<p>I was just wondering how valuable IT certifications are for employment oppurtunities. Are they considered more valuable to employers than a degree in computer science or computer engineering? For example how would employers view a person with a non-computer science/engineering undergraduate degree with certifications in comparison with a person with a undergraduate degree in computer science or engineering with no certifications. For example, if an employer was interested in hiring a programmer, how would they look at a person with a computer science degree and no certs vs a person who had a non-computer related degree but had certs in C++, VB, Java, MCAD, MCSD, etc. I know the prestige of the school definately matters but what about if the two applicants came from roughly the same level state schools. What about certifications like MCSE?</p>
<p>For IT certifications, CCIE is well respected, but most of the “lower” ones are not that well respected.</p>
<p>In terms of software jobs, a CS degree is more respected than those certifications you mention, but actual work experience and proven achievement in the field dominates both (this includes those who self-educated themselves in CS and have either no degree or an unrelated degree, as well as those who did the more usual path starting with a CS degree). Obviously, a new graduate has less work experience, so the degree is more important for such an applicant.</p>