Jump-start your education, your career, your future with a Penn State certificate program!
A certificate program is a sequence of classes that provides you with core competencies in a specific area. Because certificate programs focus on a particular skill set, students are able to earn this Penn State credential in a relatively short time. Penn State York offers a variety certificates, delivered in formats that meet the needs of busy working adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a credit certificate program?
A certificate program is a sequence of credit classes that provides you with core competencies in a specific area. With careful planning, the credits can usually be applied toward an associate or baccalaureate degree. Because certificate programs usually require only between 9 and 25 credits for completion, you are able to earn this Penn State credential in a relatively short time. Certificates are available in just about every field, including business, human development and family studies, information sciences and technology, and engineering technologies.
What advantages are associated with credit certificate programs?
Certificate programs are ideal for people who want to set smaller, more immediate goals and work up to meeting larger ones. In fact, a certificate program can be the gateway to a college degree. You start by completing the credit courses and earning the certificate, and you apply those courses toward a degree now or in the future. This is a great strategy to use credit certificates to “step-up” to a degree.
There are also dozens of other advantages. Perhaps you have a college degree. Certificate programs offer advantages for people like you, too. You can gain knowledge in a new subject area, stay current with developments in your field, acquire new skills or learn the latest technology. Employers today are demanding more education from their employees than ever before. A certificate in a specialized area represents knowledge, accomplishments and competencies. What better way is there to position yourself for advancement in your career or to prepare for a new one?
Who teaches the credit certificate programs?
Penn State faculty and seasoned professionals teach the courses. They bring real-world experience into the classroom and are up-to-date on the latest developments in their fields.
How long does it take to complete a credit certificate program?
This varies with each program and depends on your pacing and the time required for taking each course.
How much does it cost to complete a certificate?
Fees for credit courses are based on University tuition rates and fees. The cost will depend on the number of credits in the certificate and the current tuition rate. Many companies have tuition assistance policies and financial aid is also an option for students who qualify. The Adult Enrollment Coordinator can help you determine certificate costs.
What are the requirements to earn a credit certificate?
- A student who enrolls in a certificate program must be defined as a Penn State student either in degree, provisional, or nondegree status.
- A grade of “C” or better is required for all courses in the credit certificate.
- All certificate courses must be Penn State courses.
How do I get started?
Follow the enrollment process detailed below. There is no retroactive awarding of certificates.
- Contact the Adult Enrollment Coordinator or discuss with your academic adviser how a credit certificate will fit into your academic and career plans. Complete Part 1 of the Credit Certificate Enrollment Form [pdf].
- The Registrar’s Office will enroll you in the certificate program.
- When you complete all of the courses in the certificate, notify the Adult Enrollment Coordinator, sign and return your Certificate Enrollment form to the Registrar’s Office. You will be notified when your certificate is ready and the information has been entered on your official transcript.
Tell your employer!
Penn State York offers a wide variety of certificate programs designed by university and business experts in response to the needs of businesses and organizations throughout Pennsylvania. We can deliver the programs at your site or ours, at times which suit your workplace schedule. These high-quality education programs are affordably priced and are backed by Penn State’s reputation. Make a certificate program your starting point.