Online graduate certificate programs are short alternatives to post-baccalaureate degrees. They’re specialized programs that enrich a person’s expertise and proficiencies. Obtaining an online graduate certificate provides additional study in a specific area of discipline. Besides that, completing online graduate certificate programs can help candidates in career development and a career shift.
Speaking of completion, online graduate certificate programs require 12 to 24 credit hours. Hence, students can obtain their graduate certificates within 12 months. By completing a graduate certificate, candidates prove advanced understanding in a field of discipline. For example, business professionals work towards completing an online graduate certificate program in data analytics or project management, while IT professionals can benefit from graduate certificates in specializations, such as database administration and cybersecurity.
Students interested in accomplishing an online graduate certificate should find a program that helps them reach their professional aspirations—but the process of choosing the best-fit program for you is a real challenge, isn’t it?
Listed below are top-flight online schools offering 15 Best Online Graduate Certificate Programs in the United States. In coming up with this list, our researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com factored in the characteristics that make up the ideal certificate program for graduate students across all disciplines and specializations.
How did we do the choosing, you ask? Here are the defining characteristics of all the 15 Best Online Graduate Certificate Programs on our list:
- Convenience for distance learners with 100% or hybrid graduate certificate classes,
- Graduate-level curricula and courses that measure up to the standards by which all online graduate programs operate,
- High-quality instruction and learning tools with rigorous, albeit condensed training in numerous graduate specializations,
- A positive learning experience for graduate students, delivered through a reliable online education platform complete with web-based support and resources,
- Special discounts and other financial assistance programs for eligible graduate students, as applicable,
- Full online graduate certificate program accreditation.
Questions about our selection process? Visit our Methodology page for in-depth information.
Browse through your Online Graduate Certificate options with ease! Use these quick jumps for your convenience:
- American Military University
- Grand Canyon University
- North Dakota State University
- University of Missouri
- Purdue University
- University of Maine
- The Pennsylvania State University
- Trident University International
- University of Michigan-Flint
- University of Massachusetts
- Harvard University
- University of Memphis
- Boston University
- University of New Hampshire
American Military University
Charles Town, West Virginia
Tuition: $370 per credit hour
American Military University has several online graduate certificate programs in different areas of study, such as accounting, history, space studies, terrorism, IT, management, and environmental science. One of the online schools around the country, it boasts the largest repository of online graduate certificate programs. Aside from that, AMU has unique graduate certificate programs that aren’t readily available in other universities. For instance, AMU’s Online Graduate Certificate in Civil War Studies requires 18 credit hours for program completion. Students will complete required courses through this program, such as Civil War Command and Leadership, Civil War Strategy and Tactics, Studies in US Military History, Reconstruction and Post-Civil War America, and Antebellum America: Prelude to the Civil War. Like most online graduate certificate programs at AMU, the Civil War Studies online certificate features an 8-week program format. With up to 9 transfer credits accepted, students can take advantage of AMU’s transfer credit evaluation without a fee.
Types of Aid: Federal Student Aid, Military Tuition Assistance, Veterans Benefits, Employer Benefits, Scholarships, Private Loans, and Payment Plans
Admission Requirements:
- Application for admission
- Baccalaureate/master’s degree
- Copy of a valid government-issued ID
- Other program-specific requirements
- Prerequisite courses
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
With less than $400 per credit tuition, the American Military University is one of the most affordable online schools worldwide. To supplement, AMU features several financial aid opportunities to help students finance their online graduate certificate studies. The American Military University remains true to its mission to provide a more achievable and inexpensive way of completing online programs, especially to the men and women in uniform.
Learn more about the American Military University’s Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Tuition: $365 to $695 per credit hour
Grand Canyon University’s online graduate certificate programs are designed to have shorter course durations; however, students still receive the necessary foundation for pursuing more advanced studies. Depending on the online certificate program, Grand Canyon University programs only require a few months to accomplish. In terms of discipline, online graduate certificates at GCU cover Christian studies, psychology, history, mental health, and information technology.
