Communication Associate vs. Certificate: What’s Right for You?

To choose the right degree program you need to know what is required for any program you consider. But there’s also the possibility that going down the degree route might not even be right for you at all. In the communications field, that learning process boils down to a simple question:

So, communication associate vs. certificate – which is right for you?

Both academic programs provide the knowledge and skills to set you up for careers in fields like human resources, marketing, public relations, and similar communication-oriented fields. But which is better both as an educational and career choice? Discover the answer here to determine your best route through communications higher education.

What Is a Communication Associate Degree?

Think of a communication associate degree as a midpoint between a certificate and a full bachelor’s degree. There’s a considerable time commitment, typically ranging between 18 months and two years. But that time commitment can pay off because a communication associate degree covers several fields of study rather than homing in on specific skills.

In many cases, the credits earned from a communication associate degree can also transfer over to other related higher education courses. You’ll often pursue this type of degree at community colleges, though the more computer-oriented student can find online courses that deliver to same type of curriculum without an in-person requirement.

What Is a Communication Certificate?

A communication certificate is a few steps below a full degree. These programs are more like general education courses that offer a shorter path toward a qualification in the communications field.

That shorter path is ideal for those who don’t want to make the multi-year time commitment that comes with earning a communication associate. But there’s a trade-off – a certificate program doesn’t result in a degree outside of rare examples where the credits you earn can be transferred to a course at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Communication Associate vs. Certificate – The Key Differences

So now you understand the basics of the two academic programs in front of you. Next up are the key differences between a communication certificate and an associate degree that might influence your decision.

Program Length

You’ll generally find that a certificate takes far less time to earn than an associate degree. You’re looking at a few months to a year to complete a certificate vs. anywhere from 18 months and two years for an associate degree. That time difference can be a big factor. The more full-time approach to an associate degree means you’re exposed to more topics versus the specialized nature of a certificate.

Cost

One benefit that comes with having a shorter time to complete certificate programs is that they usually cost less than associate degrees.

For instance, studying full-time for a communication associate degree with the University of Cincinnati Online (UC) costs a little over $4,000 per semester. A certificate might cost in the hundreds to low thousands of dollars, with the trade-off being that you’re taking part in a less intensive form of study.

Skill Acquisition

Skill acquisition is where the communication associate vs. certificate battle falls squarely in favor of an associate’s degree.

You’ll develop a far wider-reaching set of skills with the associate degree than you will with a certificate. Many certificates also focus on developing entry-level skills in specific subjects, which can make them less useful for those who want a more rounded educational experience.

Depth of Study

Building upon the skill acquisition point, a communication associate degree offers a greater depth of study than a certificate. This is simply due to the nature of the programs. Associate degrees cover more subjects and take a more general educational approach to the communications field. Certificate programs offer greater focus on specific skills at the cost of understanding the wider context that surrounds those skills.

Career

Despite their differences, both associate degrees and certificates can set you up for a future career. But specialization is the key. A certificate is best utilized when you understand precisely which career you want and it will prove you have the skills to enter. The more general nature of a communication associate’s degree, however, potentially prepares you for multiple roles rather than just one. It’ll also give you a better route into higher education if that’s the path you wish to follow.

Which Communication Program Is Right for You?

A certificate is great if you want to acquire a specific skill for a particular career. But therein lies the problem with certificates – they simply don’t offer the depth of study needed to make you the type of well-rounded candidate who has the option to follow multiple career paths.

An associate degree does offer that option, making it a better choice if you wish to proceed further, assuming you can make the required time commitment.

Why Invest in Communication Studies at All?

It all comes down to developing skills that are ideal for some of the fastest-growing industries.

Communication studies graduates often find their way into human resources, for example, which is a sector primed for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7% between 2023 and 2030. Maybe you have a more marketing-focused brain? That’s an industry with an even better CAGR, hitting 22.3% in the same period. Think of an investment into communication studies as building the foundation of a bridge toward a spot in a different fast-growing field – the skills you develop are transferable and usable in some major industries.

Learn More About Accelerating Your Career with UC’s 100% Online Communication Associate’s Degree

In the communication associate vs. certificate fight, the associate degree comes out on top for anybody who wants to experience a greater depth of study. That doesn’t mean certificates are useless. They’re just better suited to people who have a very specific career path in mind that only requires one or two specific skills over many.

As for where to study – UC is the answer. Our Associate of Arts in Communication degree is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 18 months if you dedicate yourself full-time to the course. You’ll earn 60 credits acquiring the degree, all transferable, and work alongside a Student Success Coordinator as you study.

UC is waiting for you – Learn more about our communication associate degree.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is an associate’s or certificate better?

An associate’s degree is usually better because it covers a wider breadth of study areas, meaning you’re more versatile when it’s time to search for a career.

What is an associate’s degree in communication?

An associate’s degree in communication provides a foundational education in effective communication strategies, critical thinking, and media literacy, preparing students for diverse entry-level roles or further study in fields like public relations, marketing, and media.

What is the highest-paying job with an associate’s degree?

A communications specialist can earn $55,600 annually, according to Indeed, with the brave souls who go down the freelance writing route earning an average of around $74,000. But it’s advertising agents who come out on top – an average annual salary of $99,823 per year is a great reward for your studies.