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What is the difference between a certificate and a degree?

I have heard that computer certificates are pretty comparable to college degrees. Should I pursue my Security+ certificate or get a degree in cybersecurity? What are the pros and cons of each?

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Matt’s Answer

If you can: Get both.

Certificates are oftentimes more practice-focused and skip over some of the deeper-level learning that is conveyed in a degree.
On the flipside, degrees oftentimes convey an extremely broad view with focus on research but convey little in-depth skills.


Depending on the level of career you're going for and your time/budgetary constraints you might be fine with a certification alone.

Personally, I enjoyed getting a dedicated Cybersecurity degree on top of my existing certs as it allowed me to really spend time understanding the background and larger context of how certain things work.

I'll never forget having to perform a factorization attack by hand against an RSA public-key & payload.
It was hard, it was a truckload of just math math math, but when it all came together, I had a massive lightbulb AHA! moment.
You don't get that with certifications.
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Atul’s Answer

You can get a certificate to be a certified hacker. It is not same as 4-year undergraduate degree.
Most companies in the cybersecurity expect that an individual to have an undergraduate degree.
Any certificate in the context of this field may help to land a job but not guaranteed.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Paul
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Kayla’s Answer

I agree with Eric Lee’s answer. However, I’ve come across CyberSecurity Professionals that did not pursue a college degree, but instead put in time doing self-taught and obtaining certificates. Do more research on colleges and bootcamps. Network with people that are already in Cybersecurity as well. Ask them questions. It’s a lot of Cybersecurity Professionals on the bird app, so that’ll be a good start. 😊
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Paul
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Eric’s Answer

Certificates are not the only thing you should get. No one wants to hire someone who only has certificates and no prior experience to prove it. Certificates are better for people who already have experience and are trying to branch to a different role (ui/backend engineer to cloud engineer). Right now, the job market is bloated with too many senior positions and almost no entry. If you are trying to break into the field, the easiest way is to get in through an internship through college. If you want to avoid going to school, you can go into bootcamps (less desirable) and apprenticeships. Both of these options are almost guaranteed to give you a job once you are finished.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Eric! Paul
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Peter’s Answer

in my mind, it really base on the motivations and goals. if you just want a job in a more regulate industry, then certification become important since that is what is required. However, if you want to establish critical/independent thinking skill, then college is much better places to nourish that. at a higher level, one likely need both.
Thank you comment icon Your advice was so helpful! Paul
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Jerome’s Answer

College degrees are usually more marketable and provide a broader experience, so if the opportunity arises to get one, it's normally the better bet.
Certificate programs are fine for those who have degrees and are looking to switch careers or who don't have the resources to obtain a degree.

On the other hand, if you're not _sure_ that cybersecurity is what you want to do, then going for a certificate is a good way to learn more about the field; you can always go back for a degree once you get some experience and determine that it's the career you want.

The major difference is that some -- not all -- certificate programs focus strictly on the subject at hand (in your case, cybersecurity) while college degree programs contain other material. Unfortunately, certificate programs can vary wildly in quality; some are excellent, focused curricula and others are "paper mills" getting you a meaningless credential and little else.

I'd advise avoiding "boot camps" unless you have a lot of experience with the subject and are only looking for a refresher and proof of effort. They tend to be rather poor at actually teaching anything, especially to those with little or no in-depth knowledge of the subject at hand.

Good luck with your decision!
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Paul
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Tyrae’s Answer

In my humble opinion, their are no down sides to either however certificates are a lot cheaper than a degree. Basically as I've been told the certification says you have some level of proven knowledge about the tasks that you will be taking on. While, the degree helps with upward mobility, like becoming a manager or supervisor. It also shows that you can stay on point long enough to accomplish something over time.
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Timothy’s Answer

Typically, college education in Computer Science concentrates on programming, while the majority of cyber security roles mainly revolve around network infrastructure. I highly recommend exploring courses in this area, and perhaps supplementing them with certifications like Network+ or Security+. Depending on the institution and local connections, some technical schools or community colleges offering certificates can be equally effective, if not better, in preparing you for this field. Choosing an Associate degree over a certificate has the added benefit of allowing you to apply many of your completed courses towards a bachelor's degree if you decide to pursue further education later on. This is particularly important if you aim to advance into a management position in your career.

Regarding the armed forces, if you're open to the idea, they can be an excellent avenue for entering the cyber security field. Not only will you gain valuable experience and compensation while learning, but they often provide certifications and may even offer credit courses. Additionally, they can cover the cost of completing college once your enlistment commitment is fulfilled. With this approach, you're practically guaranteed a job in the field due to the high demand for such professionals and the security clearances you'll already possess.
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Bob’s Answer

Paul,

In the world of business, larger corporations often lean towards candidates who hold degrees. However, don't let this discourage you. Smaller companies can be more flexible, and they might welcome you with open arms if you can showcase your knowledge and experience in cybersecurity.

Remember, there are individuals who have carved out a name for themselves in the cybersecurity field without the backing of a degree or even certifications. They are living proof that it's possible.

Here's the catch, though. The HR personnel, who are essentially the gatekeepers to job interviews and employment, often look for degrees and certifications. But don't let this deter you. Your passion, knowledge, and experience can make a significant difference. Keep pushing forward, Paul!

Bob recommends the following next steps:

You might consider taking the free Coursera Course Google Cybersecurity if you are wanting to dip your toe into this fields basics for free.
Yes, get the Security + certificate. Show you have a certain level interest and developing knowledge in cybersecurity.
Consider getting a internship to give you a flavor what real work is like. Ideally, be able to be exposed to multiple types of positions to see if you like it.
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