Students pursuing an Online Graduate Certificate of Completion in Mental Health and Wellness can choose from four concentrations. They can either pursue the Integrated Health, Grief and Bereavement, Family Dynamic Studies, and Christian Ministry for interested students. For example, the Integrated Health online certificate program requires students to complete 16 credit hours. Health and Wellness, Community Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, Families in Contemporary Society, Documentation, Research, & Information Literacy in Mental Health & Wellness are interesting courses that students will complete.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Grants, Private/Alternative Loans, Loan Deferment and Forbearance, Loan Forgiveness Programs, Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and Military and Veterans’ Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Minimum GPA of 2.8
- GMAT/GRE scores (If applicable)
- Undergraduate degree
- Program-specific requirements
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Grand Canyon University helps both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking learners lessen their online graduate certificate studies’ expenses through several financial aid options. To become qualified to receive, students should submit complete FAFSA requirements aside from the university’s standard admission requirements. GCU has a dedicated financial aid department to readily help students in FAFSA-related inquiries and other concerns regarding the different ways to save on tuition.
Learn more about Grand Canyon University’s Online Certificate Programs.
North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota
Tuition: $389.60 per credit hour
The online graduate certificate programs offered at North Dakota State University are categorized in different discipline areas, such as Construct Management, Cybersecurity, Human Development, Family Science, Merchandising, Public Health, and Software Engineering. As a feature, North Dakota State University’s Online Graduate Certificate in Human Development and Family Science features three concentrations, such as Youth Development, Gerontology, and Family Financial Planning. Speaking of course completion, the Family Financial Planning requires 18 credit hours, the Youth Development requires 13 credit hours, and the Gerontology emphasis requires 15 credit hours. For Youth Development, students will take required courses, such as Youth in Cultural Contexts, Community Youth Development, Foundations of Youth Development, Youth Policy, and Contemporary Youth Issues.
Types of Aid: Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver, Grants, and Scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Application for admission
- Baccalaureate degree
- $35 application fee
- Statement of Purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- English proficiency (Regardless of residency and citizenship)
- GRE/GMAT
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Through a selected number of financial aid opportunities, North Dakota State University provides students with the opportunity to save on tuition expenses. That said, they can apply for scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers once they have completed their FAFSA requirements. North Dakota State University’s financial aid team educates students on the proper guidelines for obtaining financial assistance packages for their education.
Learn more about North Dakota State University’s Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Tuition: $394.90 per credit hour
The University of Missouri has several online graduate certificate programs that don’t require any in-person attendance regardless of the major. The programs cover healthcare, education, finance, aerospace engineering, and other unique fields of interest. The University of Missouri’s Graduate Certificate in Agroforestry helps students earn the credentials and skills they require in pursuing a career as a forester, geoscientist, environmental specialist, environmental engineer, conservation scientist, or food or agricultural scientist. Depending on the students’ pace and timeline, the 12-credit hour program can be completed in 12 to 24 months, completing one or two courses per semester. Like most online graduate certificate programs, the Agroforestry has a semester-based calendar system. The program features coursework completion in Agroforestry Economics and Policy, Watershed Management and Water Quality, Advanced Medicinal Plant Science, Ecological Principles of Agroforestry, Urban Biodiversity, Conservation, and Planning.
Types of Aid: Payment Options, Grants, Scholarships, Loans, Student Employment Programs, and University Employees and Family Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- $50 application fee
- Online application
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 2.75
- Bachelor’s degree
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
The University of Missouri offers a diverse range of financial aid programs for both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students. The university also features a one-stop-shop website with all the necessary information on students’ financial aid programs and other related inquiries. For university employees and their families, the University of Missouri offers tuition discounts for pursuing online programs at the university.
Get the information you need on the University of Missouri’s Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
Tuition: $420 to $700 per quarter credit hour
Through Purdue University Global, the online graduate certificate programs at Purdue University allow students to earn the required credentials for pursuing more advanced degrees in the fields of Business and Economics, Education, Nursing, Psychology, and Technology/Computer Science. Depending on the program, students may earn anywhere between 16 and 40 credit hours.
When completing a graduate certificate program in Psychology, go for the Graduate Certificate in Addictions. This program requires 40 credit hours for completion. It features 10-week class terms with up to a 15-hour weekly commitment from students.
This 40-credit hour program features Group Counseling, Co-Occurring Disorders and Treatments, Psychopharmacology, Chemical, Psychological Dependency Counseling, and Ethics for Addictions Professionals. Like other graduate certificates at Purdue, students obtain relevant credentials for their careers and qualified credits for pursuing a master’s degree program.
