Best Online Certificate Programs
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
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Southern New Hampshire University offers four undergraduate and 19 graduate certificate programs online. These programs span fields such as marketing, human resource management, and computer programming. SNHU's certificates are career-focused and designed to enhance existing degrees.
Highlights
- Complete a certificate program in as few as four months.
- Access academic and career advising, tutoring, and tech support.
- Receive accommodations for disabilities.
- Enjoy discounts for active-duty military and their spouses.
Know Before You Apply
- Some certificate programs may not qualify for financial aid.
- Graduate certificates require a minimum 2.75 GPA for full acceptance or a 2.0 for provisional acceptance.
97%
$15,000
62%
$15,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 96%
- Students Enrolled
- 164,091
- Institution Type
- Private
Ohio State University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
You can earn one of nine undergraduate and 20 graduate certificates online at The Ohio State University. These programs cater to various academic interests and professional goals, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion; nursing in school health services; and artificial intelligence in digital health.
Highlights
- Earn some certificates after completing only four courses.
- Access a 360-degree virtual lab for select certificates.
- Some certificates, like healthcare revenue cycle and data analytics, can lead to licensure.
Know Before You Apply
- Ohio State's certificate programs are primarily offered asynchronously, meaning you'll need to follow your own schedule to complete coursework.
- Students need a minimum 2.0 GPA in postsecondary coursework for admission to undergraduate certificate programs.
64%
$11,936
94%
$36,173
- Acceptance Rate
- 51%
- Students Enrolled
- 60,046
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Virginia
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Virginia offers four undergraduate and 10 graduate certificates via distance education for working adults. These programs cater to different career and education levels. They cover fields such as cloud computing, project management, and information technology.
Highlights
- Apply in summer, fall, or spring.
- Boost your chances of securing academic jobs with a recognized credential in a related field.
- Pay the same tuition as in-state or out-of-state students.
Know Before You Apply
- Some programs have only synchronous classes, while others mix class formats.
- Lengths of programs and completion times vary.
10%
$18,059
97%
$53,325
- Acceptance Rate
- 19%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,082
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Florida stands out for its diverse online certificate options, with 98 graduate and 12 undergraduate programs. These certificates cover fields such as medicine, engineering, agriculture, arts, and education.
Highlights
- Choose from more than 100 options to find your ideal certificate.
- Enroll as a non-degree-seeking student or a current UF student.
- Apply graduate certificate credits toward a master's degree.
Know Before You Apply
- Credits from some UF certificate courses may or may not transfer to advanced degrees.
- Out-of-state students might face higher tuition in some programs.
- Non-degree students may need an associate degree in a related field for some undergraduate certificate programs.
57%
$ 4,477
97%
$25,694
- Acceptance Rate
- 24%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,814
- Institution Type
- Public
North Carolina State University
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
At North Carolina State University, you can earn one of 18 undergraduate and 47 graduate certificate programs fully online in fields such as engineering, business, and the sciences. Unique options include 5G technology, climate adaptation, and crop science.
Highlights
- Retool or advance your career with a plethora of certificate options.
- Enjoy flexible scheduling to complete your coursework.
- Choose fully online classes or a mix of online and in-person courses.
Know Before You Apply
- Courses vary in format, including live and self-paced options.
- Non-degree students usually can't get financial aid, with the exception of some graduate certificates.
46%
$ 6,535
93%
$29,407
- Acceptance Rate
- 40%
- Students Enrolled
- 37,314
- Institution Type
- Public
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Boston University offers 36 online graduate certificates in fields such as art education, crime analysis, and financial management. Aimed at professionals who hold undergraduate degrees, these programs focus on practical skills to enhance career prospects.
Highlights
- Finish your certificate in under a year.
- Study anytime with 24-7 access to course materials.
- Access financial aid, including scholarships, loans, and payment plans.
Know Before You Apply
- Certificate costs vary by program and course.
- No online undergraduate certificates are available.
- All BU graduate certificate programs require an undergraduate degree for admission.
14%
$61,050
95%
$61,050
- Acceptance Rate
- 11%
- Students Enrolled
- 36,624
- Institution Type
- Private
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Texas A&M University has more than 60 online certificate programs geared toward working professionals and current students. These programs cover architecture, engineering, medicine, and more. Unique options include certificates in circuit design, safety engineering, and geographic information science.
Highlights
- Complete some programs in just one year.
- Apply certificate credits toward a degree at Texas A&M.
- Choose areas of emphasis for certain certificate programs.
Know Before You Apply
- Some certificates have limited start dates.
- Some in-person requirements may be necessary for certain certificate programs.
40%
$ 8,443
94%
$36,637
- Acceptance Rate
- 63%
- Students Enrolled
- 76,633
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers 10 online undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in business, journalism, law, public health, and more. These programs are ideal for working professionals aiming to advance their careers or pursue a degree.
Highlights
- Gain admission with no test or degree requirements for some certificates.
- Complete some programs in just six months.
- Pause courses and finish within 18 months.
- Apply up to 40% of certificate credits toward a degree.
Know Before You Apply
- Some programs accept only one cohort each year.
- Requirements for some certificate programs include a graduate school application and personal essay.
- All graduate certificates require GMAT or GRE scores for admission, but waivers are available.
25%
$ 7,020
97%
$37,360
- Acceptance Rate
- 19%
- Students Enrolled
- 32,496
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Georgia has 22 online undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in fields including education, leadership, law, and science. Notably, these offerings include interdisciplinary qualitative sciences and international biomedical regulatory sciences.
Highlights
- Choose from a plethora of teacher- and educator-friendly certificates.
- Receive financial assistance as an active-duty military service member, veteran, military dependent, or other qualifying professional.
- Pursue a UGA certificate to start or advance your career or switch careers.
Know Before You Apply
- Some programs have limited application dates.
- Non-UGA students need to be accepted into the graduate school first to pursue graduate certificates.
20%
$ 9,790
95%
$28,830
- Acceptance Rate
- 37%
- Students Enrolled
- 41,615
- Institution Type
- Public
Dallas College
- Dallas, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Dallas College offers 43 online certificate programs, including 10 in STEM fields, plus options in business, education, law, and public service. Unique certificates include advanced mechanical drafting, basic criminal justice studies, and international business and trade.
Highlights
- Enjoy transfer opportunities.
- Access online services for advising, admissions, registration, and books.
- Take advantage of certificates designed for direct entry into the workforce.
Know Before You Apply
- Dallas College is a community college; no graduate-level certificates are available.
- Talk to an advisor before pursuing a certificate. Some credits might not transfer to a degree program.
- Some certificates may be part of an associate degree program.
67%
$4,050
48%
$6,000
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 64,156
- Institution Type
- Public
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 (2020)
$8,740
Average tuition for online graduate certificate (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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common online certificate options include information technology (IT), healthcare, and law enforcement. Online certificate programs have different admission requirements and curricula depending on whether they are undergraduate or graduate level. You should check with your prospective schools for specific offerings.