POSTBACCALAUREATE PROGRAM VS. MASTER’S DEGREE VS. GRADUATE CERTIFICATE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Considering earning a new credential with an eye toward healthcare-profession school? If you’re unsure how postbaccalaureate, master’s degree and graduate certificate programs differ, you’re not alone! We’re here to help you understand these commonly confused credentials so that you can feel confident in your program choice. Picking the right program is essential to steering your career in the direction you want to go.

POSTBACCALAUREATE PROGRAM

The general term “postbaccalaureate” refers to a program you take after completing your undergraduate degree. This type of program helps you make the transition to professional schools, including medical schools, and boosts your competitiveness for admission. Postbaccalaureate programs can help you reach specific goals, including academic record enhancement, career changes and MCAT® exam preparation. Some make a specific, concerted effort to assist underrepresented minority and economically or educationally disadvantaged students.

MASTER’S DEGREE

A master’s degree differs from other graduate programs in several ways:

A master’s degree program may take you a year or more to complete, with a minimum of 30 required credits.
Some career fields require a master’s degree for placement into advanced roles.
A master’s degree program may include a capstone course, a thesis and/or other requirements.
A master’s degree can be a precursor to doctoral-level studies.

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

While not equivalent to a master’s degree, a graduate certificate program typically shares some courses with master’s programs and enables you to build expertise and credentials in a more condensed, flexible and affordable way. Where a master’s degree will require the completion of 30 or more credits, a graduate certificate program may require as few as 11 credits, making it more affordable. Graduate certificate programs require a prior undergraduate degree and generally have similar admission requirements to a master’s degree program.

THE ADVANTAGES OF TWO PROGRAMS — AND SOMETHING MORE

The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s online Molecular Medicine Graduate Certificate is a postbaccalaureate graduate certificate program with some significant added benefits. Led by primary faculty from UMMC’s School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences, our Program will equip you for diverse and fulfilling careers in healthcare, including a potential role in molecular medicine.

Our Certificate Program offers the flexibility to finish with just 11-14 credits and in as little as two semesters. We’re located in Jackson, Mississippi, but distance is never an obstacle: Enroll and complete your studies entirely online from virtually any location worldwide. You never have to visit the UMMC campus for any aspect of our Program (though you’re always welcome to visit!). Our asynchronous courses empower you to manage your educational, professional and personal schedules without forgoing your responsibilities. This level of flexibility isn’t available from every institution.

Want to know more about how our Graduate Certificate differs from other credentials? Contact our student outreach and engagement team at umcsupport1@apollidon.com.

Get detailed curriculum and admission information or apply to UMMC’s online Molecular Medicine Graduate Certificate Program here. We hope to see you in class soon!

Sources:

https://students-residents.aamc.org/medical-student-well-being/considering-postbaccalaureate-premedical-program
https://students-residents.aamc.org/preparing-medical-school/postbaccalaureate-programs