The truth is that prospective employers don't see college degree and IT certification as an either-or proposition. Simply put, their real answer to this question is both. That's because a college degree and an IT certification mean different things and have different perceived values.
What's the value of a college degree?
The truth is that prospective employers don't see college degree and IT certification as an either-or proposition. Simply put, their real answer to this question is both.
A college degree -- preferably a bachelor's degree or higher, though an associate's degree does count -- says quite a bit about the person who earns it. It indicates someone is capable of learning something new. It also speaks to someone having a basic understanding of subject matter related to a specific degree program; for IT, this would be something like computer science, information technology or management information systems. Earning a degree shows that a person used time-management skills to study and met the background and subject matter requirements for graduation. Career counselors often talk about college degrees as being as much about learning how to learn as they are about specific subjects and courses.
What's the value of Microsoft and other IT certifications?
Even for the most intermediate certifications like the MCSA, MCSE and MCSD, IT certification is a narrow and focused kind of credential, especially at the entry level. These credentials speak to specific tools or platforms with a set of skills and knowledge defined in exam objectives, taught in the study guides or training materials and then tested to ensure an appropriate level of understanding, retention, skills and knowledge.
A certification is proof of specifically learning something important or essential to filling a particular job role. Employers often rely on this kind of thing to help them select qualified applicants. Microsoft partnering arrangements for training delivery, software development, solutions design and delivery or consulting may even require employers to maintain a cadre of people on staff with current MS certification.
All of this explains why earning both a college degree and Microsoft certification is good for current and prospective professionals figuring out the best IT career path to follow. It also raises an interesting question for those considering an IT career, those considering earning their first such degree or those considering a return to school to earn another degree: Why not find a program that lets you do both together? There is good news for IT professional asking this question; an increasing number of higher education providers are creating degree programs to include Microsoft certification courses.
How community colleges can offer excellent value to students
Although community colleges primarily offer associate degrees, they also act as feeder schools for students who want a bachelor's degree without absorbing the higher costs of a four-year school.
Community colleges often receive partial funding through local tax revenues to foster workforce development. They've offered adult and continuing education programs for Microsoft and other certifications for two decades, often independently from their two-year degree programs. But an increasing number of these institutions are creating programs that combine these credentials.
In general, earning an associate's degree means completing a course of study that usually consists of 60 or more credits over two years. The commitment level and expenses, which usually run $50 to $75 per credit hour, generally stay the same in programs incorporating Microsoft certification.
More on potential discounts
Students attending accredited colleges and universities qualify for discounts in Microsoft software and certification exams. Find more information about potential discounts here.
But in other programs, adding Microsoft training to typical degree requirements can add anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 to underlying fees per credit hour for MCSA certification (double that for MCSE or MCSD). This doesn't include costs for labs, books, certification exams or even a computer. Look for relevant "certificate tracks" when you browse their offerings because they often aim at specific certifications.
Combining a degree and certification to improve your career outlook
Colleges and universities aren't always focused on workforce development. You'll have to do more homework to find institutions that offer combined degree and certification programs to set you on the right IT career path.
You'll also have to consider whether you want to absorb the necessary costs to participate in such programs. The range of online coursework and MCSE certification can run between $60,000 and $80,000.
By researching programs that include combined degree and certification offerings with rating services, such as the US News and World Report Best Schools website, you should be able to zero in on the schools that offer the best value.
By finding a program or combining programs that will let you get an associate's or bachelor's degree along with MCSA or MCSE certification, you'll hit the workforce better prepared than most graduates. It may cost a bit more, but the value of not having to consider getting either a degree or a certification may make the extra cost worth it. Employers want both degree and certification -- why not take the necessary steps to give them what they want?
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