Certificate Programs

I. Policy Statement

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is committed to providing high-quality education through the establishment of certificate programs (undergraduate and graduate). These certificate programs are designed to enhance academic rigor and ensure alignment with industry needs and educational best practices. The policy ensures that graduate certificates offered at UMES meet the highest standards of quality and relevance.

II. Purpose of Policy

This policy aims to:

  1. Establish a comprehensive framework for the development, implementation, and evaluation of graduate certificate programs.
  2. Provide guidelines to ensure that all certificate programs align with industry demands and academic standards.
  3. Promote academic rigor and ensure that students gain valuable knowledge and skills that contribute to their professional development.

III. Definitions

  • PBC (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate): A certificate program designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree.
  • PMC (Post-Master’s Certificate): A certificate program for students who hold a master’s degree.
  • UDC (Upper Division Certificate): A certificate program intended for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher. Upper division courses are at the 300-400level.

IV. Policy Language

1. Application

Active Students: Currently enrolled degree seeking students must submit a Change of Major form for their desired certificate program. Financial aid eligibility may be impacted depending on the change of major. Applications are available online from either the Office of Admissions (undergraduate) or Office of Graduate Studies (graduate). The correct application must be completed relative to the certificate level.

Transfer Students: Up to three credit hours may be transferred or waived into a UMES certificate program, subject to review and approval. Students may be asked to provide official transcripts and the course catalog description for the course to facilitate the review.

New students, Inactive students, and Non-degree students must enroll in a degree seeking program in addition, applying to a certificate program to be eligible for financial aid funding. Applications are available online from either the Office of Admissions (undergraduate) or Office of Graduate Studies (graduate). The correct application must be completed relative to the certificate level.

2. Financial Aid Eligibility

  • Financial Aid Eligibility for Certificate programs: New students, Inactive students, and Non-degree students must enroll in a degree seeking program in addition, applying to a certificate program to be eligible for financial aid funding. Apply via the online application portal for an available certificate.
  • Financial aid is not available for students pursuing ONLY a certificate.

3. Certificate Diploma and Fees

  • Upon completing the requirements, students must be made eligible to graduate by their department before applying for graduation.
  • Once eligible, students must submit a graduation application in HawkWeb.
  • Students must follow the Graduation Checklist provided by the Office of the Registrar.
  • The department will verify and confirm completion of certificate requirements with the Office of the Registrar.
  • Students completing a certificate program will receive a diploma looking certificate for a fee. The fee structure will be finalized in collaboration with Parchment and is subject to change each semester.
  • Certificate students are not eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony unless they are also receiving a degree from a degree-granting program

4. Graduate and Upper Division Certificate Policies

Credit Requirements

  • Graduate Certificates: Complete at least 12 credit hours, with at least 9 at the 600 level or above.
  • Upper Division Certificates: Complete at least 12 credit hours, with at least 9 at the 300 level or above.

Course Requirements

  • Both graduate and upper division certificates require core and non-core (elective) courses to be selected from designated lists.

Grade Requirements

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for completing graduate and upper division certificates.

Completion Timeline

  • All certificate courses must be completed within five calendar years from the semester in which the coursework began.

Course Applicability

  • Graduate Certificates: Certificate courses may count toward a master’s degree if approved by the Office of Graduate Studies.
  • Upper Division Certificates: Certificate courses may count toward a bachelor’s degree if approved by the academic department of the student’s major.

5. Stacking a Certificate Toward a Degree

Students may choose to earn a certificate on their way to a degree by selecting courses required for both a certificate and a related degree.

  • If a student is nearing completion of a degree and wishes to pursue a certificate, they should:
    • Ensure the certificate program does not interfere with their graduation timeline.
    • Undergraduate Students: Interested degree seeking students must submit a Change of Major form after completion of the 2nd course associated with the certificate.
    • Graduate Students: Active degree seeking students wishing to add a certificate (PBC, UDC, or PMC) must submit a Change of Major form after completion of the 3rd course associated with the certificate. Students must be accepted into the program before the end of the 3rd course associated with the certificate.

6. Transfer Credits for Certificates

  • Up to three credit hours from other accredited institutions may be transferred or waived with program director approval.

7. Application for Master’s Programs Post-Certificate

Students wishing to pursue a master’s degree after completing a certificate must reapply for admission to the master’s program. The certificate courses may count toward the degree, pending program-specific criteria.

V. List of Certificate Programs Offered

A. Upper Division Certificate

  • WORK-BASED COUNSELING AND CAREER COUNSEL
  • AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY – AIRFRAME
  • AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY – POWERPLANT
  • CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
  • FAMILY FINANCIAL PLANNING
  • SPECIAL EDUCATION

B. Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

  • CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
  • WORK-BASED LEARNING AND CAREER COUNSELING
  • RURAL HLTH DISPARITIES & SOCIAL INEQUITIES
  • SPECIAL EDUCATION