This article contains information about careers, salaries, and education pathways, such as professional certificate programs. All information was retrieved in September 2025, and is subject to change. Always verify information.
It used to be true that earning a college degree was the best possible way to obtain a quality, high-paying job and become a member of the professional workforce. This once-common path has been shifting course in recent years due to factors like increasing tuition costs, which have resulted in astronomical student loan debt. This has many prospective college students wondering whether a traditional four-year degree is still worth it.
Running in parallel to this trend is the employer’s willingness to overlook these credentials and opt to hire workers without higher education. Instead, companies are seeking candidates who have job-ready skills that will enable them to hit the ground running from day one.
To address the need for fast hires with necessary skills, companies are creating their own professional certificate programs. Delivered through online learning platforms like Coursera, these credentials are recognized by major industries and offer an alternative route to professional career paths. Through these programs, students can gain targeted skills in areas such as data analytics, IT support, marketing, and project management, without having to enroll in a full-time university program.
From professionals who are looking to change careers quickly to job seekers who are applying for their first job, a wide range of learners can benefit from these types of programs. With this flexible, less-expensive learning option, students can bridge the skills gap and grow their knowledge for the most in-demand careers.
In this article, we’ll explore the changing landscape of education and employment, how professional certificates differ from degree programs, and how to get started with Coursera certificates to jumpstart or transition your career.
The shifting landscape of education and employment
In the past two decades, the higher education landscape has experienced dramatic changes. Between 2000 and 2022, the average cost of tuition and fees at a public four-year university increased by 126%, according to U.S. News & World Report.1 Meanwhile, student loan debt has risen to $1.8 trillion as of 2025, with more than 42 million Americans tied to an average federal student loan balance of $39,075.2
At the same time, how companies hire is undergoing its own transition. Skills-based hiring has become a growing focus for hiring teams, as major brands like Google, IBM, and Tesla have removed degree requirements from their job listings. According to an ADP report from 2024, 94% of companies that hire based on skills over degrees find that these hires outperform employees who were hired for their credentials or experience.3 According to LinkedIn, more than 90% of hiring professionals say that assessing skills is key to improving the quality of hire, and companies that adopt skills-based hiring practices are 12% more likely to make a quality hire.4
This change in hiring focus can also be attributed to shifts in technology. Traditional degree programs can take years to adapt curricula to workplace trends, but professional certificate programs, like the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate offered by Coursera, can prepare learners by giving them updated, job-ready skills in a matter of months rather than years. By honing in on hands-on capabilities in fields where knowledge outweighs academic achievement, professional certificate programs are attractive options for learners who want to change careers or who are just entering the workforce.
What are professional certificates?
Professional certificates are awarded to students who complete coursework in focused fields. As professional certificate holders, students can demonstrate they have skills in areas like IT support, data analytics, project management, or social media marketing. Unlike degree programs, which can take years, include coursework unrelated to a student’s major, and involve steep financial costs, professional certificate programs are typically shorter, more targeted, and more affordable.
Obtaining a professional certificate can take as little as three to seven months and cost anywhere from $50 per month to $6,000 for a full series of courses. When compared to the average in-state tuition at a public four-year college, which is $11,610, professional certificates are a much more affordable option.5
As far as curricula for these two educational options, traditional degree programs tend to expose students to a wide range of liberal arts and science topics, whereas professional certificate programs focus more on technical and transferable skills that today’s employers demand. Many professional certificate programs feature hands-on learning opportunities to allow students to walk away with examples of their abilities that they can show to future employers. Some programs have been developed by industry leaders, like Google, IBM, Meta, Microsoft, and SAP, so they’re not only credible but they’re also structured around actual job descriptions, essential functions, and the current tools and technologies that these companies use in the workplace.
Coursera’s Professional Certificate model has been recognized for its flexible learning formats and breadth of topics. Each certificate offers between three and ten virtual courses, all developed by top companies and universities. Students can study at their own pace while they build in-demand skills such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, UI/UX, and data science. Once completed, students can showcase their certificates on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
Real-world assessments, GenAI-enhanced content, and networking opportunities are added benefits of pursuing professional certificates through sites like Coursera.
Spotlight: Coursera Professional Certificates
Coursera’s Professional Certificates have become recognized among professional organizations as worthy credentials for anyone who’s looking to build job-ready skills and transition into high-demand fields. The Coursera catalog includes dozens of programs developed by industry leaders like Google, IBM, Meta, Microsoft, ADP, and Intuit, and each program has been carefully designed to prepare students for roles in technology, business, health, and design.
