Posted on Jan 25, 2021
Any consequences for switching from master's program to a graduate certificate program while using tuition assistance?
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I have a question about Army Tuition Assistance. I'm currently using it while enrolled in my third class for my master's degree program with UMGC. I'm due to graduate early next year but I already know that I don't want to pursue the related career once I'm done. My original motivation was just to have another degree on my resume and to gain a little more hands on experience with the potential job duties. Probably a bad reason but what's done is done.
My current class is only third out of the six total classes I'll need to complete the master's degree. But UMGC has a related graduate certificate program in which this current class would be the final in it's curriculum, so I'd be complete once I finish it.
If I switch my master's program to the relevant certificate program of the same school, will there be any consequences? No future classes have been paid for because registration doesn't open until a few weeks before classes start anyway. I've always paid my half of the classes I've taken so far and I've never been late or delinquent. Will it be too late to switch? Who do I contact about it?
My current class is only third out of the six total classes I'll need to complete the master's degree. But UMGC has a related graduate certificate program in which this current class would be the final in it's curriculum, so I'd be complete once I finish it.
If I switch my master's program to the relevant certificate program of the same school, will there be any consequences? No future classes have been paid for because registration doesn't open until a few weeks before classes start anyway. I've always paid my half of the classes I've taken so far and I've never been late or delinquent. Will it be too late to switch? Who do I contact about it?
Posted in these groups: 
Tuition assistance
Education
University of Maryland University College (UMUC)
Tuition assistance Education University of Maryland University College (UMUC)
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 5
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Only 6 for a Master's Degree?!!? Dude, just get the degree. The cert is in the same field apparently. A degree is higher than a cert. I mean the only downside is that you won't have a Master's degree, which nowadays is the great decider as everyone has a Bachelor's and people know they should get a Master's. Master's degree yes, professional certification (like from a body, not a school i.e. CCNA, Security+, CEM) yes, Master's cert - better than a Bachelor's but not quite the degree.
Again, nothing against getting the cert, I'd just recommend the degree and then get professional certs within said field to fill the resume.
Again, nothing against getting the cert, I'd just recommend the degree and then get professional certs within said field to fill the resume.
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SPC (Join to see)
I apologize for the misunderstanding sir, but the cert is 18 credits, disbursed over 3 classes. The actual degree is 36 credits, which will require an additional 3 classes after my current one.
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CW2 (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) - Brother, that means they're handing out 6 credits per class which is double normal, that's something to take advantage of (if it's reputable/accredited) and get the degree anyway. My Master's took 11 courses total for 33 credits.
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I don't know what the consequences may be but I think you should finish the masters program. From what you wrote the courses you have taken might be enough to get the certification and then take, what five more courses, and you then have the masters. Career wise the masters will look better for you at promotion boards and eventually civilian hiring opportunities. Wish you well. By the way I got my masters and haven't regretted it at all.
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