Definition of Certificate, Certificate Program and Certification

A City University of Seattle certificate program is a course of study in a specified subject, with fewer core credit requirements than a degree program in the same subject, and without the general education or elective requirements of a degree program. Completion of the certificate program results in the issuance of an academic certificate, not a diploma.

Certificate programs may be offered at either the undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level, and vary in the number of credits required for completion. At least 75 percent of the credits in a certificate program must be completed in residence.

Examples of certificate programs at City University of Seattle:

• Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management

• Graduate Certificate in Project Management

Completion of a CityU certificate program is different from achieving professional certification in a field or area of expertise. Some CityU academic programs (both degree and certificate programs) do prepare students for certification in their profession. However, completing a CityU academic program does not by itself guarantee professional certification, and the academic record (transcript) of a student does not reflect achievement of professional certification. Professional certification requirements and achievement are determined by organizations external to CityU.

See the Certificates and Non-Degree Programs  page in this catalog for a complete listing of offerings.

(Policy #3500.19)