Key Takeaways

  • An IT degree provides structured academic study through recognized institutions, building broad technical knowledge and adaptable problem-solving skills.
  • An IT certification validates specific technical abilities or platform expertise through industry-recognized exams, offering proof of job-ready skills.
  • The difference between an IT degree and certification lies in their scope and focus: degrees emphasize long-term foundations and adaptability, while certifications target immediate, specialized proficiency.

In the IT world, there are many types of market-relevant credentials. Among them, two of the most common either fall under certifications or degrees. Both signal preparation and competence to employers. Yet, the two are not the same.

When we look at IT certifications vs degrees, the differences that immediately come into focus relate to the different kinds of training, different levels of commitment, and different outcomes. Understanding these differences is important for anyone trying to decide which path, or combination of both, makes the most sense for their goals.

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What Is an IT Certification

A certification is a professional credential that shows you’ve proven your competence in a specific area, usually by passing a standardized exam.

This is different from a certificate, which is awarded for completing a course or educational program. A certificate signals participation, while a certification is an industry-recognized stamp of proficiency that employers view as a reliable standard of skill.

In information technology, certifications validate your ability to work with specific technologies, platforms, or skill sets, giving employers confidence that you can put those skills into practice. These credentials generally fall into two categories:

  • Vendor-specific certifications that show expertise with a particular company’s platform or products.
  • Vendor-neutral certifications that prove broader skills that apply across technologies and systems.

Some of the most popular certifications valued in the IT community include:

What Is an IT Degree

A degree is an academic qualification awarded by a recognized institution of higher learning. It reflects the completion of a structured program that follows defined academic standards and provides formal recognition of expertise.

Degrees are typically organized into the following levels:

Hierarchy of Degree Options

  • Associate: introduces foundational skills and prepares students for entry-level roles or further study.
  • Bachelor’s: an undergraduate degree that provides broad knowledge alongside specialized study in a chosen field.
  • Master’s: a graduate degree that deepens expertise in a specific area and often includes applied research or advanced projects.
  • Doctoral programs: the highest level of academic study, designed for original research, advanced professional practice, or leadership in academia and industry.

When focused on IT, these degrees combine technical training with conceptual grounding in computing and information systems. At Syracuse University’s iSchool, for example, some of our IT-centered degree programs include:

IT Certifications vs. Degree: A Direct Comparison

Both IT certifications and degrees are designed to educate and train people for careers in information technology. However, they diverge in how they deliver that training, and the differences become clearest when examined across the following five areas.

Aspect IT Degree IT Certification
Time Commitment Multi-year academic study Weeks to months of focused preparation
Cost & Investment Higher overall financial commitment Lower, more affordable investment
Scope of Knowledge Broad foundations across theory and practice Targeted expertise in specific tools or skills
Career Opportunities Required for many corporate and leadership roles; strong alumni networks Valued for technical roles like networking, cloud, or cybersecurity
Salary Potential Often leads to higher long-term earnings and advancement Can deliver strong short-term ROI in specialized roles

Time commitment

The time required is one of the most visible differences. A bachelor’s degree typically takes about four years of full-time study and often includes general education courses, core technical classes, and sometimes internship experiences. A master’s degree usually requires one to two additional years, while a doctoral program can extend anywhere from three to six years, depending on the research focus and structure.

By contrast, certifications operate on shorter timelines. Entry-level certifications can often be earned in as little as two or three months of concentrated study. More advanced ones may take six months to a year, and even highly technical, expert-level certifications rarely demand more than 18 months of preparation.

This makes certifications attractive to career changers seeking a quick way to become employable, or professionals who want to add new competencies without stepping away from work for years.

Cost and financial investment

Finances highlight another stark contrast. The average cost of tuition at a four-year institution is $17,709, which represents about 46% of the total cost of attendance for a first-time, full-time student living on campus. For out-of-state students at public universities, tuition rises to $28,445, roughly 62% of the total cost of attendance.

Certifications, on the other hand, are much less costly. Most range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, and even extensive certification pathways rarely exceed $10,000 in total.

The financial return can also be faster, since certifications can lead directly to job opportunities. That said, degrees are associated with higher lifetime earning potential across most industries, which complicates the return-on-investment calculation.

Scope of knowledge

The way training is delivered also differs. Degrees emphasize broad academic foundations. Students gain exposure to computational theory, mathematical models, systems thinking, and analytical methods that apply across many different technologies. This broader framework helps graduates adapt to new tools and concepts as technology evolves.

