Certificate Programs

Is your employer suggesting (or demanding) you acquire a specialized certificate to maintain and expand your skills? There are arrays of programs from multiple providers. For tools and tips on where to find certificate programs and the providers and benefits of certificates, follow the links below.

What is a certificate program?

A certificate program is typically a post-baccalaureate award, not a degree, available for completing a series of courses of in-depth study in a specific area. Certificate programs are designed to provide you with the most up-to-date skills, practices, and information that your employer might require or that you seek to enter or move up in a particular field. Often a certificate program will certify practice in some professions.

Most certificate programs are designed by practicing professionals or specialists in their fields and are designed for intense short-term study. Because many individuals seeking certificate programs need to balance work and study, online delivery permits flexible scheduling and convenience for both you and your employer.

For most adult learners, certificate programs have become a popular means for demonstrating skills and knowledge in a specific subject or discipline. Technology certifications are now quite common and have become, in some work situations, the equivalent of a degree for entry.

There is a growing use by adults of post-baccalaureate credit certificate programs as a "bridge" to graduate education. Many adult learners use the courses and credits earned in a certificate program as a path towards a graduate degree. It is a good strategy and a good reason for considering earning credit for any certificate program you consider.

Many undergraduate and graduate students are now enrolling in certificate programs to complement the degree they are seeking. These certificates, earned for additional credit courses, have become popular in the past decade in such areas Gerontology and Women's Studies.

How long does a certificate program take to complete?

This can vary widely based upon the kind of certification program, number of credits required, and whether the program is a "stand alone" activity or being taken in parallel with another degree program. Like all areas of study, specifics vary with each certificate, but on the average a college or university certificate will be 18-21 credit hours. Non-credit certificate programs are typically shorter in duration and are more skill-oriented.

How do I know a certificate is valid?

There is no single body that approves or "accredits" certificate programs. The validity is often determined by one of two factors: the "value" of the certificate in the marketplace and/or the accredited status of the college or university providing the certificate. Since certificates may be awarded by non-academic providers (usually non-credit), the acceptance of the certificate in the job market is critical. The recent explosion of information technology (IT) certificates is a great example of a non-credit certificate that many employers now place great value on. A growing number of colleges and universities offer non-credit certificates.

For credit-bearing certificates issued by colleges and universities, check to be sure that the institution is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, particularly regional accrediting bodies. Often credits earned in these certificate programs are transferable or may be used to meet degree requirements. This is particularly true in post-baccalaureate and post-graduate certificates.

What can I get a certificate in?

The options are literally too lengthy to list. Certificates are available in most all professional areas and in some fairly esoteric areas ranging from Coding Insurance Forms in the health professions to Homeland Security.

Where can I get a certificate? For non-credit certificate programs, check with your Human Resources officer to determine the acceptance and benefits for a certificate. He/She should also be able to inform you of available non-credit programs in your discipline or work area.

For credit-bearing certificate programs offered online by colleges and universities, visit e-learning through the The Teacher Center and search on certificate programs.