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a. Certificate Programs

New certificate program proposals follow the procedures outlined in the new initiatives process, including criteria for development, implementation, and evaluation. The Certificate of Advanced Study and the Graduate Certificate of Completion award graduate credits and may, where appropriate, award continuing education units. The Professional Development Certificate awards continuing education units (CEUs).

Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS)
The Certificate of Advanced Study is an intensive academic program designed to provide depth and breadth of study related to a specific discipline. The minimum credit requirement for the Certificate of Advanced Study is 15 semester hours. Both postbaccalaureate and post-master’s programs are offered under the Certificate of Advanced Study designation. The program may include courses that overlap with a degree program. Students must be formally accepted into the CAS program, meeting standards equivalent to acceptance to the parent degree program.

Graduate Certificate of Completion (GCC)
Discipline-specific and interprofessional offerings may lead to a certificate with a specialization focus. Both matriculated and nondegree students are eligible for this certificate. The minimum credit requirement for the Graduate Certificate of Completion is 3 semester hours and the successful completion of a minimum of three courses.

Professional Development Certificate (PDC)
A Professional Development Certificate is a noncredit certificate program that may vary in length and breadth. Candidates do not need to undergo a formal application but must register for and complete all segments of the certificate program in order to be awarded the Professional Development Certificate. The standards for the award of continuing education units (CEUs) will apply, and each academic program is responsible for obtaining the CEUs from the appropriate credentialing agency.