Do certificates count toward my bachelor's degree?

Yes, every course counts toward your degree. You'll earn three certificates and an associate degree as part of your bachelor's degree, and most students complete their first certificate within the first year. Each certificate is designed to help you qualify for a better job — even before you finish your degree. Certificates build into associate and bachelor's degrees, so every class counts toward your bigger goal. Earning a certificate early can also give you the confidence and motivation to keep going. As one BYU-Pathway student from El Salvador shared: 'Every time I would get a certificate, I used it to get a salary raise or I would apply for a new position.'

What is the difference between a certificate, an associate degree, and a bachelor's degree?

Certificates are made up of 13–15 credits and focus on one area of study, providing job-ready skills quickly. An associate degree requires 60 credits, including general education courses, two certificates, and religion courses. A bachelor's degree includes 90–96 credits and includes three certificates along with general education and religion courses. Visit the BYU-Pathway degree and certificate list at https://www.byupathway.edu/degrees/program-list to explore all available options.

How long is a term or block at BYU-Pathway?

Each BYU-Pathway term is called a 'block,' and each block lasts seven weeks. There are a total of six block starts per year, so there is always a start date coming up soon. Visit https://www.byupathway.edu/application-deadlines for more information on application deadlines and the start that works best for you.

How much time should I plan to spend studying each week?

Generally, students spend 3–5 hours per week on coursework per credit. For a typical 3-credit course, you can expect to spend around 9–15 hours per week, adding up to approximately 63–105 total hours over a 7-week block. Some students may need more or less time depending on their situation, English language skills, and work pace.

Do employers take online degrees seriously?

Yes. As online education becomes more common, employers increasingly recognize the value of online degrees — especially from fully accredited schools like BYU-Idaho and Ensign College, which award BYU-Pathway degrees. BYU-Pathway's online programs follow the same curriculum and high standards as on-campus programs. Graduates regularly report better job opportunities and career growth: 90% get a better job after graduation with a bachelor's degree, 70% get a better job after earning their first certificate, and 60% get a better job after completing PathwayConnect.

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A lot of people told me I would never go to college. [BYU-Pathway] gave me the opportunity. It not only equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional advancement but also fostered a deep connection to my faith.

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