The difference between certificate and Master with certificate

[yourzhwp]

I am foreign trained dentist (with green card). I want to apply for perio grogram. I am just confused about the difference between only certificate and Master degree with certificate.

As I know, for Master Degree, you need to finish a thesis and take some courses (credit hours). Is it still required for only certificate to take some courses?

Usually, the application of the master degree with certificate is through Graduate school. Is the application of certificate also through Graduate school or just through the program itself?

Are there any career development differences between these two?

How about the financial aid options--i.e. federal, state, private between these two? Can certificate program also be qualified for the federal loan?

Btw, any other differences between these two?

Thank your guys very much.

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[VenkatV]

the difference is 1 extra year for certificate with masters.

 

[ilovegoldens]

As I know, for Master Degree, you need to finish a thesis and take some courses (credit hours). Is it still required for only certificate to take some courses?

I am not sure about the difference in credit hours. I do know that some schools require you to take the GRE only if you intend to get a masters degree.

Usually, the application of the master degree with certificate is through Graduate school. Is the application of certificate also through Graduate school or just through the program itself?

The application process is the same.

Are there any career development differences between these two?

Absolutely. The certificate is for those who want to focus in a clinical career. The masters degree is for those who intend to follow an academic career ( teaching/ doing research etc). With the masters degree you can look for a position in a University to teach. There is a shortage in faculty in the USA and for that reason sometimes the Universities hire professionals without the degree.
Some schools also offer you the option to continue your studies doing doctors degree and phD.

How about the financial aid options--i.e. federal, state, private between these two? Can certificate program also be qualified for the federal loan?

I believe so. You can qualify for federal loan only if you are a permanent resident. Otherwise you will have to get a private loan. But some programs offer a stipend. And sometimes this stipend ends up paying the cost of the program ( this is the case of UTHSCSA and UCSF)

 

[yourzhwp]

thank you very much for your useful information.

As I know, for Master Degree, you need to finish a thesis and take some courses (credit hours). Is it still required for only certificate to take some courses?

I am not sure about the difference in credit hours. I do know that some schools require you to take the GRE only if you intend to get a masters degree.

Usually, the application of the master degree with certificate is through Graduate school. Is the application of certificate also through Graduate school or just through the program itself?

The application process is the same.

Are there any career development differences between these two?

Absolutely. The certificate is for those who want to focus in a clinical career. The masters degree is for those who intend to follow an academic career ( teaching/ doing research etc). With the masters degree you can look for a position in a University to teach. There is a shortage in faculty in the USA and for that reason sometimes the Universities hire professionals without the degree.
Some schools also offer you the option to continue your studies doing doctors degree and phD.

How about the financial aid options--i.e. federal, state, private between these two? Can certificate program also be qualified for the federal loan?

I believe so. You can qualify for federal loan only if you are a permanent resident. Otherwise you will have to get a private loan. But some programs offer a stipend. And sometimes this stipend ends up paying the cost of the program ( this is the case of UTHSCSA and UCSF)