Certificate, Course and Degree Programs, Compared

Independent guides to the certificate, course and degree programs that go with the careers we cover: project management, Six Sigma, HR, business analysis, data, security and more. Learn what each type of program involves before you spend money on one.

Certificates Courses Graduate degrees Undergraduate

Browse by program type

Professional Certificates

Focused programs for adding a skill set without a full degree.

Lean Six Sigma Project management HR management All certificate fields →

Courses and Exam Prep

Single courses, often aimed at a specific credential or exam.

PMP exam prep Six Sigma Green Belt Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt

Graduate Degrees

Master’s programs for moving into senior and specialist roles.

HR master’s degree Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Undergraduate Degrees

Bachelor’s-level programs, including completion routes for working professionals.

RN-to-BSN online

Career-Focused Programs

Programs built around a specific job or skill.

Contract management Leadership development

Popular program guides

Lean Six Sigma certificate programs: belts, costs and how to choose Read → Project management certificate programs Read → HR master’s degree programs Read → Master of Public Administration programs Read → PMP exam prep courses Read →

How to compare any program

Who issues it?

A named school or professional body is easier for employers to judge than a vague claim of accreditation.

What does it include?

Check whether the price covers exams, materials, projects and coaching, or only the course.

What are the prerequisites?

Some programs are open to anyone. Others expect a degree, a prior credential or work experience.

Do employers want it?

Read job postings for the roles you want and see which credentials they name.

VillanovaU is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with any university, certifying body or training provider, and it does not enroll students. Some pages link to providers through affiliate links, which are labelled where they appear.

Looking for background reading?

Our guides explain the careers and methods behind each program.

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