Now that you have just finished college, you must wonder, what’s next? With countless options available, it can be overwhelming to choose your path. Many graduates, like yourself, are considering professional courses — and for good reason.
The demand for skilled professionals is skyrocketing. According to Statista, the professional certificates market is projected to reach 9.84 million users by 2027.
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Professional courses after graduation can be game-changers. They offer deeper insights into specific fields, making you an expert and opening up better job opportunities and higher salaries. With the job market becoming more competitive each year, having that extra edge makes a big difference.
In this article, you will look at some popular professional courses, why you should opt for one, and the top colleges to do professional courses after graduation.
Here is a list of everything you will learn in this blog about professional courses after graduation.
| Particulars | Description |
| Why Should You Pursue Professional Courses After Graduation? | Skill-Focused Career-Oriented Flexibility |
| Top Professional Courses After Graduation | PG Diploma in Management MBAM.Tech |
| Short-Term Professional Courses | Certificate in Digital Marketing Certificate in Photography Certificate in Data Science |
| Professional Courses After Graduation Commerce | MCAPGDM in Finance Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) |
| Professional Courses After Graduation Arts | Master of Arts (MA) Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) LLB |
| Top Colleges for Professional Courses | MIT Stanford University University of Oxford |
What are Professional Courses?
A Statista report projects the global professional certification market will reach $300 billion by 2025, underscoring their value.
Professional courses after graduation provide practical skills and knowledge for specific career paths, emphasising hands-on training, industry exposure, and real-world application.
The curriculum aligns with industry standards, ensuring you are job-ready from day one.
Here’s why they are popular.
- Skill-focused: Address job market skill gaps, boosting employability.
- Career-oriented: Fast-track career progression with relevant expertise.
- Flexible: Available part-time or online for working professionals and graduates.
- Cost-effective: More affordable than traditional degrees.
Whether starting your career or upskilling, professional courses are a strategic choice.
Top 8 Professional Courses after Graduation
Did you know that around 1.5 million Indian students are studying at foreign universities? This makes the job market incredibly competitive. In this section, you’ll discover the top 8 professional courses that can boost your career significantly.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business-minded individual, or exploring other fields, there’s a course perfect for you.
Here is a list of professional courses after graduation.
| Course Name | Top Universities with QS Subject Rankings | Average Annual Fees |
| PG Diploma in Management (PGDM) | Stanford Graduate School of Business (1) Penn Wharton (2) Harvard Business School (3) | INR 68L ($82K) INR 70L ($84K) INR 64L ($76K) |
| MBA (Masters in Business Administration) | Stanford Graduate School of Business (1) Penn Wharton (2) Harvard Business School (3) | INR 68L ($82K) INR 70L ($84K )INR 64L ($76K) |
| MTech | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1) Stanford University (2) University of Oxford (3) | INR 52L ($62K) INR 68L ($82K) INR 40L to INR 52L (£33K to £48K) |
| PGD in Hotel Management | EHL Hospitality Business School (1) SHMS – Swiss Hotel Management School (2)César Ritz Colleges Switzerland (3) | INR 30L (CHF 30K) INR 27L (CHF 28K) INR 52L (CHF 54K) |
| Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) | Harvard Business School (1) INSEAD (2) London Business School (3) | INR 64L ($76K) INR 91L (€99K) INR 1.23Cr (115K) Full Fees |
| Certification in Finance and Accounting (CFA) | Harvard University (1) Massachusetts Institute of Technology(2) Stanford University (3) | INR 64L ($76K) INR 52L ($62K) INR 68L ($82K) |
| PG Diploma in Digital Marketing or Business Analytics | University of Pennsylvania (1) University of Oxford (2) University of Cambridge (3) | INR 70L ($84K) INR 40L to INR 52L (£33K to £48K) INR 35L (€39K) |
| Masters in Data Science or Machine Learning | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1) Carnegie Mellon University (2) University of California (UCB) (3) | INR 52L ($62K) INR 53L ($64K) INR 28L ($34K) |
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1. PG Diploma in Management (PGDM)
Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is a popular postgraduate program that focuses on developing managerial skills and knowledge essential for business and management careers. You’ll learn everything from marketing to finance and how to lead a team. It’s a great way to get ready for management roles.
Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for this 2-year course.
| Particulars | Description |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Any Stream 50% to 60% |
| Entrance Exams & Minimum Scores | MAT: 90 Percentile CAT: 90 Percentile CMAT: 251 XAT: 93 Percentile GMAT: 655 |
| Work Experience | Two to Three Years |
Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Investment Banker | INR 3.3Cr ($394K) |
| Financial Advisor | INR 80L ($95K) |
| Asset Manager | INR 97L ($116K) |
2. MBA (Masters in Business Administration)
Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a postgraduate degree designed to develop the skills required for careers in business and management. The program provides you with a comprehensive understanding of business practices, leadership, and management strategies.
