Successful certificate program completion earns you skills and credentials vital for employment or professional advancement. Since Graduate School courses combine theory and practical application, our certificate of accomplishment recipients are able to compete successfully for employment opportunities. A certificate of accomplishment certifies that you have completed a planned sequence of courses in a specific field.
1. I am interested in a certificate program, but do not know where to start?
To Apply
Applying for a certificate program is easy. There is no admission or selection process for our certificate programs; all of our participants are invited to apply.
You may apply online or by fax or by mail. Graduate School certificate programs
After You Apply
Begin the certificate program by reviewing the specifically designed requirements and electives – click on any program title (include certificate home page link) to learn more. Note that some certificate programs are primarily designed for daytime classes, some have distance learning options, and others are part of our Evening and Weekend Programs.
Click on one of the courses in the required or electives list to help you plan your schedule. The course description, prerequisites, location, and schedule dates will appear with the tuition and number of credits.
Complete the courses in any order that you wish provided one course is not a prerequisite for another. A prerequisite course provides a foundation for another course. You may enroll in the course, if you have already completed the prerequisite.
2. I have already completed some of courses in my selected program from another institution of learning. Will the Graduate School accept that course work toward a certificate program?
The Graduate School will accept previous course work completed if the course work is equivalent to the course(s) in the Graduate School certificate program in content, length, and credits awarded. Previous course work requests are submitted for consideration with the required documentation – completion certificate and course description, or a copy of the official college transcript.
Courses completed in a Graduate School Certificate Program that are either required or elective courses in another Graduate School Certificate Program will be accepted as completed for the new Certificate Program.
The percentage of credits that must be taken at the Graduate School varies from program to program. Up to one-third of the total credits required to complete a certificate program may be accepted. If you have a question about your certificate program or about receiving credit for other course work, contact the Registrar at
or call (202) 314-3341.
3. Will I be able to use any of my previous course work completed at the Graduate School?
Yes. As long as the required and elective courses are included in the certificate program and previous course work completed is current. For example, if a regulation changed, then you will be required to complete that course again.
4. May I substitute work experience for a course in the certificate program?
At this time, the Graduate School does not have a prior learning assessment program which assesses work or life experience for the purpose of awarding credit.
5. May I substitute another course for a course in the certificate program?
Course substitution may alter the nature of the program and its learning outcomes. Therefore, the Graduate School does not permit course substitutions in certificate programs.
6. How do I track my progress in the certificate program?
Use the certificate program page from the Graduate School website to schedule your classes. As you proceed through the program attach copies of the completion certificates to that page.
In the future you will also be able to track your progress through your GS Learning Account. In the meantime, contact the Registrar at
for an update.
7. How long do I have to complete the program?
You have three years to complete the program from the date you completed the first course in the program or the date you submitted your application.
8. I started a certificate program sometime ago and due to an unforeseen situation or a situation beyond my control, I have not completed the program? Is it too late to finish it now? What do I do?
Contact Jamere Clark at
or call (202) 314-3314.
9. When I complete the program, how do I receive my certificate?
A month before you are scheduled to complete your final course, please submit the graduation application. The submission of this application begins the graduation clearance process. Once you have completed all the certificate requirements, you will receive a certificate of accomplishment from the Graduate School, a congratulatory letter from our President and CEO, and an official transcript.
10. I have completed one certificate of accomplishment and want to work on another. Is that permitted?
Yes. Many of our students complete more than one certificate of accomplishment with us.
11. May I transfer my Graduate School credits or units to a college or university degree program?
If the Graduate School credit course has been reviewed by the American Council on Education Credit Recommendation Service and the institution accepts the ACE Credit Recommendation, then the course credits completed will transfer. However, it is best to check with the matriculating institution first.
12. I have misplaced my certificate of completion for one of my courses. May I receive a replacement?
In order to receive a replacement course completion certificate, send an email request to the
Registrar’s Office indicating your name, course location, date of completion, and mailing address to
.
13. I have misplaced my certificate of accomplishment diploma. May I receive a replacement?
In order to receive a replacement certificate of accomplishment diploma, send an email request to the Registrar’s Office indicating your name, certificate name, certificate completion date, and mailing address to
For additional questions, please contact Jamere Clark at (202) 314-3314 or send an email to
.