Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility The Benefits of Earning Certifications Through Online Courses | Blog | University of West Florida
Skip to main content

The Benefits of Earning Certifications Through Online Courses

March 18, 2025 | Ed2Go

Woman working on laptop

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, the pursuit of education doesn’t stop with a college degree. While a degree is a tremendous accomplishment and can open doors to many career opportunities, it may not always be enough to keep up with industry trends or stand out in a competitive field. To gain that edge, more and more professionals are turning to online courses that lead to nationally recognized certifications.

If you’re considering enhancing your career prospects, an online course that offers certification can be the perfect way to complement your degree. Here’s why you should consider it, and which courses can help you achieve your professional goals.

Why Pursue a National Certification After a Degree?

  1. Boost Your Employability
    While a college degree is essential, many employers look for candidates with specialized skills that align with current industry demands. Earning a national certification showcases your expertise in a specific area, making you a more attractive candidate in competitive fields.
  2. Stay Competitive in a Fast-Changing Job Market
    The job market is constantly changing, especially in fields like technology, healthcare, and business. By taking an online course to earn a certification, you can keep up with the latest developments and stay relevant in your industry. Certifications help ensure that your skills are up to date, demonstrating to employers that you are proactive about your professional growth.
  3. Increase Your Earning Potential
    A certification can directly impact your earning potential. According to studies, employees with certifications in specific fields often earn more than their non-certified peers. This extra credential can also open doors to higher-level positions and career advancement.
  4. Flexible Learning Options
    Online courses provide flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace, from anywhere. This is particularly beneficial for professionals who are working full-time or have busy schedules. You can learn while still fulfilling your other responsibilities, and earn a certification without disrupting your career.

Why Pursue a National Certification After a Degree?

University of West Florida offers flexible, self-paced non-credit certificate programs to help you start a new career or advance within your current occupation.  Each course is developed by a team of experts and comes with dedicated student advisors to support you as you train for jobs in high-demand fields and prepare for nationally recognized certifications. 

Get industry-certified in IT, business, healthcare, legal studies, and more.  Upon completing your program with a passing score, you'll get a certificate of completion and, when applicable, a voucher to sit for the certification exam.

Explore our courses and get started today.