There are many MBA specialisations that you can choose from, such as Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Information Technology, International Business, and Operations Management.
Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for this 2-year course.
| Particulars | Description |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Any Stream 50% |
| Entrance Exams & Minimum Scores | CAT: 90 Percentile XAT: 93 Percentile GMAT: 655 CMAT: 251 |
| Work Experience | Two to Three Years |
Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Business Consultant | INR 1.2Cr ($143K) |
| Investment Banker | INR 3.3Cr ($394K) |
| Market Research Analyst | INR 80L ($96K) |
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3. MTech
Master of Technology (MTech) is a postgraduate degree focusing on advanced engineering and technology skills. The program is designed to deepen your understanding of specific engineering disciplines.
There are tons of options to choose from, like Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Here is an overview of the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for this 2-year course.
| Particulars | Description |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Engineering Or Any Related Field 55% to 60% |
| Entrance Exams & Minimum Scores | GATE: 28 |
| Work Experience | Zero to Two Years |
Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Civil Engineer | INR 88L ($105K) |
| Mechanical Engineer | INR 1.14Cr ($136K) |
| Software Analyst | INR 62L ($74K) |
4. PGD in Hotel Management
PGD in Hotel Management is all about learning how to run a hotel smoothly and make guests feel like royalty. It’s usually a one or two-year program that will teach you everything from managing staff to creating unforgettable guest experiences.
The hospitality industry is booming in the world, creating a huge demand for skilled hotel managers.
Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for PGC in Hotel Management.
| Particulars | Description |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Any Stream |
| Entrance Exams & Minimum Scores | NCHMCT JEE: 180 DTE HMCT: 45% |
| Work Experience | Not Required |
Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Hotel Manager | INR 67L ($80K) |
| Sales Manager | INR 1.39Cr ($166K) |
| Restaurant Manager | INR 52L ($62K) |
5. Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM)
Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) is a specialised one-year management program. It is designed to help you accelerate your career if you are a working professional. Unlike traditional two-year MBA programs, PGPM is intensive and focuses on providing practical and strategic management skills.
Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for PGPM.
| Particulars | Description |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Any Stream 50% |
| Entrance Exams & Minimum Scores | CAT: 90 Percentile CMAT: 251 XAT: 93 Percentile GMAT: 655 |
| Work Experience | Two to Three Years |
Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Brand Manager | INR 1.35Cr ($162K) |
| Research Analyst | INR 80L ($95K) |
| Marketing Manager | INR 85L ($114K) |
6. Certification in Finance and Accounting (CFA)
Certification in Finance and Accounting (CFA), commonly known as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, is a globally recognised professional certification offered by the CFA Institute. It is designed to measure and certify the competence and integrity of financial analysts.
Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for this 2-year course.
| Particulars | Description |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Any Stream |
| Entrance Exams & Minimum Scores | Level 1 CFA: 70% |
| Work Experience | Not Required |
Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Risk Manager | INR 1.19Cr ($42K) |
| Asset Manager | INR 97L ($116K) |
| Investment Manager | INR 1.03Cr ($123K) |
7. PG Diploma in Digital Marketing
Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing is a specialised postgraduate program designed to provide you with comprehensive knowledge and skills in digital marketing.
This one-year program focuses on the latest trends, tools, and techniques used in the digital marketing industry. You will gain expertise in SEO, content marketing and social media marketing.
Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for a PG Diploma in Digital Marketing.
| Particulars | Description |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Any Stream 60% |
| Entrance Exams & Minimum Scores | CAT: 90 Percentile MAT: 90 Percentile XAT: 93 Percentile ATMA: 70 |
| Work Experience | Not Required |
Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Brand Manager | INR 1.35Cr ($162K) |
| Project Architect | INR 1.08Cr ($129K) |
| Community Manager | INR 51L ($61K) |
8. Masters in Data Science or Machine Learning
Masters in Data Science or Machine Learning is an advanced 2-year postgraduate program designed to provide you with the tools and techniques needed to analyse complex data, develop predictive models, and implement machine learning algorithms.
Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for a Master’s in Data Science or Machine Learning.
| Particulars | Description |
| Bachelor’s Degree | IT/Computer Science/Maths/Statistics50% |
| Entrance Exams & Minimum Scores | CUET: 400 |
| Work Experience | Not Required |
Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Data Architect | INR 1.51Cr ($181K) |
| Data Scientist | INR 1.03Cr ($123K) |
| Data Administrator | INR 86L ($103K) |
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English Language Requirement
The global higher education market is booming, with projections reaching $860 billion by 2030. As professional courses gain popularity, mastering the English language becomes increasingly crucial, especially for those aspiring to study abroad.
