Online Graduate Certificates

A graduate certificate is a short program that lets you earn credits in a specific professional or academic area. It stands on its own as a credential on your CSU Global transcript and can also help you start working toward a related master’s degree.

A graduate certificate lets you focus on one subject by taking four to six courses. A master’s degree covers more topics and usually requires 30 to 36 credits.

A certificate is a good choice if you want specific graduate-level skills but do not want to commit to a full degree. If your goals or field require a master’s degree, or if you want broader, more advanced study, a master’s degree may be the better fit.

CSU Global’s graduate certificates require 12 to 18 credits. Since each course is three credits, you will take four to six courses in total.

Each course lasts eight weeks. You can finish your certificate in six to 12 months, depending on your program and how many courses you take at once.

Our eight-week courses are 100% online, with monthly start dates and no scheduled class meeting times. You decide when to complete your coursework, but you will have regular deadlines for discussions, assignments, and projects.

Yes. Your graduate certificate is a credential by itself. If you decide to earn a related CSU Global master’s degree later, you may be able to use eligible certificate credits toward your degree requirements.

How the courses fit depends on the certificate and master’s program you select. An enrollment counselor can review the programs with you and show you how the credits may apply.

Explore CSU Global master’s degrees.

Yes. CSU Global instructors bring professional experience to the subjects they teach and hold office hours throughout the week. Students can connect one-on-one to ask questions, discuss coursework, and receive feedback.

Online doesn’t mean on your own. Students also have a dedicated success counselor and access to tutoring, writing assistance, library services, technical support, and career coaching.

Explore student support.

Graduate tuition is $675 per credit for the 2026-27 year. That means a 12-credit certificate costs $8,100 and an 18-credit certificate costs $12,150, before financial aid or discounts.

CSU Global charges the same tuition no matter where you live and does not have student fees. The Tuition Guarantee keeps your tuition rate the same as long as you stay an active student in good standing. Some courses may need books or other materials.

Check current tuition and costs.

Federal financial aid may be available for students in CSU Global graduate certificate programs. To apply, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and use CSU Global’s school code: 042087.

Financial aid depends on your eligibility, enrollment status, and program. An enrollment counselor or financial aid advisor can help you understand your options before you enroll.

Find out more about financial aid.

Graduate applicants usually need a bachelor’s or graduate degree from a school accredited by an approved agency. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred, but applicants with a lower GPA may be considered for provisional admission.

You do not need GRE or GMAT scores for standard admission. Some certificate programs have extra requirements, so check the program page before you apply.

Review graduate admission requirements.

Applying to CSU Global is quick and straightforward.

Start by filling out the online application, which typically takes about 10 minutes. You do not need to have every document ready before you apply. Official transcripts are required later in the process, and CSU Global can help you request them.

If you need help applying or have questions about the certificate program you’re interested in, an enrollment counselor can explain your options and next steps.

Apply here, call us at 800-462-7845, or email enroll@csuglobal.edu.

Our students lead busy lives, too. We encourage you to take it one course at a time. With no set class meeting times, you can plan coursework around your job, family, and other responsibilities.

You will also have people to turn to. Every student is assigned a success counselor who provides guidance from the first class to the last. Your counselor can help you stay on track and connect you with tutoring, the Writing Center, and other resources.

If life gets in the way, your success counselor can help you understand your options and make a plan to continue when you’re ready.

Explore student support.

Yes. CSU Global works with employer tuition reimbursement and assistance programs. Eligible students may be able to delay tuition payment while their employer processes reimbursement. CSU Global can also bill your employer directly if they agree.

Since every employer’s program is different, check with your supervisor or HR department to see if graduate certificates are covered. CSU Global can help you with the paperwork and payment process.

Learn about employer tuition reimbursement.