Graduate Certificate vs. Master’s Degree: What’s the difference?

We often get asked what a graduate certificate is and if it’s the same as a Master’s degree. The truth is that although both are postgraduate study options, there are differences and features to both that are important to know when making the decision to further your education.

What is a Master’s degree?

• Demonstrates that you’ve “mastered” a particular area of study
• Requires an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree for admission
• Takes one to two years of full-time study commitment
• Costs an average of $7,452 for Canadian students; however, greatly dependent on the institution and program of choice, with professional degrees as much as $23,000 and MBAs as much as $50,000 (according to Statistics Canada)

What is a graduate certificate?

• Advances current education and experience to keep skills relevant in the workforce
• Requires a university degree or college degree or diploma for admission
• Takes a year or less of full-time study commitment
• Costs an average of $3,600 for Canadian students according to ontariocolleges.ca, but is also dependent on institution and program of choice

Which is right for you?

Now that you know the difference, which path do you choose? Check out this blog post for the key features of each.