The table below provides the required TOEFL and IELTS scores to pursue professional courses from different countries.
| Particulars | TOEFL | IELTS |
| USA | 80 | 6.0-6.5 |
| UK | 92 | 6.0-7.0 |
| Ireland | 90 | 6.5 |
| Canada | 80 | 5.5 |
| Australia | 80 | 6 |
Now that you know details about some great courses and their eligibility criteria, it is time to know about some specific stream-wise professional courses. You will learn all about it in the next section.
Professional Courses after Graduation Stream-Wise
India’s unemployment rate of 9.2% highlights the need to stand out. Your college degree is a solid foundation, but specialised skills can be a game-changer.
This section outlines the top professional courses tailored to your academic background. Whether you’re a science, commerce, or arts graduate, there’s a course to promote your career.
Professional Courses After Graduation in Arts
Did you know that in recent years the number of students choosing arts as a stream of education increased to 40%? With this growing interest, numerous professional courses are available to enhance your skills and career prospects.
Here is a list of popular professional courses after graduation in arts, along with job roles and salary.
| Professional Courses After Graduation in Arts | Job Roles | Expected Annual Salary |
| Master of Arts (MA) | Media AnalystJournalist | INR 52L ($62K)INR 67L ($80K) |
| Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) | Communication ManagerMarketing Operations Specialist | INR 64L ($77K)INR 63L ($76K) |
| PG Diploma in Business Analytics (PGDBA) | Business AnalystQuantitative Analyst | INR 1.06Cr ($127K)INR 2.12Cr ($253K) |
Professional Courses After Graduation in Commerce
Did you know? The global education market is projected to grow to $10 trillion by 2030. This growth presents numerous opportunities for commerce graduates to enhance their skills and career prospects through professional courses.
Here is a list of popular professional courses after graduation in commerce, along with job roles and salary.
| Professional Courses After Graduation in Commerce | Job Roles | Expected Annual Salary |
| MCA | Software ConsultantWeb Developer | INR 1.34Cr (160K)INR 78L ($93K) |
| PGDM in Finance | Global Tax ManagerInvestment Manager | INR 1.28Cr ($153K)INR 1.03Cr ($123K) |
| Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) | Risk ManagerInvestment Manager | INR 1.19Cr ($42K)INR 1.03Cr ($123K) |
Professional Courses After Graduation in Science
Did you know? The global data science education market is projected to reach USD 378.7 billion by 2030. This highlights the immense opportunities for science graduates to enhance their skills and career prospects through professional courses.
Here is a list of popular professional courses after graduation in science, along with job roles and salary.
| Professional Courses After Graduation in Science | Job Roles | Expected Annual Salary |
| Master in Computer Science | Database AdministratorData Warehouse Analyst | INR 97L ($116K)INR 1.16Cr ($139K) |
| MBA (Master of Business Administration) | Business Analyst Financial Manager | INR 1.06Cr ($127K)INR 1.56Cr ($187K) |
| MCA in Data Science | Cloud ArchitectDatabase EngineerData Scientist | INR 1.67Cr ($200K)INR 1.31Cr ($157K)INR 1.03Cr ($123K) |
Also Read: Best Countries to Study MBA for Indian Students in 2024
Top Short-Term Professional Courses After Graduation
With over 60K layoffs in 2024, job security is a top concern. To stay competitive, you need to stand out. Short-term professional courses offer a quick path to upskilling.
These condensed programs pack a powerful punch, equipping you with in-demand skills in less than a year. Whether you’re aiming for a career change or to enhance your current role, these courses can be your career accelerator.
Here is a list of top short-term professional courses after graduation.
| Course Name | Duration | Top Universities/Institutions |
| Certificate in Digital Marketing | Three to Six Months | Duke University Career Foundry’s Digital Marketing Program Columbia Business School |
| Certificate in Photography | Four to Twelve Months | School of the Art Institute of Chicago Kent State University Vancouver Institute of Media Arts |
| Certificate in Data Science | Six to Nine Months | IBM Microsoft Certified Google Professional |
| Certificate in Cyber Security | Three to Twelve Months | IBM Microsoft Certified Google Professional |
| Certificate in Product Management | Six Months to 1 Year | Product School Pragmatic Institute AIPMM |
Also Read: Best Country to Study Engineering in 2024: Top Picks and Why
Best Online Colleges for Professional Courses After Graduation
The global online education market is assured of significant growth, projected to expand at a rate of 8.56% between 2024 and 2030. This is great if you are looking to balance work and personal commitments while looking to upskill yourself. Online professional courses provide the flexibility you need to succeed.
