This document consists of a series of three short articles that appeared in the "Resource Connections" column of three consecutive issues of the newsletter of the Boston chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). The articles are intended for adults considering enrolling in a professional development program, and examine the nature and scope and pros/cons of degree, certificate, and self-study professional development programs and discuss various factors to consider when selecting a type of program and/or a specific program. The first article, "Professional Development: Selecting the Right Program," examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of degree programs and includes a matrix detailing basic information about the degree professional development programs offered by eight colleges in the Boston area (including information about degree(s) awarded, average completion times, program costs, special study opportunities, and admission requirements). Included in the second article, "Professional Development: Certification Programs," are the following: discussion of the benefits of certificate programs, the importance of researching certification programs, and sources of information about certificate programs; 12 questions to ask when choosing a certificate program (questions pertaining to programs' sponsors, content, recognition, and refresher requirements); and names/phone numbers of 11 certificate programs in the Boston area. The third article, "Professional Development: Developing a Self Directed Study Program," examines the benefits and limitations of self-study professional development programs and explains the steps in planning a program (determine goals; write a clear set of measurable objectives; create a milestone table; identify resources; and plan a culminating experience). (MN)