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As an adult learner, you have multiple options available today to further your education. For example, you can earn an education credential that verifies your proficiency in one particular competency. Or you can pursue a formal certificate or degree that gives you a broader set of skills. Or you can pursue a mix of both types.

So, how do you choose the option that will help move your career forward and set you up for long-term success? 

Finding the answer isn’t easy. According to Credential Engine, there are an astounding 1 million unique education credentials in the U.S. Add in badges, licenses and industry-specific certifications, and it’s no wonder why “credential chaos” reigns among adult learners and employers alike.

If you’re looking to cut through the noise, read on. This blog post will unpack the differences in education credentials, explain their meaning, and help you choose the best choice for your unique needs.

What is an “education credential?”

A credential is a document certifying that you have achieved a high level of knowledge. Bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and certificates are all education credentials. So are industry certifications or other badges or licenses you might earn through offline or online studies.

But just because these all carry the term “credential” doesn’t mean they’re created equal. When you pursue degree credentials such as a bachelor’s or master’s, you do so through a traditional university or college. Employees generally recognize degree credentials as the gold standard because they’re awarded through accredited and highly regulated institutions that meet rigorous academic standards.

Non-degree credentials (alternative credentials), such as licenses and badges, may be awarded through professional organizations or other industry groups. They typically signify knowledge in one field, such as a nursing license or a project management certification.

Degree credentials or non-degree credentials: Which are better?

Both types of credentials can be beneficial, and when you combine a degree credential with a non-degree credential, it’s typically the most robust approach. But with non-degree credentials, you must proceed with caution. Legitimate organizations offer some. Others may be less reputable. And only a few places (such as Credly) can validate specific digital non-degree credentials. That means that it’s buyer beware.

Do degree credentials still resonate with employers?

Absolutely. Employers surveyed last spring by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) said they planned to hire 31.6% more new college graduates from the Class of 2022 than they did from the Class of ’21. In addition, graduating seniors in the Class of ’22 said they received an average of 1.14 job offers before graduation, higher than each of the two prior classes.

The reason for the increase, in my opinion, is twofold. For one, employers don’t take education credentials at face value anymore. Instead, they understand that some are legitimate and others are not, and they implicitly trust degree credentials above all.

Further, employees value the critical thinking skills that colleges and universities instill in their students. NACE data shows that 85.5% of employers want evidence of a job candidate’s problem-solving skills.

Accredited liberal arts institutions, such as the Muhlenberg College’s School of Continuing Studies and School of Graduate Studies, don’t just help adult learners earn degree credentials in fields such as applied analytics, information systems management or organizational leadership. They also teach various skills that graduates will use over their careers. So, for example, you’ll learn:

Interpersonal communication. In an increasingly hybrid work world, people who master the art of interpersonal communication and understand how to connect with different personalities and people in person and virtually will be in demand.

Emotional intelligence. The ability to see outside yourself and empathize with others is a highly sought-after trait across all industries. Emotional intelligence also plays a foundational role in furthering the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that progressive companies are embracing and strengthening today. After all, you can’t create a culture of belonging unless you have the skills to truly understand other people’s needs.

Critical thinking. The further you go in your career, the more you’ll rely on the problem-solving skills that liberal arts institutions excel at teaching. Want proof? Consider the career path of a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Upon graduation, their starting salary ranks in the middle of all majors. But by mid-career, it rises to $81,200, outperforming Finance, Marketing, Nursing and other majors, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. Today’s business world is all about solving tomorrow’s pain points today, and people with degree credentials in any field are best prepared to rise to the challenge.

How to market yourself (and your education credentials).

At The Career Center at Muhlenberg College, we encourage students to promote their degree and non-degree credentials to prospective employers through storytelling. Today, employers have moved beyond old-school stumpers like “Tell me your biggest weakness.” Instead, they ask more direct questions like, “Give me an example of a time when you failed and tell me what you learned from it.”

To help students answer these higher-level questions, we encourage them to look at their school, work and life experiences through eight major competencies or codes.

• Critical thinking
• Collaboration/teamwork
• Leadership
• Digital technology
• Global intercultural fluency
• Communication
• Professional development
• Self-development

If you know which of two or three of these codes matter most to a prospective employer, you can then create a story that will help you answer challenging interview questions and position yourself as a top-tier job candidate.

If you’re a current Muhlenberg College student getting ready to graduate—or if you graduated ten or 20 years ago from Muhlenberg and are navigating a career transition—our team at The Career Center would love to help you update your resume, market your credentials, and show you how to tell your story most effectively.

Seek the education credentials that let you be you.

When I first came to Muhlenberg College 18 months ago, I was blown away by this stat: 1400 or so of our graduates found jobs with 1180 unique employers. To see that type of diversity of outcomes showed me that Muhlenberg is a place where every student is treated as an individual.

Every learning journey is different, and so is every adult student. If a degree credential is part of your personal learning plan, take the time to learn more about your options at Muhlenberg and in the liberal arts. You’ll be glad you did.

Are you interested in learning more about the Muhlenberg College Division of Graduate and Continuing Education?

View an online info session | Set up an appointment with an advisor.