Online Certificates
Gain knowledge and make your next move.
Expand your expertise without committing to a full degree. CMU Online certificate programs offer focused education in areas like leadership, cybersecurity, finance, health care, education, project management and more. With undergraduate and graduate options, you can build knowledge that supports your career goals while completing your courses online.
Why earn an online certificate?
Build specialized expertise
Focus your education on the skills and knowledge that matter to your career.
Advance your career
Add a university credential that can strengthen your qualifications for new roles and responsibilities.
Learn on your schedule
Complete your coursework online while balancing work, family and other priorities.
Keep your options open
Some certificate credits may apply toward a related CMU degree if you decide to continue your education.
What is an online certificate?
An online certificate is a focused academic credential designed to build knowledge and skills in a specific area without completing a full degree program. Certificate programs require fewer credits than bachelor's or master's degrees and can help you strengthen your expertise, prepare for new responsibilities or explore another area of interest.
CMU Online offers both undergraduate and graduate certificates, with options in business, technology, education, health care, leadership, public service and more.
Graduate certificates
Already have a bachelor's degree? A graduate certificate gives you the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge in a focused area without immediately committing to a master's degree.
A graduate certificate may be a good fit if you want to:
- Develop expertise related to your current career
- Prepare for leadership or specialized roles
- Build skills in a new or emerging area
- Explore graduate-level study
- Work toward a related master's degree when applicable
Business, Management & Leadership
Build skills to lead teams, manage organizations and make strategic business decisions.
Health & Health Care
Develop specialized knowledge for careers and leadership roles in health care, health systems and community health.
Education & Learning
Build specialized skills to support learners, improve instruction and strengthen educational environments.
- AI for Learning, Design, and Technology
- Equity-Centered Teaching and Learning
- Postgraduate School Counseling Certificate
- Structured Language and Literacy Intervention
Technology & Cybersecurity
Strengthen your technical expertise and prepare to address evolving technology and information security needs.
Public Service, Nonprofit & Community Leadership
Develop the knowledge and leadership skills to support communities, public organizations and mission-driven work.
Undergraduate certificates
Undergraduate certificates provide focused education in a specific subject area and may complement your current degree or previous experience.
An undergraduate certificate may be a good fit if you want to:
- Add specialized knowledge to your bachelor's degree
- Develop skills for your current career
- Explore a new professional area
- Earn a focused academic credential without completing another full degree
Explore our undergraduate certificates
Start with a certificate. Keep going when you're ready.
Some CMU certificate programs allow eligible credits to apply toward a related degree. You can earn a credential that provides value now while creating a pathway to continue your education later.
Because requirements vary by program, review your certificate's curriculum and talk with an advisor if you're considering continuing into a degree program.
Is an online certificate worth it?
An online certificate can be valuable if you need focused education rather than another full degree. It can help you develop specialized knowledge, strengthen your resume, prepare for new responsibilities or keep your skills current as your field changes.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a certificate and a degree?
A certificate focuses on a specific subject or skill set and typically requires fewer credits than a degree. A degree provides a broader course of study and requires more coursework. A certificate can complement a degree you already have or provide focused education without completing another full degree.
What's the difference between an undergraduate and graduate certificate?
Undergraduate certificates consist of undergraduate-level coursework, while graduate certificates provide advanced, graduate-level study. Admission and education requirements vary by program.
Do I need a bachelor's degree to earn a graduate certificate?
Graduate certificate admission requirements vary by program. Review the individual certificate program for its specific education and admission requirements.
Can I earn a certificate completely online?
Yes. The certificates featured on this page are available through CMU Online. Individual course availability and program requirements may vary.
Can certificate credits count toward a degree?
Some can. Certain CMU certificate programs allow eligible credits to apply toward a related degree. Check the individual program requirements or talk with an advisor before enrolling if continuing into a degree is part of your plan.
How long does it take to earn an online certificate?
Completion time varies based on the certificate, number of required credits, course availability and how many courses you take at a time. Check the individual certificate program for its requirements.
