A graduate certificate provides a credential to document the acquisition of skills and knowledge in a narrowly focused subset of a broader field. Certificates may provide a credential in the focus area with as few as nine (9) and as many as twenty-seven (27) credit hours.  Certificates may be pursued independently, or degree-seeking students may choose to embed a certificate within their plan of study.

Students may be interested in gaining both a graduate degree and a certificate credential. Students must be admitted to both programs. A matriculated, degree-seeking student who is concurrently pursuing a certificate may apply academic credit to both the certificate and degree programs. The certificate functions as an area of specialization, like a minor. Enrolled students do not have to pay the application fee to pursue a concurrent certificate.

All students must apply to and be accepted by Certificate Programs.

Students who have graduated and then later discover they have fulfilled requirements for a certificate may neither apply for that certificate, nor be awarded it.

Graduate certificates do not automatically qualify for federal financial aid unless the certificate has been approved through the gainful employment requirements.