Types of Aid: Corporate Partner Benefits, International Tuition Reduction, Transfer Credits, Military and Veterans Benefits, In-State Tuition Reduction, Credit for Experience, Grants, Loans, and Scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- $45 non-refundable application fee
- Application for admission
- Undergraduate degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Interview
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
With numerous opportunities for reducing tuition expenses, Purdue University helps its student community to reduce the costs they’ve acquired while pursuing their online graduate certificate studies. Like other universities in Indiana, Purdue University requires applicants to accomplish their FAFSA requirements to receive an appropriate financial aid package. Most Purdue University students have obtained financial aid; hence, they can complete their online programs without accumulating a huge amount of student loans.
Learn more about Purdue University’s Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
University of Maine
Orono, Maine
Tuition: $461 per credit hour (Resident) | $1,503 per credit hour (Non-Resident)
The University of Maine’s online graduate certificate programs has no test requirements for admissions. Hence, it’s easier for students to enroll in an online program at the university through UMaine Online. Depending on the program, students can earn their online graduate certificates with 9 to 15 credits. One of UMaine’s unique certificate program includes an online Graduate Certificate in Digital Curation. Through this 100% online program, students take core required courses, such as Digital Preservation, Digital Collections and Exhibitions, Metadata, and Introduction to Digital Curation.
A total of 12 credit hours is required for completion and an optional Digital Curation Internship. Similar to other certificate programs, the Digital Curation online certificate program has a rolling admissions policy. That said, students can apply to an online program they prefer any time of the year. Although the program is completed online, all courses utilize interactive tools for teaching students practical knowledge in a specific area of study.
Types of Aid: Military and Veterans Benefits, Institutional/Private Scholarships, Federal/State/Institutional Grants, Federal Work-Study, and Federal/Parent/Alternative Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- $35 application fee
- Official transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree
- Other program-specific requirements
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
The University of Maine’s financial aid options help non-degree-seeking, and degree-seeking learners finance their online programs. With less than $500 per credit hour tuition, distance learners at the University of Maine can accomplish their online certificates at a reduced tuition rate. Besides the standard admissions process, students must also submit their complete FAFSA requirements to receive the appropriate financial aid package.
Find out about the University of Maine’s Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Tuition: Starts at $924 per credit hour depending on the certificate program
The Pennsylvania State University offers a diverse range of online graduate certificate programs through the PennState World Campus. Regardless of the topic, all graduate certificate programs are taught by the same experienced instructors. Each program offers a convenient and flexible option for helping students in career advancement or a career shift. As a featured program, PennState’s Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management has garnered recognition for being #1 in supply chain education, according to Gartner Inc. The program requires 12 credit hours for a certificate of completion. Students will accomplish core required courses through the program, such as Operations Management and Demand Fulfillment, Supply Management, Supply Chain Performance Metrics & Financial Analysis, and Supply Chain Management. Speaking of completion, the Supply Chain Management Online Certificate can be obtained within 12 months.
Types of Aid: Payment Options, Scholarships, Payment Options, Military and Veterans Benefits, Tuition Assistance for Unemployed Members of the Workforce, Loans, Grants, Federal Work-Study, and Other PennState Employment Opportunities
Admission Requirements:
- Application for admission
- Baccalaureate degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- English Proficiency
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State University’s financial aid options allow students to earn online graduate certificates in a more accessible and inexpensive way. Another noteworthy option is that the university offers students qualified for PennState Employment Opportunities, letting them work within the university’s campus. To become eligible, they must initially complete their requirements for FAFSA. Aside from that, the Office of the Financial Aid at Pennsylvania State University assists students with anything related to financial aid.
Learn more about the Pennsylvania State University’s Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
Trident University International
Cypress, California
Tuition: $567 per credit hour
Trident University International has stand-alone online graduate certificate programs for students requiring additional knowledge and proficiency in a particular discipline. Through the university’s Glenn R. Jones College of Business, College of Health and Human Services, Department of Information Systems, and the College of Education, students can choose from a diverse range of online certificate programs in graduate-level studies. For example, students can enroll in TUI’s online Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management Certificate. Through this program, students must accomplish 16 credit hours for receiving their online graduate certificate. The 16-credit hour program features courses in Principles of Information Security Auditing and Digital Forensics, IT Security and Disaster Recovery Management, and Information Security Overview for Managers and Policy Makers.
