Certificate Definition

A graduate certificate constitutes a coherent body of knowledge consisting of a minimum of 12 and not more than 21 credits of graduate course work. Graduate certificates may be linked to an existing Fairmont State degree program or it may be unique and free standing. Credits earned as a non-degree student may be applied to a graduate certificate. Non-degree students intending to apply to a certificate program are required to apply for admission before they complete 12-credit hours. Students must be admitted to the certificate program in order to be awarded a certificate.