Certificate Programs
The Skills You Need For Your Specific Career Path
The world is changing every day. Jobs that existed yesterday may be gone tomorrow. Jobs needed in the future will need qualified candidates. Your life has probably changed too. Whatever is next for you, we have career certificate programs online that can make you more hirable, promotable, and valuable.
Consider coming to Grand Valley State University to earn one of these focused certificates and getting the specific skills employers are asking for without the time commitment or cost of a bachelor’s degree program. Plus, all the certificates are completely online in six-week courses to fit your busy life.
Choose from Five In-Demand Options
Business Fundamentals (NEW!)
Our new business fundamentals certificate helps you develop financial and accounting acumen, as well as better understand the fundamentals of the human side of business and organizational operations. You will build the knowledge and skills necessary to better understand and manage in your organization. Skills developed include analyzing financial statements and performance, creating operating budgets, managing and motivating others, and analyzing and using marketing information.
Project Management
The project management certificate integrates industry-proven project management practices with Agile principles. Students work in small teams to effectively initiate, plan, execute, control, and bring closure to real-world project(s) using MS Project and other enterprise project management software.
Project management is an in-demand skill listed in the description of over 25,000 jobs in Michigan. This program also prepares you for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Applied Data Analytics
The applied data analytics certificate focuses on understanding how to interpret, use, and apply data and statistics in the workplace. Students learn foundational computing and statistical skills like visualization, predictive analytics tools, and computer coding in Python and R.
Data analytics is a booming profession boasting a 10% increase in data-related jobs by 2024. This certificate is great on its own but also a fantastic starting point for the Data Science and Analytics master's degree at GVSU.
Leadership
The leadership certificate focuses on social change and business communication and includes further exploration into organizational theory, team building, design thinking, and grant writing. Students will develop professional skills that employers are looking for such as team building and ethics.
Leadership skills are desirable in Michigan and nationwide. There are over 12,000 Michigan jobs available that specifically list leadership skills as a requirement.
Intercultural Communications
The Intercultural Communications certificate prepares you with skills in effective communication within and across diverse international organizations by focusing on intercultural learning and competence in the global workplace.
Students will demonstrate effective communication skills that can be applied within a range of workplace, digital, and societal settings.
Source: EMSI, 2021
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Summer 2021 |
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June 28-August 11 |
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Winter 2022 |
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Session 1: January 10 - February 23 |
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Session 2: March 14 - April 30 |
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Spring 2022 |
Summer 2022 |
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May 9-June 22 |
June 27 - August 10 |
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Fall 2022 |
Winter 2023 |
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Session 1: August 29 |
Session 1: January 9 |
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Session 2: October 26 |
Session 2: March 13 |
Bachelor's + Certificate
Would you like to combine a certificate with a bachelor's degree? Visit our bachelor's plus page or schedule an appointment with our advising team to find out how you can make it happen!
Admissions Requirements
This program is designed for motivated learners who want to earn a certificate with a virtual community of similarly dedicated individuals. The admissions requirements are;
- a completed application;
- official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended;
- 55 completed college credits;
- a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for those who demonstrate a potential for academic success in other ways); and
- a paid application fee of $30.
Tuition
Financing your degree is one of the greatest concerns adults have in returning to college. That’s why we’ve set one price for all classes within this program:
- $500 per credit hour.
- Most classes are three credits, so you can generally count on $1,500 per class.
- After the completion of your first course, we will reimburse you for the cost of a future one.
Speak With Our Advising Team
We know you are busy and we are here to help you get started. Our advisors will:
- explain the goals and outcomes of our certificate programs;
- discuss services and support available throughout these training programs;
- assist with the admissions and financial aid process; and
- give you a personalized plan.
You can get in touch with any one of our advisors by calling (616) 331-7180, emailing, or by scheduling a phone or virtual appointment below