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Certificates – Frequently Asked Questions and Key Points to Consider

Wisconsin Online currently lists stand-alone, credit-bearing certificates and microcredentials at the master’s level. Master’s level certificates and microcredentials require a bachelor’s degree, and perhaps additional prerequisites.

Key Points to Consider When Researching Credit-Bearing Certificates

  1. Career Impact: Consider how the certificate will impact your career or academic objectives. Research the job market and potential employers who value the certification.

  2. Admission Requirements: Verify the specific admission requirements for the certificate program. Some programs may require a specific degree, a certain number of college credits, a minimum GPA, or prerequisite courses.

  3. Credit Transferability: Check if the college credits you already have can be transferred into the certificate program. This can help reduce the number of courses needed to complete the certificate.

  4. Cost and Financial Aid: Determine the cost of the program and explore financial aid options. Some programs may qualify for federal financial aid, scholarships, or employer tuition reimbursement.

  5. Time Commitment: Assess the time commitment required for the program. Determine whether it can be managed alongside other responsibilities such as work or family commitments.

  6. Quality: Verify that the institution providing the certificate is accredited by a regional higher education accrediting agency, like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Accrediting agencies rigorously review universities for quality, integrity and adherence to industry-accepted standards. All Universities of Wisconsin are HLC accredited.

Frequently Asked Questions — Certificates

A credit-bearing certificate/microcredential is a short “sub-degree” program with courses that count toward college credit and quickly allow learners to enhance skills and acquire new knowledge. Certificates/microcredentials are designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills in a specific field. In many cases, the credits earned can often be applied toward a degree program, if you choose to pursue one later. Credit-bearing certificates/microcredentials are transcripted, meaning the earned credits appear on a permanent record (transcript) of your academic achievements including courses taken, grades earned and degrees awarded. At this time, there is no generally accepted formal definition of “certificate” or “microcredential,” and the two terms are often used interchangeably. In addition, there is no generally accepted number of credits for one or the other, so what one institution might call a microcredential may require the same number of credits as a certificate at another institution.

Credit-bearing certificates earn academic credit and can be applied to degree programs, while non-credit certificates do not earn credit. Credit-bearing certificates require homework and learning assessments (e.g., papers, tests) and are usually comprised of the same courses available in bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

These programs are ideal for individuals looking to:

  • Enhance their skills for career advancement (up-skilling);
  • Transition into a new career field (re-skilling); and,
  • Acquire new knowledge in a specific area of interest.

They are beneficial for both current students and working professionals. All Universities of Wisconsin are accredited institutions, ensuring quality and industry-recognized credentials.

Certificates can significantly enhance your qualifications, making you more competitive in the job market. They provide you with specialized skills and knowledge that can lead to career advancement, new job opportunities, or a career change. In addition, some certificates and many microcredentials result in a digital badge, which can be placed on LinkedIn or other social media.

Consider your career goals, interests, and current skill set. Research the programs available, the curriculum, the reputation of the institution, and the potential return on investment. It might also be helpful to speak with an academic advisor or career counselor at a university. Your employer may have suggestions as well.

The certificates/microcredentials offered by the Universities of Wisconsin vary in length, ranging from six to 21 credits, or two to seven courses. Depending on the certificate/microcredential and whether you are taking courses part-time or full-time, these programs can be completed in one to four semesters.

In many cases, yes. Credits earned from a credit-bearing certificate can often be applied toward a related degree program at the same institution or another institution, subject to the university’s transfer policies.

Admission requirements vary by program. Wisconsin Online currently lists only master’s level certificates and microcredentials. Master’s level certificates require a bachelor’s degree, and perhaps additional prerequisites.

Financial aid availability varies by institution and program. It’s advisable to check with the financial aid office of the institution you plan to attend. Also, check with your employer—you may have tuition reimbursement benefits.

The workload can vary depending on the program, course, and whether you are studying part-time or full-time. For each certificate, expect to commit as much time in each certificate course as you would in other credit-bearing college courses. Visit our interactive time management calculator to help you plan your workload to be a successful student online.

Yes. Many students balance work and study. The certificates/microcredentials listed in the Universities of Wisconsin Online website are asynchronous online programs allowing students and working professionals more flexibility.

The Universities of Wisconsin universities are nationally and internationally recognized higher education institutions providing world-class education and training in hundreds of fields. All Universities of Wisconsin are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission for online distance education, ensuring that taking a course online is the same quality as taking a class in a traditional, in-person classroom setting.

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