Certifications are designed around targeted areas of expertise. They validate proficiency with a particular tool, platform, or skill set. This provides immediate depth in one area and enables rapid productivity in the workplace, but the knowledge may lose relevance if the technology changes or is replaced.

Career opportunities

Degrees are commonly used by large organizations as a baseline requirement and are often needed for management positions or roles that involve strategy and leadership. Many Fortune 500 companies still list a degree as a requirement for higher-level positions, regardless of experience.

Certifications, however, are preferred when the role requires specific technical expertise. Job postings for positions such as Network Administrator, Cloud Engineer, or Cybersecurity Analyst frequently list certifications as required or strongly preferred. These credentials demonstrate that a candidate can step into a specialized function with proven capability.

The career services that come with each path also differ. Universities typically offer alumni networks, internship programs, and career centers that continue to benefit graduates long after graduation. Certification programs usually provide more limited networking opportunities, though professional associations sometimes maintain communities for certified members.

Salary potential

Comparing salaries between certifications and degrees requires caution, since outcomes depend heavily on the job, the industry, and the individual’s experience. Generally, degree holders tend to have higher starting salaries and higher lifetime earnings across the economy as a whole.

In information technology, however, for some highly technical roles, the credential from a specific certification can be exactly what employers are looking for, leading to competitive pay even without a degree.

That said, degrees often provide clearer paths into advancement opportunities such as management, executive roles, or positions that require strategic oversight. The deciding factor is usually what a particular job requires and what employers value most in that role.

Strategies and Scenarios for Making Your Choice

Deciding between certifications and degrees ultimately comes down to perspective. The right choice depends on how you view their differences, what you need at this stage of your career, and your personal circumstances.

Certifications are often the better choice when rapid skill development and immediate employability are the priority. They are especially valuable for:

  • Career changers seeking fast entry into tech from other industries
  • Working professionals looking to upskill in specific areas without career interruption
  • Budget-conscious learners who need cost-effective skill development
  • Specialized roles requiring specific technical expertise, like to become a cloud engineer or cybersecurity positions

Formal education is a better choice when you need a broad academic grounding and long-term adaptability. Therefore, degrees make more sense for:

  • Career beginners starting their professional journey without prior technical experience
  • Leadership aspirants planning advancement into management or executive roles
  • Aspiring professionals seeking roles in large corporations that strictly require degrees
  • Individuals focused on long-term adaptability over immediate specialization

There are also many cases where people choose to combine both approaches: earning a degree for the academic foundation, then adding certifications as their career develops and industry demands shift.

For example, a Computer Science degree develops enduring skills such as algorithmic thinking and system design, which continue to be relevant even as specific technologies evolve. Adding certifications on top of that foundation allows professionals to demonstrate current, job-ready expertise. A cloud certification, for instance, highlights capability in one of today’s most in-demand areas.

This combination can also be expanded further. Many professionals seek to build a portfolio that includes degrees, certifications, and shorter certificate programs to strengthen both their foundational knowledge and their specialized skills. At Syracuse University’s iSchool, for example, students can pair a degree with focused credentials such as the Certificate of Advanced Study in Cloud Management or Information Security Management, which provide advanced training for managing enterprise-level systems.

This blended approach offers maximum flexibility. A degree satisfies the standard HR and promotion requirements, certifications demonstrate up-to-date technical proficiency, and certificates add focused expertise. Together, they position professionals to excel in technical roles while also preparing them for long-term growth into management and leadership.

Conclusion

Any step you take to learn and grow in information technology is a step forward. Whether through certifications or degrees, the choice to invest in your skills always strengthens your career.

At Syracuse University’s iSchool, you’ll find programs designed for both emerging professionals and those already working in the field. From bachelor’s degrees to advanced studies, our offerings help students build a foundation they can continue to expand with certifications and further training.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a good IT job with just certifications?

Yes, many IT roles can be secured with relevant certifications alone, especially in technical positions like network administration, cloud engineering, or cybersecurity.

Is an IT degree still relevant in today’s market?

Absolutely. While the tech industry values skills over credentials, degrees provide foundational knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and theoretical understanding that remain valuable. They’re particularly important for management roles and positions requiring strategic thinking.

Which pays more, an IT certification or a degree?

It depends on the job. Generally, degrees are associated with higher starting salaries and greater lifetime earning potential across most industries. However, in IT, certain certifications can lead to salaries that match or even exceed those of degree holders, especially for technical roles where highly specialized skills are in demand.

Should I get certifications while earning my degree?

Combining the two is an excellent strategy that maximizes your opportunities by making you more attractive to employers and providing multiple career pathways upon graduation.