Top Coursera certificates
Below are some of Coursera’s more popular and impactful certificates.
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate. This six-month online program equips learners with fundamental knowledge of computer networking, troubleshooting, and technical support, preparing them for IT roles at major companies.
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate. As the demand for data analytics knowledge continues to grow, students can gain crucial skills like data cleaning, visualization, and project management. Eight self-paced courses guide beginners on their journey toward analyst roles, even without prior data analytics experience.
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate. Students can gain technical experience in areas like Python, SQL, and machine learning, and build portfolio projects, setting themselves up to be attractive job candidates for entry-level data science and analytics positions.
- Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate. Meta’s program teaches students how to build social media campaigns, engage online audiences, and measure impact, leading students toward careers as social media managers or coordinators.
- Intuit Bookkeeping Professional Certificate. Those who are interested in pursuing finance or accounting will benefit from Intuit’s program, which focuses on bookkeeping practices and software tools.
Key features: Flexibility, value, and career focus
Coursera’s Professional Certificate programs start at just $49 per month and allow students to test courses with a free seven-day trial. Their self-paced courses offer flexibility for busy learners like working professionals and parents. Depending on the student’s schedule, programs can be completed in as little as two to six months.
Built by industry leaders, Coursera’s program content aligns with the actual needs of real companies. They emphasize hands-on assignments and real-world projects, allowing students to develop portfolio-ready work to show prospective employers in interviews. Testimonials on Coursera’s website credit Coursera for helping students prepare for and land interviews, as well as building confidence in discussing skills and projects.
Success stories and career support
Coursera is proud of its students’ accomplishments and regularly touts their success on its website. From single parents to career changers to recent graduates, Coursera’s alumni have landed new roles, earned raises, and broken into industries they once considered inaccessible.
Beyond coursework, Coursera also offers job search support, interview preparation modules, resume-building support, and access to organizations that are actively seeking graduates from top certificate programs. Through the Professional Certificate Community, students can build networks and seek advice as they work their way through programs.
Certificates vs. degrees: Pros & cons
Professional certificate and traditional degree programs offer plenty of benefits, but they’re built for different study styles and career trajectories. As the workforce continues to put a greater emphasis on skills, certificate programs are becoming the more widely chosen route for a quick career pivot or fast track to employment.
The case for certificates
Professional certificates are targeted programs that equip learners with hands-on, job-ready skills in a matter of months. Hosted on web platforms like Coursera, these programs cost far less than degree programs and can be completed much faster. Benefits of certificate programs include:
- Fast speed. Certificate programs can be completed in just a few months, compared with years for a traditional degree program.
- Less expensive. Certificates cost a fraction of a traditional degree, offering a faster return on investment and less financial risk.
- Flexible learning options. Most certificate programs are self-paced and online, which lets learners schedule their coursework around their jobs or other commitments.
- Targeted coursework. Focused topics are tailored to in-demand roles and skills, giving students practical expertise.
- Validated by industry. Employers like Google, Microsoft, and Meta have designed certificate programs reflecting the latest tools, methods, and job requirements.
The lasting value of degrees
Although degrees have been losing value over the years, they still offer a sense of esteem and accomplishment for students. Degrees can offer the following benefits:
- Broad curricula. Traditional degree students study both general education topics, like critical thinking and communication, as well as specialized topics, resulting in a well-rounded education.
- Widespread recognition. Degrees are widely accepted and sometimes required for professional licensure in areas like law, education, and medicine.
- Networking. Alumni networks give students in-person communities, mentorship, and connections that can open new doors.
- Long-term advancement. Leadership roles or highly specialized positions may still favor candidates who hold degrees.
The shifting balance: Tech’s transformation
The labor market now prioritizes current, practical skills that certificate programs can deliver quickly. As tech companies drop degree requirements from their job descriptions, job seekers can use this to their advantage by developing skills for high-demand roles like data analyst, support specialist, developer, and marketer.
Certificates and degrees offer benefits and drawbacks, and should not be seen as mutually exclusive. The right decision largely depends on the student’s preferences, current life situation, and financial considerations.
Who benefits the most from professional certifications?
Professional certificates can benefit a wide variety of learners. Designed for structural and financial flexibility, these programs are amenable to everyone from new graduates to working professionals.
Career changers
For professionals who are looking to transition into new industries like tech, data, or other digital fields, certificates can offer a fast and affordable way to build credibility and demonstrate in-demand skills without needing to start over with a degree program. By teaching up-to-date industry tools, students will be able to pivot careers with confidence and efficiency.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Early-career professionals
Young professionals or recent graduates can boost their resumes and stand out to potential employers by learning practical skills and building a portfolio of work.
