Online MSc in Finance vs. Certificate in Corporate Finance

Hi,

I posted here a while back but got no replies, so figured to give it a go again. The title will hopefully draw more attention.

I am employed full-time at a university in Asia. I completed my PhD in sociology and am unable to enroll full-time in a traditional program. Nor do I want to give up my current post. The part-time options available are also not so attractive, so I am looking at distance programs in the US and UK.

I was wondering what people thought about the difference between an MSc and a certificate. Obviously, the MSc holds more weight and would be looked at much better than the certificate. But I am not looking to go out and compete for the top jobs and am doing this to either (a) possibly open up new opportunities down the line that a degree in sociology won't or (b) possibly pursue a PhD in finance if I enjoy the research aspect to it. Just wondering if the certificate would suffice since I don't intend to aim for the best positions.

Based on what I've read in searches, I am guessing people are going to completely slam the certificate option (and not unlikely the the online MSc too), but I figured to see what comes of this post.

Cheers