Academic certificates at Ohio State
The Ohio State University offers a variety of academic certificate programs that are: intended to allow students to pursue specific topics in order to supplement their current degree program; gain knowledge in a chosen field of employment; earn credit or continuing education units (CEUs) for workforce development; prepare for exams for professional certification; or for professional licensure. Certificate programs are offered in many different areas, both for credit and non-credit.
Summary of certificate categories
- Post-secondary Undergraduate Academic certificate programs (category 1a or 1b). Intended for post-high school students seeking to earn a credential in a select topic area. These programs are either stand-alone (1a), or embedded in an undergraduate degree program (1b).
- Post-baccalaureate Undergraduate Academic Certificate programs (category 2). Intended for post-bachelor degree students seeking to earn a credential in a select topic area to supplement their undergraduate degree program. These are stand-alone programs.
- Graduate Academic Certificate programs (category 3a or 3b). Intended for post-bachelor students seeking to earn a graduate credential in a select topic area. These programs are either stand-alone (3a), or embedded in a graduate degree program (3b).
- Professional Certification programs (category 5b). Intended for individuals seeking to meet requirements and/or eligibility for licensure or certification in a specific technical or professional area. These are stand-alone programs.
- Workforce Development programs (category 4). Intended for individuals seeking to earn a workforce development Certificate of Completion in a specific area. These are stand-alone programs.
- Technician/Professional Certification programs (category 5a). Intended for individuals seeking to meet requirements and/or eligibility for licensure or certification in a specific technical or professional area. These are stand-alone programs.
- Stand-alone programs do not require a student to be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in order to complete the certificate.
- Embedded programs require a student to be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program to complete the certificate.
For credit list
Undergraduate Stand-alone Certificates (1a and 2)
Undergraduate Embedded Certificates (1b)
Graduate Stand-alone Certificates (3a)
Graduate Embedded Certificates (3b)
Professional Certifications and Licensure (5b)
Non-credit list
Non-credit Certificates and Certifications (4 and 5a)
Detailed Information on Certificate Categories
Each certificate category comes with guidelines on how the certificate is administered. In addition, different levels of university services are available to the various certificate categories. Please review the Categories and Criteria for Certificates document (pdf) for more information.
Approval process
For academic departments or colleges interested in the approval process for certificate programs, submissions should follow the following protocol:
- For certificate programs seeking approval for credit, review the information available through CAA.
- For certificate programs seeking approval for non-credit, submit your request: Non-Credit Certificate Request.