Advanced Certificates

NYSED defines an advanced certificate, or post-master’s certificate, as a credential issued by an institution in recognition of the completion of a curriculum other than one leading to a degree. Courses offered as part of an advanced certificate are all at the graduate level, and all courses within the advanced certificate should be able to be applied to completion of a degree. In practice, advanced certificates are defined as a structured group of courses that focus on a specific field or area of knowledge. As such they may be valuable to students for job applications, career advancement or personal development. Attainment of advanced certificates should be properly documented through the registrar’s office.

Advanced certificates are stand-alone programs that require completion of an organized program of study equivalent to at least 24 credit hours beyond a master’s degree. In order to be admitted to an advanced certificate program, prospective students must apply to their desired program of study and must meet all applicable admissions requirements. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, unless otherwise specified by the Division. Graduate transfer policies also apply to students enrolled in an advanced certificate program.

Advanced Certificates:

Advanced Adult Gerontology/Primary Care Nurse Practitioner