Types of Aid: Military Tuition Assistance, Veterans Affairs Benefits, Corporate Benefits, Tuition Payment Plans, Scholarships, and Private Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Undergraduate degree
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Trident University International remains committed to providing a more inexpensive and accessible way to complete its students’ online graduate certificates. Through several financial aid opportunities, students can find different ways to save on tuition costs. To become qualified, they must submit their complete requirements for FAFSA. Once done, students will receive the appropriate financial aid package to finance their studies.
Learn more about Trident University International’s Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
University of Michigan-Flint
Flint, Michigan
Tuition: $659 per credit hour (In-State) | $986 per credit hour (Out-Of-State)
The University of Michigan-Flint’s online graduate certificate programs make it possible for students to earn an affordable graduate certificate in a flexible learning format through UM-Flint Online. Although students are pursuing their certificates online, the university offers similar experiences and advantages as its traditional on-campus students. Aside from that, distance learners enjoy comprehensive student support services to help them in their certificate studies. For this online school, we’ll feature UM-Flint’s online Graduate Certificate in Data Science. UM-Flint’s Data Science program allows students to access comprehensive learning content and resources through its Mediasite Viewer.
Aside from that, students can also pursue the program’s Fast Track Option that consists of the core competencies of Databases, Algorithms, Architecture, and Networking. For non-programming related undergraduates, the program requires completing prerequisite courses before enrolling into the actual curriculum. Also, the 12 graduate credits from this online certificate are transferable into the master’s program equivalent. The 12-credit hour graduate certificate program has courses in Advanced Data Mining: Algorithms and Applications, Advanced Database Concepts and Emerging Applications, Advanced Information Storage and Retrieval, and Advanced Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Loans, Grants, Assistantships, Fellowships, Payment Plans, and Work-Study Options
Admission Requirements:
- Application for admission
- $55 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree
- Letters of recommendation
- Essay
- Resume
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Through several financial aid options available, the University of Michigan-Flint offers students different ways to fund their online certificate studies. With students’ complete FAFSA requirements, they become qualified to apply for work-study options, grants, scholarships, and other federal aid. The university also has a one-stop-shop online platform for students to access anything related to financial aid. Aside from that, a financial aid staff can guide students with the right steps to maximize their financial aid.
Get more details on the University of Michigan-Flint’s Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
University of Massachusetts
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
Tuition: $475 per credit hour
The online graduate certificate programs at the University of Massachusetts are delivered through the UMassOnline with the same experienced faculty as its on-campus equivalent.
UMassOnline’s Graduate Certificate in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy is ideal for candidates in a professional environment helping visually-impaired adults. For this program, applicants must have already completed a bachelor’s degree. This 25-credit hour online certificate program can be credited towards pursuing more advanced degree programs.
Like other graduate certificate programs at UMassOnline, this program offers a flexible learning format that allows students to complete their certificates according to their pace and preferences. Some of the courses that students will take include Braille Communications I, Methods of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy I and II, Visual Functioning, Physical & Functional Aspects of Visual Impairment, and Low Vision Implications.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Mass General Brigham Employee Discounts, Massachusetts Grants, Federal Grants, OSFA Tuition Waivers, MA State, Federal Loans, Alternative Loans, Veterans and Military Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Baccalaureate degree
- Resume
- Short answers
- Official transcripts
- Statement of interest
- GRE/GMAT/MTEL scores (If applicable)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Other program-specific requirements
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
Degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students at the University of Massachusetts can apply for different financial aid programs to fund their online programs. For active-duty military, veterans, and their eligible spouses, the University of Massachusetts offers tuition discounts and other special perks to help them reduce their tuition expense as a tribute to serving the country. The university also offers special tuition discounts to students employed in Mass General Brigham.