Employers and existing staff
Companies can also benefit from professional certificate programs by using them to train and upskill their workforce. As industry evolves, these flexible learning opportunities can help teams foster continuous education and development, helping companies maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace and even improve employee retention.
Global learners
Professional certificate programs open learning opportunities to those who may not otherwise have access. Students in remote or underserved regions can take career-aligned coursework that was once unavailable due to geography or resources. Broadening opportunities and democratizing access help contribute to workforce diversity and inclusion across socioeconomic backgrounds.
The versatility of professional certificate programs caters to the needs of diverse learners and employers, empowering everyone from career changers to early professionals to expand their knowledge and grow their careers.
How to get started with Coursera certificates
When you’re ready to get started with a Coursera professional certificate, here are a few steps you’ll need to take:
- Choose a field of interest. Browse the Coursera catalog to get an idea of what topics interest you the most. From IT and data science to business and design, Coursera’s offerings are plentiful, and most are designed with beginners in mind.
- Enroll in the program. When you’ve vetted the course you want to take, click the Enroll button to begin. Most programs offer a free seven-day trial, so you can unenroll if you feel like the course isn’t for you. After this period, your monthly subscription begins, which can range from $39 to $79.
- Complete courses and projects. Coursera courses allow you to work at your own pace through modules, quizzes, and hands-on projects. These exercises help you develop skills and build a portfolio to show prospective employers.
- Showcase your certificate. After completing all coursework and projects, you’ll receive a professional certificate, which you can add to your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, resume, or anywhere else you’d like to display your achievement.
Once you’ve completed a course, you’ll be one step closer to your desired career path.
The future: Will certificates fully replace degrees?
As education continues to evolve, industry experts anticipate the popularity of professional certificates to grow in step, but not completely replace traditional degrees. The rise in skills-based hiring is reshaping talent evaluation as companies start to focus more on demonstrable abilities over formal education.
Many roles, especially in tech, IT, and digital marketing, emphasize skills over degrees, with major companies like Google, IBM, and Meta giving equal weight to certificate programs as valid pathways to employment. Driven by the need for agility and current skills, certificate programs allow students to obtain credentials in just a few months, as opposed to the years it takes to earn a degree.
However, degrees do retain significant value, especially for professions that value theoretical knowledge, leadership abilities, or those that might eventually require professional licensing. Some higher learning institutions are integrating certificates and micro-credentials into their degree programs, which gives students the opportunity to build knowledge in both job-ready skills and longer-term academic topics.
With separate and hybrid programs available, certificate programs and degree programs are able to coexist and even complement each other. Whether you’re seeking rapid, affordable skills acquisition or broad foundational knowledge that makes you bound for leadership, the opportunity to choose the right path for your career goals is priceless.
Unlock career potential with professional certificates
As both the educational and professional landscapes evolve, students and employers are adapting by changing how they approach the job industry. Fast routes to employment through professional certificate programs like Coursera give students of all ages and experience levels the chance to build practical skills and accelerate their career growth.
Coursera’s extensive catalog of professional certificates can serve as a starting point for those at the beginning stages of their career or as a means to pivot into a new career for professionals with existing work experience. According to Coursera, 90% of the program’s students and recent graduates agree that earning an entry-level professional certificate will help them stand out to employers and obtain jobs.6
Certificate programs are accessible and affordable options that enable learners from all over the world to acquire industry-relevant skills without the significant financial or time commitment associated with a traditional degree. With courses designed by major companies like Google, IBM, Meta, and Microsoft, certificate students can invest time in courses that are specifically designed to match in-demand skills often found on job listings.
When you’re ready to take the first step toward a career built on real-world skills and credentials, visit Coursera to browse their professional certificate programs.
Sources:
1https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/see-20-years-of-tuition-growth-at-national-universities#:~:text=Not%20adjusted%20for%20inflation,%2D2024%20to%202024%2D2025.
2https://educationdata.org/student-loan-debt-statistics
3https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/skill-based-hiring-surpassing-traditional-degrees-eliterecruitments-gznqe/
4https://www.linkedin.com/top-content/recruitment-hr/benefits-of-flexible-hiring/benefits-of-shifting-from-degrees-to-skills-in-hiring/
5https://www.nasfaa.org/news-item/34985/Sticker_v_Net_Price_in_2024-25_The_College_Board_Breaks_Down_What_Students_Actually_Pay_to_Attend_College
6https://blog.coursera.org/from-higher-education-to-employment/
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
