Back
A BYU-Pathway student dressed in cap and gown at graduation
A BYU-Pathway student dressed in cap and gown at graduation
A BYU-Pathway student dressed in cap and gown at graduation
Certificates & Degrees
Certificate-first Structure
> ... Certificates & Degrees Overview > Certificate First

Wish you could get a better job before finishing a degree? Now you can!

Earn marketable certificates — while earning a bachelor's degree. Instead of only earning a bachelor's degree, you will earn three certificates and an associate degree along the way.

Make more money

Many students see a boost in their employability after they complete a certificate, and again after they earn a bachelor's degree.

Earnings Impact

Finish a certificate in less than a year

Certificates are typically made up of just five courses and can be completed in one year or less, and every course builds directly into a degree.

See how a certificate helped Andrés get a remote job, increase his income, and spend more time with his family.

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
  • Chapters
  • descriptions off, selected
  • captions off, selected
    Student Profile: Andrés Gomez

    Customize your degree

    Certificates allow you to customize your degree. First, pick a bachelor's degree. Then select three certificates to build that degree. You'll earn all of this for the same cost and time as one bachelor's degree!

    Degree Steps

    Select a category to view available certificates and degrees:
    Business icon
    Business
    Technology icon
    Technology
    Communication icon
    Communication
    Bachelor Health icon
    Health
    Family studies icon
    Family
    Professional studies icon
    Professional Studies
    View all certificates and degrees
    Select an option below:
    Degrees
    Certificates
    Questions
    What I really want is a bachelor’s degree. Will a certificate help with that?
    The best way to increase your chances of completing a degree is to earn a certificate first. It’s a great way to develop immediate job skills and increase your earning potential while laying the foundation for your future degree.
    How do I know which courses to register for?
    The courses required for each certificate are listed on each certificate page. Visit the Program List for more information.
    Will employers recognize a certificate?
    Employers want to hire individuals who can demonstrate skills. All of our certificates are designed to develop a variety of marketable skills, which employers will recognize and find valuable.
    What is the difference between a certificate, an associate degree, and a bachelor's degree?
    • A certificate is 12–15 credits and focuses on one area of study.
    • An associate degree is 60 credits and includes general studies.
    • A bachelor’s degree is 90 credits and includes a major field of study as well as general studies

    What school would my certificate be coming from?
    BYU-Pathway provides access to select certificates and degrees from both BYU-Idaho and Ensign College. Through this partnership, students have access to a wider variety of offerings, some of which may only be available through one of these institutions.