Get the details on the University of Massachusetts’ Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Tuition: $8,700 to $14,500 total estimated cost
Through Harvard Extension School, Harvard University offers various online graduate certificate programs in arts, literature & media, business & management, sustainability, and the environment, education, global studies, technology, life sciences, and social sciences & cultural studies. As a highlight, Harvard’s Nuclear Deterrence Graduate Certificate is a unique certificate program of its kind in Massachusetts. The program features four courses: Origins and Evolution of Deterrence Theory, Nuclear Weapons and International Security, History of the Cold War, and an International Security Elective. Depending on the students’ pace and commitment, the program can be completed within 1.5 years. However, students can take the program within three years. The most noteworthy aspect of Harvard’s online graduate certificate programs is that it doesn’t require any application. That said, students will simply register for the respective courses during Fall, Spring, or Summer registration terms.
Types of Aid: Loans, Scholarships, Grants, Loan Payment, and Loan Deferment
Admission Requirements:
- Open Enrollment (No application is required.)
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
Completing an online graduate certificate at Harvard University is one of the best investments for sprucing up one’s professional experience. The Massachusetts-based university offers high-quality online graduate certificate programs for students choosing the non-degree pathways. With Loan Deferment and Loan Payment programs, students can complete online certificates with the possibility of saving a huge amount of tuition expense.
Learn more about Harvard University’s Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Tuition: $597 per credit hour (In-State and Out-Of-State)
The University of Memphis offers several online graduate certificate programs in arts, computing, education, engineering, health, humanities, professional and liberal studies, sciences, and social science areas of study. An Interdisciplinary program, the university’s Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies is the only one of its kind in the state. This program has trained and prepared students for museum curation, exhibition development, collection management, and administration.
Students must accomplish 18 credit hours of two core courses through this program, namely Museums and Communities and Museum Practices. Aside from that, they must choose two electives tailored to their professional aspirations. Also, the certificate program requires the completion of two 150-hour museum internships. Depending on the students’ commitment, they can receive their online certificate within one year.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Experiential Learning Credit, Credit by Examination, Fee Discounts and Waivers, Installment Plans, Employer Tuition Reimbursement, Employer Tuition Direct Bill, Military Payment Options, and Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Application for admission
- Undergraduate degree
- $35 application fee
- Official transcripts
- GRE/GMAT scores
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of Memphis’ financial aid offerings makes it more accessible, achievable, and affordable for both on-campus and online students to obtain their degrees and certificates. The university can assess each student’s suitable type of financial aid package through the students’ complete FAFSA requirements. Professional students can avail themselves of their employer tuition reimbursement to help them save on tuition. Aside from that, the university accepts a generous amount of transfer credits.
Learn about the University of Memphis’ Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition: $490 to $925 per credit hour
Boston University has numerous online graduate certificate programs for interested students requiring in-depth expertise in a specific field, exploring their interests through a diverse range of courses, or updating their professional skills and knowledge. As an overview, Boston University’s Online Food Studies Graduate Certificate is ideal for professionals and learners considering a career shift or seeking to improve their credentials. The program requires 16 credit hours for an online certificate of completion. Speaking of coursework completion, the 16-credit hour program features courses in Food and the Senses, Introduction to Gastronomy: Theory and Methodology, Anthropology of Food, and History of Food. Students can obtain their online certificates within 8 to 12 months, depending on their timeline and learning pace. Aside from coursework completion, students must also develop an e-portfolio of the work they’ve created throughout the Food Studies program.
Types of Aid: Employer Benefits, Loans, Assistantships, Military Veteran Benefits, Scholarships, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Private Loans, and Payment Plans
Admission Requirements:
- $25 application fee
- Online application
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3 Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Current resume
- Official transcripts
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
Boston University is another prestigious university around Massachusetts to offers a diverse range of financial aid options for students. Once students have already accomplished their FAFSA requirements, they can become eligible to receive an appropriate financial aid package to support their studies. Boston University’s detailed financial aid website is available for prospective students to access all the necessary information for everything they need to know regarding Boston’s financial aid programs.
Learn more about Boston University’s Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
University of New Hampshire
Durham, New Hampshire
Tuition: $785 per credit hour (Resident) | $1,368 per credit hour (Non-Resident)
The University of New Hampshire’s online graduate certificate programs is offered at UNH Online by the same competitive faculty with real-world experience. For example, UNH Online’s Graduate Certificate in Ubiquitous Computing prepares learners to advance their professions in computer-computer interactions, human-computer interactions, and the Internet of Things. The program consists of four courses, totaling 13 to 15 credit hours for completion. Its core required courses include Ubiquitous Computing and Ubiquitous Computing Fundamentals. Aside from core courses, students have the option to choose two out of six elective courses. Electromagnetic Wave Theory I, Wireless Communication Systems, Computer Architecture, Digital Signal Processing, or Introduction to Digital Signal Processing may include the electives. The program can be completed within nine months.
