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Certificate Programs
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Apply to an NU Certificate Program – We’ll Be with You Every Step of the Way!

If you’re focused on building a professional career without a college degree, or if you’re seeking specialized knowledge and skills to take your career to the next level, a professional certificate can provide evidence to prospective employers that you have expertise in a specific area of your chosen field.

At many institutions of higher education, the application and admission processes can be daunting, but at National University, we believe in a streamlined, stress-free process that helps you dot all the I’s, cross all the T’s, and be ready to start learning new skills to enhance your career.

If at any point during the application process you have questions or need help, just contact our admissions team at (855) 355-6288 or via email at admissions@nu.edu. Here’s what we need to do to get started.

STEP 1: Complete Your Online Application

Once you’ve determined the certificate program that’s right for you, our streamlined, online application process will help you get enrolled and on your way to achieving your goals. Because NU accepts and reviews applications year-round, you can start your first course as soon as next month, depending on your program of study and location of choice.
 
One more thing – there’s no application fee to take this first step on your journey towards personal, professional, and academic achievement at NU!

STEP 2: Submit Your Transcripts and Other Required Documents

Admission to NU’s certificate programs is based on valid submission of documentation, including a student’s academic record at other institutions, test scores, interviews, professional experience, motivation, and educational objectives.
 
You can send your official transcripts from other schools you attended by using our transcript request form. Please provide all transcripts promptly to avoid admission delays. Your application is valid for one year.

Discuss Your Plans With Your NU Enrollment Advisor

At NU, we support you every step of the way with an ecosystem of resources to help you succeed. Whether you’re a working parent or busy professional, you will never feel like you’re going it alone.
 
This team effort begins with a conversation you’ll have with your NU Enrollment Advisor, during which we’ll start by discussing your current situation and what you hope to achieve by earning your professional certificate. Your Advisor will then look for ways NU can provide financial, academic, social and emotional, family and community, and career support to help ensure your success. We believe in your potential, and we want you to succeed like over 240,000 alumni already have. 
 
Have a question now? Just ask!

STEP 4: Determine the Best Way to Pay for Your Education

Education is an investment in yourself and the future. Having a career-enhancing professional certificate on your resume can increase your earning potential, improve your job prospects, and set you up for a more secure future.
 
At National University, we strive to make higher education accessible to all adult learners, and we are committed to helping you find the resources you need to pay for college and achieve your goals. To help reduce the cost of education, we accept all federally funded financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and scholarships. We also award tuition scholarships and grants to those who qualify.
 
Most college students pay for their education with grants, scholarships, loans, or a combination of the three. It can seem like a daunting process, but at NU you won’t have to go it alone. Between your admissions advisor and our experienced team of financial aid experts, we’ll review the results of your student aid report and help determine the best options available to you.
 
First things first. Visit fafsa.ed.gov to fill out the FAFSA application for federal student aid, including federal student loans. Then, contact our financial aid team at financialaid@nu.edu or (800) 628-8647, ext. 8500.

STEP 5: Start Earning Your Professional Certificate!

Because your life’s already in progress and time is a precious commodity, National University created an innovative way to help you fit continuing education into your current work and family responsibilities. We offer four-week classes, so you can focus on one subject at a time, one month at a time, and finish your program faster. 
 
Best of all, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process so you can get enrolled in your chosen certificate program right away. And because we accept and review applications year-round, you can start learning as soon as next month, depending on your program of study and location of choice.
 
Ready to get started? Let’s take your current professional knowledge and take it to the next level!

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to college is a big decision, and you’ll surely have questions. If yours isn’t answered here, just give us a call at (855) 355-6288 or email us at admissions@nu.edu.

At National University, you can pursue a wide range of career-enhancing certificate programs in a broad range of fields:

National University accepts and reviews applications year-round, so you can start learning as soon as next month, depending on your program of study and location of choice. Plus, we offer four-week courses, so you can focus on one subject at a time, one month at a time, and finish your certificate program faster.

National University generally accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, subject to certain criteria. Here are some actions you can take to find out whether your credits will transfer: 

  • Apply to National University today. If you’re ready to make a major change in your education, applying to a new school is the most important step you can take. Once your application is in our system, we can help you determine which, if any, credits are transferable 
  • Contact NU Admissions for personal, one-on-one support from an enrollment advisor
  • Contact your school about having your transcripts sent to National University. The Registrar’s Office should be able to assist by providing us with your sealed official transcripts 

Want to get a quick estimate of how many of your credits will transfer? Use our credit transfer calculator for undergraduate transfer students

Find out how to transfer college credits to National University.

Yes! In honor of our students, and in celebration of our 50th anniversary, National University has invested $50 million in new student scholarships. To learn more about numerous scholarships and grants funded by National University, how to apply, and how much you might be able to save on your teaching credential, click here.

We’re a veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.

The value of a college education is undeniable. Think of an industry-relevant teaching credential as an investment in your future.

At National University, we strive to make higher education accessible and achievable by helping you find financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, that will help defer or delay tuition costs and related expenses. Our financial aid representatives are happy to help you. Please call 1-800-NAT-UNIV or e-mail us for assistance.

Certificate Programs:

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements in a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program-specific requirements. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.

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