Post-Bachelor's Certificate Programs
A large variety of post-bachelor's certificates are available to help you learn subject matter not covered in your undergraduate work. Get information about options and requirements.
What is a Post-Bachelor's Certificate?
A post-bachelor's certificate is earned after you have completed your baccalaureate degree. It allows you to further your education and specialize your study. These certificate programs also may prepare you for certification or licensure in a certain field. These certificates are also known as post-baccalaureate or professional certificates.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>General Information</b></td><td> Provide specialization of studies and certification/licensure in some fields</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Types of Certificates</b></td><td> Certifications are offered in a huge variety of fields like teaching, medicine, computer science, criminology, and many more</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Benefits</b></td><td> Credits may be transferrable to a master's program, flexible learning environment, increase employability, prepare you for licensing exams</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$73,560 <i>(Accountants and Auditors)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>4% growth <i>(Accountants and Auditors)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfPostBachelorSCertificatesAreOffered">What Types of Post-Bachelor's Certificates are Offered?</h3><p>The number of concentrations for post-bachelor's certificate programs is nearly endless. You can earn these professional certificates in sonography, sports medicine, teaching, counseling, criminology, computer science and entrepreneurship, among other fields. There are certificate programs for healthcare administrators and real estate brokers. Post-bachelor's certificates also give you the chance to further your education in a field - such as American Indian education, classical Arabic, Asian religions and Latino mental health, for example - in which you may not be able to earn a formal degree.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheBenefitsOfThisCertificate">What Are the Benefits of This Certificate?</h3><p>There are many benefits to earning a post-bachelor's certificate. First, many of the colleges that offer these programs have transferable credits. The credits that you earn through the completion of the program can be put toward the completion of a master's degree program. Also, many certificates are offered online or through part-time or flexible learning formats. Professional certificate programs also allow you to narrow your study to one topic, such as medical billing and coding or asbestos handling.
</p><p>Some fields, such as real estate, require you to complete continuing education (CE) courses to remain registered or certified. Post-bachelor's certificate programs usually meet these CE requirements. For instance, an accounting certificate program will keep you up-to-date with modern accounting trends and taxation laws.
</p><p>Post-bachelor's programs may also meet requirements for additional levels of certification. For instance, an addictions counseling certificate program may prepare you to apply for certification as a Level Two National Certified Counselor.
</p><p>Finally, these programs allow you to boost your marketability with employers. They are a convenient way to switch your focus in your current field or enter a new field. For instance, if you majored in art design but need background knowledge in computer science before starting a master's degree program in that field, a certificate may help fulfill the necessary prerequisites.</p>