Types of Aid: Grants, Scholarships, Loans, Work-Study Options, Parent Loans, Assistantships, Fellowships, Gainful Employment Program, Travel Grants, External Scholarships and Fellowships, and Military and Veterans Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Application for admission
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of Residency Form
- Official transcripts
- Baccalaureate degree
- GMAT/GRE
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
The University of New Hampshire offers distance learners the option to lessen the expenses of their certificate programs. Once students have completed and submitted their FAFSA requirements, they become qualified to enjoy scholarships, grants, gainful employment programs, and other financial aid types. For active-duty military, veterans, and other personnel, the University of New Hampshire provides them with the opportunity to access several militaries and veterans benefits.
Learn more about the University of New Hampshire’s Online Graduate Certificate Programs.
What are the common admission requirements for applying to online graduate certificate programs?
Unlike a full degree program, online graduate certificate programs offer a quicker admissions process with fewer and less complicated requirements. For instance, candidates interested to enroll in a certificate program aren’t required to submit GRE or GMAT scores. However, admissions requirements differ per school and program. That said, students should verify first with their chosen school’s admission department in getting the appropriate information for its complete admission requirements and process.
For admission to an online certificate program, the following are commonly required:
- Essay/Personal Statement
If you’re pursuing an online certificate program that requires an essay or personal statement, follow the guidelines carefully. For example, some essays may require students to share their plans after obtaining their certificates and their reasons for enrolling in the program. Other essays may need students’ responses to specific questions regarding their professional and academic goals and proficiencies in a specific area of study.
- Letters of Recommendation
Some online graduate certificate programs need recommendations or references from someone in your professional or academic network. It’s highly discouraged to ask for a recommendation from friends and families. Although it’s a standard requirement, other schools make this factor not mandatory.
- Official Transcripts
The majority of online graduate certificate programs require students to have already accomplished a baccalaureate degree. Some programs also have minimum GPA and completion of prerequisites as part of their admission requirements. As such, gather all your transcripts from any college or university where you’ve obtained a degree or coursework.
- Resume
A current resume or CV helps describe your relevant career experience. Several online graduate certificate programs require students to submit their resumes/CVs.
- Testing/Assessment
Many online graduate certificate programs don’t have a mandatory requirement when it comes to standardized test scores. However, every school has its own set of requirements. For international applicants, they must submit IELTS or TOEFL scores to demonstrate their English language proficiency.
How long does it require to complete an online graduate certificate program?
Online graduate certificates include a set of coursework with the same timelines as other academic offerings. Hence, the program’s curriculum can take full semesters or span across 8-week durations.
Since graduate certificate programs have fewer credit requirements, students can graduate within 12 months. The flexibility of these programs often provides students with the option to complete one class at a time. However, some students want to enroll in as many classes as needed to obtain their certificates quickly.
In general, online graduate certificate programs don’t take academic credits from other certificate programs. On the contrary, students can transfer academic credits obtained from their graduate certificates into a more advanced degree, such as a master’s program.
What can I do with an online graduate certificate program?
Online graduate certificate programs provide students with the flexibility to enhance their skills and knowledge in a specific area of study. With graduate certificates, they can shift to other careers or advance in their current profession. These programs also offer students an overview of what a master’s program can involve, letting them transfer credits from an online certificate toward graduate degree programs.
An online graduate certificate program helps professionals get updated and obtain relevant skills on developing issues, trends, and technologies within an area of discipline. For instance, graduate certificates in blockchain and cybersecurity help IT professionals remain relevant, while those in the field of education can benefit from online graduate certificates in education administration, curriculum development, and online teaching.
Online graduate certificate programs may also lead to complement certificates or professional licensure administered by associations and professional organizations. Aside from that, most colleges and universities develop programs with a curriculum aligned with the standards implemented by industry-specific organizations, accrediting agencies, and government sectors.