What is an online certificate?

Online certificate programs at Ohio State are undergraduate- and graduate-level programs that offer students the opportunity to study a focused topic in a shorter time frame than earning a degree.​ 

There are two main categories of certificate programs offered at Ohio State: Credit and Non-Credit.

• Academic certificate programs taken for credit offer students the opportunity to earn an official university-level certificate. In some cases, a portion of credits earned in these certificate programs can be used toward earning a degree. For example, students who earn the online Public Management Certificate from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs may apply some credits toward the online Master of Public Administration and Leadership and use the certificate to satisfy the master’s program experience requirement.
• Students might pursue workforce development training or continuing education units (CEU’s) that are required by certain fields such as nursing and social work.  

Both Credit and Non-Credit Online Certificates can contribute to eligibility requirements for licensure or certification in a specific technical or professional area. For more information on the different types of certificates available at Ohio State, visit the Registrar’s website.