completion of a program of study and does not require completing general education requirements. The courses for many pre-associate certificates are included in the companion associate degree program. Schoolcraft College offers two types of pre-associate certificates. A skills certificate is comprised of 16-20 credit hours of instruction and is targeted to specific employment options. A one-year certificate is approximately 10-12 courses, most of which apply to a corresponding associate in applied science degree. A post-associate certificate may be earned after completion of an associate degree from Schoolcraft College or another college. The courses within the post-associate certificate are designed to provide higher level specialization in a job-related skill. Both certificate programs are career rather than t
A certificate program consists of 15 or more credit hours of particular courses that are required for certification in a particular area. An associate degree program requires at least 60 credit hours of prescribed course work. A full-time student (12 hours per semester) can complete a certificate program in one year or less and an associate degree program in two years. Other degree programs may differ in the amount of credit hours and time frame such as the nursing program. Students interested in the credit Health Occupations programs should call the Health Occ/Admissions office at 214-860-2272 or stop by room A140 and attend an orientation.
Related Questions
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- Are students pursuing certificate programs rather than associate degree programs eligible for membership?
- Are students pursuing certificate programs rather than associate degree programs eligible?
