What is a Graduate Certificate?

<h3 id="section---GraduateCertificateDefinition">Graduate Certificate Definition</h3> <p>Many colleges and universities offer graduate certificate programs. These programs generally address a focus area of a particular discipline and are composed of at least four graduate-level courses. Certificate programs may include required courses and electives. They may be part of a degree program or offered independently. The number of credits needed to complete the certificate is determined by the institution, generally ranging from 9 to 21 credit hours. </p> <p>Graduate certificates may be offered in any discipline. To enroll in a graduate certificate program, you generally need a bachelor's degree and acceptance into graduate school. You don't need to be seeking a graduate degree. In addition, you must typically meet a specific grade in each course in order to graduate. Some certificate programs may also require an internship in addition to coursework </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutGraduateCertificates">Important Facts About Graduate Certificates</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Available online and on-campus</td></tr> <tr><td>Fields of Study </td><td> Available across many disciplines, including communications, education, science, nursing, social sciences, humanities, and computer sciences</td></tr> <tr><td>Possible Careers </td><td>Graduate certificates can prepare students for a certain specialty within the industry their field of study is based, such as cybersecurity within the computer science industry.</td></tr> <tr><td>Continuing Education</td><td> You may be able to apply certificate credits towards full graduate programs</td></tr> <tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$131,490 <i>(Computer and Information Research Scientists)</i></td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>21% growth <i>(Computer and Information Research Scientists)</i></td></tr> </table><p>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)<i> </i></p> <h3 id="section---ReasonsToEarnAGraduateCertificate">Reasons to Earn a Graduate Certificate</h3> <p>You may choose to earn a graduate certificate to meet continuing education requirements for certification or licensure, maximize career prospects, learn new skills or keep up-to-date in your field. Often, credits earned in a certificate program can be transferred to a master's degree later if you so choose. In addition, earning a graduate certificate adds to your credentials in a particular field. Graduate certificates can be taken for professional development or personal reasons. </p> <h3 id="section---ComparisonToAGraduateDegree">Comparison to a Graduate Degree</h3> <p>Graduate certificate programs are shorter and more specifically focused than master's degree programs. A master's degree program generally takes two years to complete. Just as with graduate programs, you usually need to complete a graduate certificate programs within a specific time frame. </p> <h3 id="section---Advantages">Advantages</h3> <p>Because graduate certificate programs are shorter than graduate degree programs, they tend to be less expensive. You gain experience in graduate-level coursework, so if you decide to pursue a graduate degree, you will have some familiarity with graduate school. Graduate certificate programs also provide a quicker way to change careers than graduate degree programs.</p>