Information Technology jobs have been on the rise lately, but despite the drastic increase in job opportunities in recent years, there seems to be a decreasing number of students pursuing and completing computer science and other IT-related degrees. According to the official CareerBuilder study, the number of students graduating with such degrees is nearly inversely proportional to the rise in jobs—there’s been nearly as many professionals forgoing traditional degrees as there are new jobs popping up.

What could be the cause of this trend? Most likely, the rising importance of certifications. Employers hiring IT professionals are increasingly concerned with certifications which, unlike a general degree, prove a candidate’s abilities in a particular software, skill, or focus within the broad spectrum of IT and computer science. Whereas a degree offers knowledge on a vast range of topics, a certification requires specialized knowledge and hands-on experience. Some even require work or lab hours in order to qualify.

We’ve stressed the importance of certifications before, and they are important—but if you find yourself thinking about forgoing a traditional degree to pursue certifications, you may want to reconsider. . Though specialized experience and credentials are in high demand, a wider knowledge base can help you be more flexible with your career and specific projects.

“In the highly competitive IT job market, having a degree in Computer Science sets a great foundation for one’s career and can set you apart from other applicants when applying to IT positions,” says Lisa Samson, a Director at ES Technology, a division of The Execu|Search Group. “Technology certifications are great building blocks that add expertise to your resume in addition to the knowledge you attained while working toward your degree. However, it’s important to know that many employers do not consider certifications to be a full replacement for an undergraduate degree in a technology-related field.”

Ensuring that you have a vast knowledge base could make you more valuable to hiring managers and possible future employers. Having a degree as well as certifications would qualify you best for the field which you are certified, but also opens you up to some other IT-related projects the company might have. For example, someone with Health IT certifications would be best suited for projects dealing with Electronic Medical Records, but should they also have a degree, could also assist in other areas of the IT department. If a company sees that you have numerous capabilities and can save them money by tackling a number of IT issues, you will be a top candidate in their search.

Therefore, it’s best to flesh out your knowledge and back up your certifications with a full-bodied computer science degree. Doing so will make you a more well-rounded and dedicated candidate against fellow jobseekers who have cornered themselves into one specialty. Obtaining both also opens you up to jobs you may not have qualified for prior, as many require a certification, a degree, or both. You’ll no longer have to pass on a job that seems perfect for you because you don’t meet its core requirements.

At the very least, obtaining a degree will speak volumes of your work ethic and dedication. Whereas even the most difficult of certifications only take some professionals a few months of study, a full degree encompasses an average of four academic years to complete.  If you feel that you’re lacking something that’s negatively affecting your job search, it may be time to make room for a full degree to fill in the educational gaps.