For students who want to learn new skills, prepare for a different career, or explore a new field of study, online certificate programs at accredited institutions can be an ideal alternative to a full degree program.
Where a degree can take anywhere from 2-4 years to complete, certificate programs are typically designed to take one year or less. Because of their shorter length, they also often cost less than traditional degrees.
Some benefits of earning an online certificate — increased earning potential and lower unemployment rates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median weekly earnings for individuals with some college education is $935, compared to $853 for students without college experience. They also have an unemployment rate of 3.5%, compared to 4% for those with a high school diploma.
Learn more about online certificate programs, including popular areas of study, pros and cons, and how to choose the online certificate program that’s right for you.
What You Should Know About Online Certificates
The term “certificate” is used broadly across higher education, with various institutions and organizations using the term to describe different educational paths.
Traditional degrees are designed to give students a broad-based education covering theoretical and practical knowledge in a given subject area. Certificates provide more targeted skill development for immediate practical application.
Certificates are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels in traditional accredited college settings. All students who have completed high school are eligible for undergraduate certificates, while students must typically have an undergraduate degree and work experience to qualify for graduate or professional certificate programs. Credits earned through accredited certificate programs can usually be applied to complete degree programs.
Online certificates are also available from non-accredited organizations like coding bootcamps, online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning, and professional credentialing agencies. While these certificate programs can help students develop their skills or explore new topics, the quality of curriculum and faculty can vary widely because they’re not accredited. Employers may view them differently from certificates from accredited schools.
Online certificates attract a range of different students, including those who:
- Don’t have a degree but want career prep for entry-level jobs in their desired field
- Want to explore a new potential career path without committing to a full degree program
- Have a degree but wish to learn advanced or specialized skills
- Need continuing education credits to maintain professional credentials or licenses
- Want to switch careers without completing a full degree
- Learn new skills or gain new knowledge as a lifelong learner.
Because the curriculum in an online certificate program is so focused, they typically require 12-30 credits, compared to 60 credits for an associate degree and 120 credits for a bachelor’s. Most certificates can be completed in 6-18 months, depending on the number of credits and program pacing. The coursework for online certificate programs can be delivered in a synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid format.
The Top 64 Online Certificate Programs
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How we rank programs
This list features some of the best online certificate programs for different areas of study in the U.S. All are offered by nonprofit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each certificate program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and student resources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared our picks to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
Popular Online Certificate Areas of Study
Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing fields in the U.S., with an estimated 1.8 million new job openings annually, on average, through 2032. There are also multiple jobs within healthcare that students can prepare for by earning an online certificate, including medical assistants, medical records specialists, and surgical assistants. Many of these positions require professional licenses and certifications, so students should confirm that any post-secondary certificate programs they’re considering meet the criteria for these credentials. Students who currently work in healthcare can use graduate certificates to master advanced skills, which can lead to promotions and leadership opportunities.
Information technology
Computer and information technology is another booming field with various post-secondary certificate options. The BLS predicts much faster than average job growth in the industry through 2032, with about 377,500 new job openings on average each year. Students can use post-secondary or bootcamp certificate programs to develop skills for entry-level jobs as web designers, software developers, and information security analysts. Because technology changes rapidly, certificates are also a popular way for tech workers to stay current in their skills and knowledge. Like healthcare, students can obtain many professional IT certifications based on their area of expertise.
Business
With an average of 911,400 new job openings annually through 2032, business and finance is another field certificate-seeking students may want to consider. With undergraduate certificates, students can learn the basics of accounting, human resources, and project management. Certificates in entrepreneurship can help individuals of all backgrounds who want to start their own businesses, and graduate-level students can use certificates to help them sharpen the hard and soft skills they need to advance into management roles. Different professional certifications are available for various business sub-fields, including business analysis, management, supply chain, and more.
Education
Although most teaching positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, students can access other roles within the education field with a certificate. These roles include teacher assistants, tutors, and library technicians. Graduate certificates in education and related areas are also popular for licensed educators to get the continuing education credits they need to maintain their professional licensure. Teachers who want to transition into leadership roles can seek out certificates covering skills like administration, educational technology, management, and more.
