Graduate certificates offer a focused, efficient way to build expertise in a specific area without the time commitment of a full degree program. At NIU, certificates of graduate study consist of 12 to 18 semester hours of specified coursework and can typically be completed in one to two years. Admission requirements are streamlined, making them accessible for working professionals looking to advance, pivot or specialize.
With more than 65 graduate certificates spanning business, education, health sciences, engineering and more, NIU has options for nearly every professional goal.
Important note: Not all graduate certificates are available as stand-alone programs. Many require concurrent enrollment in a degree program. Check individual program pages for admission requirements.