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Six Benefits of Completing Non-Credit Certificate Programs Online

Last Updated October 24, 2024

If you’re looking for a competitive advantage in your career, you may be trying to decide between a graduate degree or a non-credit certificate. While both educational options are valuable, an online certificate can offer significant advantages, especially for working professionals who are looking to upskill quickly and add new credentials to their resume. 

Online non-credit certificate programs can give you the essential knowledge and skills to advance your career potential while providing the flexibility to fit classes into a busy schedule.

6 Reasons to Earn a Certificate Online

1. Quicker Return on Investment

Non-credit certificate programs are affordable and offer specialized education in a short time frame. Most graduate degrees take at least two years to complete, while a certificate program usually takes less time – typically only a few months.

Michigan State University offers professional certificate, master certificate and advanced master certificate programs.

2. Opportunities for Career Advancement 

Certificates are often tailored to provide specific business knowledge and skills that are in high demand. Many students take a certificate program with an eye toward how it can help them transition into a new career or advance in the role they currently have.

Michigan State’s Strategic Leadership & Management Certificates help leaders and managers to build, manage and lead high-performing teams through the best methods and processes, including key management tools and techniques, effective communication, decision making, and emotional intelligence, by providing a firm foundation of essential management, leadership and problem-solving skills.

3. Ease of Enrollment

With online non-credit certificate programs, you don’t have to worry about taking the GRE or requesting your college transcripts like you would a typical degree program. When your goal is to gain specialized skills such as supply-chain management, you don’t want to be slowed down by prerequisites. 

The path to online course enrollment is generally a much simpler process. Through MSU, choosing a certificate program or individual course can be completed easily from your computer. You can register for a program at any time and begin as soon as the next program starts. Once the program begins, you’ll have eight weeks to finish each course. 

4. Brain-Based Learning Methodology

Online learning platforms have an advantage when it comes to applying the latest in brain-based research practices. For instance, MSU faculty work with experts in learning design to ensure the online class sessions combine the rigor of traditional brick and mortar classrooms with the interactivity and versatility available through an online platform.

Other benefits of online learning through MSU include:

  • Certificate programs are offered in a variety of structures and formats and are designed for working professionals. 
  • Online programs use interactive features such as presentations, quizzes, infographics, and podcasts to engage all types of learning styles.
  • The 200, 300 & 400 series (13 courses) uses a ‘story-telling learning technique’ which has been proven to create a higher learning retention.
  • Multimedia instructional content provides lessons in a way that encourages learning comprehension.
  • Through online, video-based e-learning, you can gain applicable industry knowledge and learn from industry thought leaders, researchers, and thinkers from the convenience of your own home. 
  • Complete coursework on your schedule. Whether you need to login at 7:00 am or 11:00 pm, you can access learning material 24/7.

5. Expanded Professional Network

The fact that you’ll be learning online doesn’t mean you’ll be learning in isolation. At MSU, each course is designed to maximize your interaction and collaboration with classmates and instructors. You’ll make connections with people on your career trajectory in many different industry sectors from various countries that you may have otherwise never had the opportunity to meet.

Your professors and fellow students can widen your professional network. Whether you’re looking to discuss an idea or change jobs, having contacts in your field is a great benefit. 

6. Skills Development

A certificate program can help you develop the knowledge and skills you see missing in your organization. Erica Angell worked her way up from being a temporary employee at Denver Water to being a Senior Administrative Assistant. At every step along the way, Angell kept an eye out for ways she could develop her knowledge and skills to take on greater responsibility. 

Angell had a long-range plan for her career that included becoming a Clinic Manager within five years. Using the knowledge and skills she learned in the Leadership Essentials course, Angell noticed areas in her organization where she could add value. “Currently, our workman’s comp clinic does not have a division analyst. My director has made it very apparent that my team needs some help in this specific area,” she explained. “Analytics for Competitive Advantage…is exactly what I am looking for so that I can help my director with the additional job tasks.”

Angell feels that the knowledge and skills she has learned in her certificate courses are changing her life. She’s developed a different outlook on how to handle challenging tasks and people in ways that will help her along the path to her goals. 

The Advantages of Non-Credit Certificates Add Up

Non-credit certificate programs allow working professionals to learn valuable skills that can help them advance their career opportunities. Certificates also provide the flexibility to learn at your own pace and around your busy schedule. The specific focus of a certificate means you don’t waste time or money taking classes you don’t need. Whether you’re looking to change careers or advance in your current role, adding a certificate to your resume can help you stand out and achieve your career goals. 

Certificate programs from U.S. News & World Report-ranked Michigan State are designed for professionals who want to level up their skills by mastering some of today’s most important business disciplines. Gain the knowledge and credentials that can help you succeed in a competitive industry with greater growth potential by earning a professional certificate, master certificate or advanced master certificate online. Learn more about MSU’s online certificate programs and take the next step in your career journey.