Pros and Cons of Earning a Certificate Online
Pros
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Completion time: Students can earn an online certificate in a fraction of the time of a full degree. The exact length of a certificate program varies, but they typically last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the pace and number of courses required. Earning a certificate so quickly means students can change or advance their careers without a long-term investment of time and energy.
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Flexibility: Many students pursue online certificates because they provide a convenient learning option. Many asynchronous certificate programs allow students to learn and complete assignments according to their own schedule and pace. Students in online programs don’t have to travel to campus, making it easier for them to integrate their coursework with their other responsibilities and obligations.
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Accessibility: Online certificates can help students develop their skills regardless of where they live or what their local college provides. For students who find learning in traditional classroom environments challenging, they offer an alternate learning framework that may be more appropriate.
Cons
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Further education may be needed: While online certificate programs can provide students with a foundational understanding of a topic or help them develop targeted skills, they’re less comprehensive than a full degree. Depending on the future employment or educational opportunities a student wants, they may need to earn additional certificates or complete a full degree. Students considering a certificate should determine if that type of education is sufficient training for their subject before enrolling.
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Technical skills needed: As with any other type of online program, students in an online certificate course must have enough technical proficiency to participate in live-streaming classes, navigate their online student portal, and troubleshoot any technical issues that may prevent them from submitting assignments or attending classes. Most schools have technical support departments to help students, but it’s the student’s responsibility to be prepared for the tech needs of their program.
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Not suited for all learning styles: Despite its advantages, online learning isn’t for everyone. Some students need face-to-face interaction or hands-on learning activities, which are less common in online programs. These programs also require more self-discipline and accountability, as students often learn independently and at their own pace.
How to Choose the Online Certificate Program That’s Right For You
Step 1: Clarify needs and goals
Finding the right online certificate program starts with clearly defined needs and goals. Think about what you want to study and why. This reflection will help you determine if certificates are available for your area of study and if they’re the ideal educational path to gain the skills and knowledge you seek. Depending on what you want to learn, consider a bootcamp or full degree program.
Now is also an excellent time to consider your logistical needs. Are you looking for a synchronous or asynchronous program? Will you enroll full-time or part-time? What is your budget for your online certificate program?
Setting these parameters will help you narrow your search as you learn more about potential programs.
Step 2: Research schools and certificate programs
Visiting a school’s website is a great way to research available certificate programs. Students can also learn more by contacting school admissions counselors and program representatives, following programs on social media, and attending virtual open houses and information sessions when available.
Students should confirm that the school offering the certificate program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Accreditation ensures that an institution is offering high-quality educational programs.
Additional questions that students should get answered include:
- What does the curriculum include?
- Does completing the course prepare students for any kind of professional certification?
- Who are the faculty, and what are their credentials?
- How do online students interact with faculty and classmates?
- Are courses delivered synchronously or asynchronously?
- What financial support is available to students enrolled in online certificate programs?
- Do students in online certificate programs have access to student services, and if so, what services are available?
Step 3: Submit your applications
Generally speaking, online certificate programs have a lower barrier to entry than degree programs. To find out the application and enrollment process for a particular online certificate program, speak to an admissions counselor or program representative at the institution.
For some programs, students can enroll directly by signing up and paying a fee without an application process. Others may require an application and supporting documents, like letters of recommendation or an essay.
Students usually must submit official transcripts to show they qualify for the program. They may also have to demonstrate specific knowledge or experience in their area of study, especially for advanced online certificate programs.
Step 4: Determine how you’ll pay for your certificate
Although certificate programs are typically less expensive than full degrees, students must consider how they’ll pay for the program and any additional fees.
Students can use federal financial aid, such as loans and grants if they enroll in an approved certificate program. Contact a financial aid counselor or program representative to determine if a certificate program meets the eligibility criteria for federal financial aid. Students will also have to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if they’re eligible to receive this type of funding.
Schools offer financial aid through scholarships, grants, and tuition discounts to select student groups, such as military service members and veterans. Students who are employed while completing their certificate program can find out if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits.