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Online Certificate Program: What Kind of Online Education Opportunities Exist?

Introduction to Online Education

Guide to Online Education > Online Education Basics > Types of Online Education > Online Certificate Program

Certificate programs generally involve less than 10 courses which are all focused on a single subject or profession. Certificates can be earned at both the undergraduate and graduate level. If you want to increase your marketability and make your resume stand out, you may seek to demonstrate that you have an in-demand skill set in an area such as Project Management, for instance. Other fast-growing disciplines such as Human Resource Management, Digital Marketing and Six Sigma are popular online as well. You will be able to learn material that you can apply immediately. And measure yourself against your peers. In-depth coursework with a practical, real-world focus is a significant part of the curriculum.

After the educational institution confers the certificate, some students choose to sit for an exam administered by the associated organization of their profession. Certification requires a prescribed amount of previous work experience, or "contact hours," in addition to successful performance on an exam.

For example, a woman who has worked in the human resources field for five years may decide to enroll in an online certificate program to keep abreast of trends. When she finishes the course, she will be awarded a certificate stating that she has completed the course of study. If she wishes to achieve credentialed status, she sits for an exam administered by the Human Resources Certification Institute or HRCI, the affiliate of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). HRCI is the leading, internationally recognized certifying body for human resources. Successful performance will allow her to place the initials PHP (Professional in Human Resources) after her name.

Some schools will allow a student to take coursework toward a certificate and later apply the credits toward a master's degree.

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