What Is a University Certificate?

Universities grant certificates for completion of focused coursework.

Universities in the United States are post-secondary institutions that focus on specialized studies in arts and sciences. Typically students attend a university to earn a bachelor's degree, which is a demonstration of foundational knowledge in a general field. University certificates are accredited programs that demonstrate competence in a particular subject area.

Length of Study

University certificates do not require as many courses as bachelor degree programs, so they typically take less time to earn. Courses are selected by the university to represent a focused study in a certain discipline and usually can be completed in one or two years.

Credits

Most university certificates require a student to complete credit courses that can be later applied to fulfill the requirements of a bachelor's degree if the student wishes to further his education. Some university certificates are not credit programs, but they are still recognized achievements.

Online

Many universities are now offering certificates completely online through distance education and individualized study. This allows students to work in the comfort of their own homes and at their own pace to complete their certificates while still getting the support of a professor and classmates through online collaboration.

References

• "A Dictionary of University Degrees"; Flavel Shurtleff Thomas; 2009