Get into top-tier programs offered by renowned institutions, spanning diverse fields from business to data science. This way, you can advance your career without compromising your lifestyle.
Here is a list of top online colleges for professional courses after graduation.
| College Name | Average Fees |
| University of Manchester | INR 45L (£42K) Full Fees |
| The University of Florida | INR 11L ($13K) Per Year |
| University College of London | 0 to INR 2.1L (0 to £2) Full Fees |
| Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning | INR 75K to INR 1L Per Year |
| Amity University Online | INR 1L to INR 3L Per Year |
Conclusion
Choosing the right professional courses after graduation can significantly boost your career prospects. With increasing demand for skilled professionals, these courses offer specialised knowledge and practical skills that employers value.
This blog covered high-impact courses such as PG Diploma in Management, MBA, M.Tech, and short-term certifications in Digital Marketing and Data Science. These programs, offered by top institutions like MIT, Stanford, and the University of Oxford, ensure high-quality education and industry relevance.
Investing in professional courses after graduation can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries, making it a strategic move for both fresh graduates and professionals looking to upskill.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What are some short-term professional courses after graduation?
A. Short-term professional courses after graduation are designed to quickly enhance your skills and boost your employability within a short time frame. Some popular options include the following.
Certificate in Digital Marketing
Certificate in Photography
Certificate in Data Science -
Q. What are the best professional courses after B.Com?
A. For B.Com graduates, professional courses can provide specialised knowledge and enhance career prospects in commerce-related fields.
Some of the top professional courses after b.com include the following.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Management Accountant (CMA) -
Q. What are the best professional courses after graduation in commerce?
A. Graduates in commerce have several professional courses that can enhance their career prospects in finance, accounting, and business. Some of the best options include the following.
Chartered Accountancy (CA)
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
Certified Management Accountant (CMA) -
Q. What are the best professional courses after graduation in arts?
A. Some top choices include the following.
Master of Arts (MA)
Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC)
LLB (Bachelor of Laws) -
Q. How do I choose the right professional courses after graduation?
A. Choosing the right professional course involves considering your career goals, interests, and industry demands. Research courses and institutions, check eligibility criteria, and evaluate the return on investment. Look for programs that offer hands-on training, industry exposure, and flexibility to suit your schedule.
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Q. Can professional courses help me switch careers?
A. Yes, professional courses are excellent for career switching. They provide targeted skills and knowledge needed for new fields, making the transition smoother and more feasible. For example, a Certificate in Data Science can help someone with a background in humanities enter the tech industry.
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Q. What are some short-term professional courses after graduation?
A. Short-term professional courses include a Certificate in Digital Marketing, a Certificate in Photography, a Certificate in Data Science, a Certificate in Cyber Security, and a Certificate in Business Management. These courses can be completed in a few months to a year, providing quick skill upgrades and enhancing your employability.
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Q. How does a Master’s in Data Science or Machine Learning prepare me for the job market?
A. Masters in Data Science or Machine Learning programs teach you to analyse large datasets and develop algorithms to solve complex problems. You will learn about statistical analysis, programming, machine learning techniques, and data visualisation. These skills are highly valued in industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and retail.
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Q. What are professional courses after graduation?
A. Professional courses after graduation are specialised programs designed to provide you with practical skills and knowledge tailored to specific career paths. Unlike traditional degrees that focus primarily on theoretical aspects, these courses emphasise hands-on training, industry exposure, and real-world application.
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Q. Why should I pursue professional courses after graduation?
A. Pursuing professional courses after graduation can significantly enhance your employability. These courses provide you with industry-relevant expertise, making you a valuable asset to potential employers. Additionally, they offer flexibility in learning, with many programs available online or part-time, accommodating both fresh graduates and working professionals.
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Q. How long do professional courses after graduation take to complete?
A. The duration of professional courses after graduation varies. For instance, PGDM and MBA programs typically take two years to complete, providing comprehensive business education. Short-term courses like Certificate in Digital Marketing can be completed in three to six months, offering quick skill upgrades.
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Q. What are the benefits of pursuing an MBA after graduation?
A. An MBA provides comprehensive business knowledge, covering areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management. This degree opens doors to managerial and executive roles, offering opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries. Additionally, an MBA program helps you build a strong professional network through interactions with peers, faculty, and industry leaders.
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