Certificate Programs

• About Certificate Programs
• List of Programs
• FAQs
  • What is a certificate program?
  • Do I have to apply to the certificate program to take a class?
  • How long does it take to complete a certificate program?
  • Will I receive an actual "certificate?"
  • Who teaches the courses?
  • Is financial aid available?
  • What is the difference between a certificate program and a professional advancement series?
• Graduation Ceremony

About Certificate Programs

A certificate program is a cluster of courses that provides knowledge and training in a specific field, enabling you to learn practical, up-to-the-moment skills and information for job improvement or career advancement. Making a commitment to expand your knowledge and skills by means of a certificate program can make the difference between promotion and stagnation in your professional development.

Each certificate program has been reviewed and authorized by the faculty and administration of Sacramento State to assure that the program you select meets the high standards of quality education expected from the CSU system.

Certificate programs vary in length, but most of them can be completed within six months to a year. However, as you are free to take classes when they are compatible with your schedule, the pursuit could extend beyond one year.

At the College of Continuing Education, it is not necessary to pay for all courses in a certificate program in the application stage. Courses can be paid for as you go along or all at one time; the choice is yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a certificate program?

A certificate program is a cluster of courses that provides knowledge and training in a specific field, enabling you to learn practical, up-to-the-moment skills and information for job improvement or career advancement. Making a commitment to expand your knowledge and skills by means of a certificate program can make the difference between promotion and stagnation in your professional development. Each certificate program has been reviewed and authorized by the faculty and administration of Sacramento State to assure that the program you select meets the high standards of quality education expected from the CSU system.

Do I have to apply to the certificate program to take a class?

No. Anyone who has fulfilled the prerequisites for a given class may take that class individually, without officially applying to a certificate program.

 

How long does it take to complete a certificate program?

Certificate programs vary in length, but most of them can be completed within six months to a year. However, as you are free to take classes when they are compatible with your schedule, the pursuit could extend beyond one year.

 

Will I receive an actual "certificate?"

Yes, a Certifcate of Participation is awarded for CEU based certificate programs. A Certificate of Academic Achievement is awarded for academic credit certificate programs. Prior to completing the last course in your certificate program, you will need to submit a Certificate of Completion Form. Complete this form and return it with the non-refundable $35 processing fee to the College of Continuting Education. After the College of Continuting Education has verified completion of all required courses, a certificate with your name and date of completion will be sent to you along with an official transcript and an invitation for you and a guest to attend the annual Certificate Program Awards Dinner and Ceremony. An official notification letter of program completion will be sent to an identified employer, supervisor, personnel manager or association, if requested. To participate in the graduation ceremony, your Certificate of Completion Form and fee should be submitted by April 30. If you plan to complete a certificate program after June but prior to September 1, you will still be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony.

 

Who teaches the courses?

Certificate program courses are taught by highly qualified instructors. They are either Sacramento State faculty or highly qualified professionals working the the field.

• Current Instructor Roster
• Teaching Opportunities

 

Is financial aid available?

The College of Continuing Education is self-supported and unable to offer direct financial aid. Participants are recommended to inquire about the TERI Continuing Education Loan Program now available through the Sacramento State Financial Aid Department. Please call (916) 278-6554 for more information. For additional information on financial assistance, visit these web sites:

• www.educaid.com
• Lifetime Learning Tax Credit
• Wells Fargo Education Connection
• Key CareerLoan®

What is the difference between a certificate program and a professional advancement series?

A certificate program consists of classes reviewed and approved by the relevant campus department and school as a comprehensive group. Classes included in a professional advancement series are reviewed and approved by the relevant campus department and school individually and then grouped together by the College of Continuing Education program specialists.

 

Graduation Ceremony

After verification by the program staff, an invitation for you and a guest to attend the annual Certificate Program Awards Ceremony will be mailed out to you.

To participate in the graduation ceremony, please fill out and submit the Certificate of Completion Form and $35 fee by April 30. Participants completing certificate program courses after June but prior to September 1 are still eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony.