Whether you’re in the midst of a career transition or hoping to advance into a new management role, continuing your education is one of the most effective ways to position yourself for future job opportunities.
Going back to school full-time or even part-time can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor, which is why more schools are addressing the needs of working professionals with post-master’s certificates or graduate certificate programs.
What is a post-master’s certificate?
Post-master’s certificates allow professionals who currently hold a master’s degree to efficiently advance their skills, knowledge and industry expertise. Unlike degree programs, which are broad in focus, certificate programs concentrate on developing skills and competencies relevant to a particular career specialty.
Why should I earn a post-master’s certificate?
Post-master’s certificates don’t require the same time and financial commitment as a typical full-time master’s or other degree program would, making them a desirable option for those who want to simultaneously advance their education and their career.
Additionally, many graduate certificate programs are available online or with a part-time option, allowing you greater flexibility in furthering your degree.
Here are a few additional reasons for a certificate:
1. Position yourself for advanced management roles
Post-master’s certificates can prepare individuals to take on greater responsibility and leadership roles within their organization. Post-master’s certificates demonstrate that you not only have the general business acumen needed to succeed in a leadership role, but you also have the specialized, technical knowledge needed to lead specific departments, projects or branches of an organization.
For example, a post-master’s certificate in project management could help professionals gain the knowledge and experience necessary to move into a management role where they oversee project plans, budgets and timelines.
2. Diversify your career options
A post-master’s certification can help you expand your current job opportunities. Post-master’s certificates in nurse education allow practicing FNPs to become nurse educators without having to enroll in another full-time graduate program.
Master’s level certificates are also a great tool for gaining entry into a growing field, such as information technology or healthcare management, or making a lateral move to another area of your organization or industry.
3. Differentiate yourself in the workforce
Master’s degrees are quickly becoming the new bachelor’s degrees, according to recent studies. In order to differentiate themselves from other MBA graduates entering the workforce, many professionals will choose to build on the knowledge they earned in their undergraduate and graduate education with a certificate in a more specialized or fast-growing field, such as human resources, marketing or project management.
4. Upgrade your skills
Some industries may have experienced tremendous growth or change in recent years. With post-master’s certificates, you can stay on top of the latest industry trends and develop the skills you need to succeed in an ever-changing business environment.
Herzing University currently offers post-master’s certificates in a variety of different specialties, including as human resources, accounting and finance, healthcare management, project management, technology management, practical nursing and nurse education.
Learn More About Our Post-Master's Certificates
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2022 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
