Certificate Program Information

Certificate Application

You can declare candidacy for a certificate at any time while taking courses towards your goal. We strongly recommend that you establish candidacy early in the process, so that we may keep you updated on course and program developments.

To apply for a certificate, go to the course chart for the program and click on the "Declare Candidacy" button. You'll see the certificate title and an "Enroll" button. Click on "Enroll" and follow the instructions.

FAQ Certificates

What are Extension certificates?
Certificates were created specifically for career development. A certificate is a university-level program that offers academic credit, but does not lead to a degree. By meeting the academic standards of the University of California, UCSC Extension Certificates are highly valued by employers and prized by the professionals who earn them.

Will I benefit from a certificate?
Many certificates are designed for working professionals who already have a degree but want to ensure their skills and knowledge are current. They are also suited to professionals who have work experience in their chosen field but do not have a related degree and individuals who want to transition from one field to another.

When should I enroll?
You can declare candidacy at any time. We recommend you do so early in order to keep abreast of course and program developments. Enrolling early will also allow Academic Services staff to better assist you in course scheduling and selection.

You may declare candidacy for a certificate online.

Courses may be taken individually or as part of a certificate program.

To earn a certificate from UCSC Extension, you must enroll in the certificate program and satisfy all requirements. Once the requirements have been met, please visit your Student Portal and enroll in the course titled "Certificate Completion Review." This will initiate the review process.

Additional information, including certificate program requirements can found on our program pages.

Transfer of Credit from Other Schools

With approval from the department, students may substitute one equivalent course from another institution for one course in a certificate program. The course must have been completed within the past five years with a final grade of C or better. It must cover the same material as the required course, carry equivalent or more credit, and be from an accredited academic institution.

To request a substitution, submit a Substitution Request Form, along with an outline and description of the course you completed, to the department for approval.

Student Services

Requesting a Certificate

Once all requirements for a certificate have been met, contact our office at program@ucsc-extension.edu to request a physical copy of the certificate.

Certificate with Honors

Those students who complete a certificate program with a grade point average of 4.0 will earn a Certificate with Honors. Students who earned an Extension certificate before January 2004 with a final GPA of 4.0 may contact the Student Services office to have a newly issued Certificate with Honors sent to them.