The Value of Certificates

Gain industry knowledge and skills without committing to the time and investment of a full degree, until you're ready.
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Fewer Credits. More Flexibility. Big Value.

A certificate is an excellent professional development tool to increase your knowledge in your career, begin work toward a full degree, achieve state licensure, fulfill state or national education requirements, or learn new skills to give you a foot in the door toward a new career.

According to the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, "certificates have become the second most common postsecondary award in the United States."

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1M Certificates Awarded Each Year in the U.S.

Four million workers (3%) in the U.S. have certificates.
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Certificate Benefits

  • Develop skills faster and keep pace with changes in your industry. 
    • Certificates are fastest-growing form of post-secondary credentials (Chronicle of Higher Education)
    • Earn many of Stout's certificates within 6-9 months.
  • Increase your earning potential.
  • Build to a bigger degree. 
    • Many graduate certificate courses can later be applied to a master’s degree.
  • Expand your circle of influence.
    • Connect and network with industry-experienced professors and fellow students.