Are Google Career Certificates a college alternative?

In its own hiring, Google will consider its certificates as equivalent to a four-year degree in three growing fields

Your high school guidance counselors might have to add Google to the list of colleges and universities they recommend to students.

In Google’s vision of higher education, Americans don’t need a college diploma to achieve economic stability.

The company will soon begin offering accelerated Google Career Certificates in three high-paying, high-growth careers: Data analytics, project management, and user experience design.

Beginning salaries in these fields average more than $55,000.


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The company, which is offering 100,000 need-based scholarships to the program, says the programs will take about six months to complete.

In its own hiring practices, Google will consider the certificates as equivalent to a four-year degree for related entry-level roles.

The courses, which require no previous degree or prior experience, will be designed and taught by Google employees who specialize in the three fields.

The company will offer hundreds of apprenticeships and on-the-job training at Google for people completing the certificate program.

It is also establishing Google Career Certificates in Career and Technical Education high schools across the country, starting with a certificate in IT support.

Students can display the certificates on LinkedIn, printed resumes and other employment documents.


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Matt Zalaznick
Matt Zalaznick
Matt Zalaznick is a life-long journalist. Prior to writing for District Administration he worked in daily news all over the country, from the NYC suburbs to the Rocky Mountains, Silicon Valley and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He's also in a band.

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