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In my shopping around for classes, degree programs, etc. I came across some schools that offer “certificates”. Like, for example, a certificate in language studies. What exactly is that and how or IS that different than a degree?
To the point – I'm not sure what these certificates are. However, I can pretty much guarantee that a certificate carries much less weight and may merely be an acknowledgement that you completed a class or classes or uncertain rigor. A degree says you completed an educational program in the area of study. Depending on the job you are looking for, I'd check with the requirements to see if they require a degree or just knowledge in the area you are thinking of studying. If you just need to have knowledge of an area (e.g. proficiency/fluency in Mandarin, etc.) then taking a class which gives you a certification may help you get there. After all, your future employer probably would have an internal test they'd give you in order to determine your level of knowledge and match your skill with their needs. If you explicitly need a degree in a particular language in order to work in a particular field, then obviously the certificate alone won't work.
I enrolled at AMU (got a huge thumbs up from nearly everybody. It's highly recommended by the intelligence and military communities). So I am now a college student. An old one, but a student nonetheless.Chose as a major Intelligence Studies with a concentration in Information Operations...basically PSYOP (without all the push ups and stuff). Not comparing myself at all to a Soldier, no way, but I sort of feel like I just enlisted. I'm getting educated for war/national defense.Wish me luck! Starting in June.
I enrolled at AMU (got a huge thumbs up from nearly everybody. It's highly recommended by the intelligence and military communities). So I am now a college student. An old one, but a student nonetheless.Chose as a major Intelligence Studies with a concentration in Information Operations...basically PSYOP (without all the push ups and stuff). Not comparing myself at all to a Soldier, no way, but I sort of feel like I just enlisted. I'm getting educated for war/national defense.Wish me luck! Starting in June.
Congratulations and good luck. It's really nice to see folks going back to school to pursue new horizons. 😎
Yes indeed, we wish you well in your studies. It's good to be eager from the onset. It'll go a long way in motivating you to get your education completed.
Stay away from certificates. They aren't worth the paper they are printed on.
Going back a bit, I'd have to disagree with DB's statement here. I think that any certificate - especially one from a recognized body - can aid in filling out one's resume, especially if it complements one's area of study and relates to the target job area. While you might not want to dedicate a lot of time and money toward getting a certificate alone (rather than a degree), I don't think it's going to be worthless if you can get one "along the way".
I can do that or minor in something. None of my core courses involve Middle Eastern Studies, haven't looked into it, but I think I can take 18 credits and get a certificate in something (which would look good on a resume or to be considered for an assignment overseas $$$ :-D). But I'll take it one step at a time. Let's just get by this introductory class and math.Thank you all for your help and encouragement.
Wow, your last post was a year ago. So how has the schooling gone? I too am an AMU student, now working on my Master's in Military Studies in Air Warfare. I'm 4 classes into it and I should probably be writing one of my 4 5-7 page essays. Not to toot the school's horn but I challenge anyone to find a reason not to attend that school.http://www.apus.edu
I started AMU about a year ago. Have about 19 credits now and just getting the General Ed requirements out of the way. BA, Majoring in History, minor in Mid East Studies. Originally started in Intelligence Studies which is how I found the school. I think it's the only one offering an UG degree all online. Can't beat the convenience of online courses, however I do want to take a couple of “live” courses before I'm done. Providence College has a good history program and has some courses that interest me like “The Northern Ireland Problem” and a few other Irish history courses. If I can transfer them to AMU, good, if not, oh well, I'll still take them. I'm fairly certain AMU will accept them as electives at least.By the way, you may notice my views about some things have changed over the year. Getting educated will do that to a person. 🙂
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