Whether you're eager to boost your skills for a new career or level up in your current one, certificate programs are a quick and affordable way to do so. They offer training in many fields, including healthcare and technology.
An online format means you can earn these credentials without sacrificing your job or other personal obligations. Plus, certificates cost less than a four-year degree, and the credits may transfer to an undergraduate or graduate program.
Explore some of the best online certificate programs to see what's right for you.
Why Earn a Certificate Online?
- Learn specialized skills in just 3-12 months — much faster than a bachelor's program.
- Juggle school, work, and other commitments more easily with the flexibility of online learning.
- Save money on transportation, relocation, and other expenses you would incur with a traditional program.
- Upskill in your field, or pivot to a new career.
Top Accredited Schools Offering Online Certificate Programs
Why Accreditation Matters
Certificate programs can hold programmatic accreditation from various agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (ED). This type of accreditation signifies that the program meets high standards for its field. Certain fields may require programmatic accreditation. For others, it may be optional.
Examples of agencies that accredit certificate programs include:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- American Board of Funeral Service Education
- American Culinary Federation Education Foundation
- Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Regardless of your chosen field of study, you should attend a college or university that holds institutional accreditation. Unlike programmatic accreditors, institutional accreditors review and assess the educational quality of an institution as a whole.
Types of Online Certificate Programs
Depending on your career goals and educational background, you can choose the best online certificate program that will help you develop specific skills and knowledge.
Compare the three main types of certificate programs below.
Undergraduate Certificate
- Uses undergraduate-level credits
- Requires applicants to hold GED or high school diplomas
- Offered at community colleges, trade schools, and four-year institutions
Graduate Certificate
- Uses graduate-level credits
- Requires applicants to hold bachelor's or master's degrees
- Offered at four-year institutions and standalone grad schools
Noncredit Certificate
- Uses continuing education units (CEUs)
- Geared toward working professionals seeking new skills
- Offered through schools' continuing education departments
Explore Online Certificate Programs by Subject
Are Online Certificate Programs Worth It?
$8,639
Average tuition for online undergraduate certificate (2019-2020)
$8,740
Average tuition for online graduate certificate (2019-2020)
Compared to degree-based pathways, undergraduate and graduate certificate programs tend to offer cost advantages.
Their compact formats support shorter enrollment times, which keeps costs in check. Short study durations also enable your prompt return to the labor market as an upskilled worker, which can enhance your returns on investment.
Also, consider that certificate programs can offer an efficient and affordable way to keep your skills current and your profile relevant. This can have a major impact in fast-changing industries, such as computer science and information technology.
Ultimately, certificate programs can have varying outcomes. Their effects on your career prospects and earning potential often depend on whether you gain hard, marketable skills and on how relevant those skills are to your career advancement.