5 Reasons Why a Post-Master’s Certificate is Worth the Investment

When people complete a master’s degree program, they are often thrilled with the prospect of being “finished.” I know first-hand that this is a great feeling, knowing you are ready to move forward in your chosen career and that you are equipped with the tools you need to succeed.

So, why go further?

There are many reasons to pursue post-graduate education. Whether you are looking to keep an existing skillset fresh, build on existing skills with a complementary area of study, or pivot to a new career, a Post-Master’s Certificate can help you get there.

Here are five reasons why a Post-Masters Certificate (PMC) is worth the investment:

1. Become certified to teach in an academic setting

Most regional accrediting bodies require individuals to complete 18 graduate hours in a discipline before they can be considered qualified to instruct in that area. Therefore, an MBA by itself is not likely to be sufficient if you want to teach something other than business administration.

For an MBA holder wishing to teach accounting, such as myself, a PMC affords the opportunity to become fully qualified in the new discipline faster and in a more cost-effective manner than pursuing a second master’s degree or another advanced degree.

2. Achieve advanced certification and specialization

Individuals seeking advanced licensure might need a PMC in order to achieve their career goals. For example, the PMC in Accounting and Finance through Herzing University is designed to prepare students to sit for and successfully pass the Certified Management Accounting exam. In the healthcare field, nurses who hold an MSN might pursue a PMC in Family Nurse Practitioner to qualify for the FNP designation. These programs can help learners transition to a new phase of their career in a timely and cost-effective manner.

3. Pivot to a new career

Many master’s degree programs, such as an MBA, are generalist programs designed to prepare individuals for leadership and management roles. If you want to move into another field or a highly specialized position in your current field, you might need additional training to meet the expectations of the job. For example, an individual might hold a master’s degree in education, yet find themselves in a position that specializes in personnel administration. A PMC in Human Resources can provide those individuals with the advanced training needed to have a successful career in their new field.

4. Acquire new skills or augment your existing skills

Lifelong learners might wish to acquire new skills simply for the purpose of becoming well-versed in various disciplines. While these learners might not have interest in entering into a new career or directly benefiting in their current career, their knowledge interests are no less important. A PMC program allows eager learners to acquire new knowledge and satisfy their personal development goals quickly and affordably.

5. Differentiate yourself in the workforce

The world demands continuous learners, and many graduates realize this truth almost immediately upon matriculation. Students often pursue an undergraduate major that aligns with their personal interests, and they might avoid other disciplines due to lack of interest. However, new graduates are likely to recognize the importance of differentiating themselves from their peers in an increasingly competitive and dynamic labor market. As such, graduates realize they must be prepared to constantly equip themselves with as many tools as possible to ensure success. A PMC is one way for learners to continue their education and expand their career prospects.

Flexibility, speed, and quality are important characteristics that learners look for in a PMC program. Herzing’s PMC programs in business and nursing offer various tracks, convenient delivery, and quality of instruction that students will appreciate and benefit from. I certainly have.