Many certificate programs are available online. The variety of options may be overwhelming at first, but students can conduct research to determine the best online certificate program that will meet their career goals. We've compiled several lists of the best online certificates available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and split them up by different categories. Read on to find the best certificate online at any stage of your educational journey.
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Business certificates are among the most comprehensive non-degree options because they feature coursework in several disciplines. Students learn about financial tools, management applications, data analytics, and communication tactics. Graduates may seek entry-level management jobs in various industries or non-administrative roles in human resources and executive support. They may even choose to start their own business as entrepreneurs.
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ' >Featured School for Business
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad." Learn more about how we make money. ' >AD
Undergraduate counseling certificates usually prepare students for entry-level counseling careers. Students may go on to take licensing exams in their state while exploring coursework in addiction and chemical dependency, adolescent behavioral health issues, or adult mental health disorders. Online psychology certificates differ in that some may lead to licensure and others may not. Coursework can include organizational psychology, sports psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and memory, as well as applied courses in patient assessment and intervention.
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ' >Featured School for Psychology
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad." Learn more about how we make money. ' >AD
There are post-graduate and post-baccalaureate options that apply to both current and future educators. Curricula differ from program to program but may cover literacy instruction, classroom management, adolescent behavior, and classroom assessment. For leadership certificates, we’ve selected programs for teachers who already hold education licenses but wish to transition into leadership roles like principals and administrators. Once completed, graduates will be eligible to pursue careers in public and private schools, school district offices, and community colleges.
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ' >Featured School for Educational Leadership
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad." Learn more about how we make money. ' >AD
Want an online degree that's:
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OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad." Learn more about how we make money. ' > AD
Certificates related to healthcare are available for students at any stage of their careers. Students can pursue online certificates and diplomas for assisting medical professionals or more traditional office work. Job opportunities for our featured office and administrative certificates are as comprehensive as the coursework itself, with graduates working for community health organizations, hospital human resource departments, and healthcare insurance companies.
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ' >Featured School for Healthcare Administration
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad." Learn more about how we make money. ' >AD
With a paralegal certificate, students explore the job responsibilities of legal assistants. This includes preparing court documents, tracking case assignments, recording notes for public records, and completing case research. They are most likely to gain employment at private law firms, but some graduates pursue positions at government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporate legal departments.
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ' >Featured School for Paralegal
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad." Learn more about how we make money. ' >AD
While vocational and trade programs usually require in-person requirements to learn specific skills, we’ve highlighted a few options that offer online coursework and training. Upon completion, students should consider our full list of online trade and vocational programs at every level.
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ' >Featured School for HVAC
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad." Learn more about how we make money. ' >AD
Want an online degree that's:
We've got them. Let's get started.
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad." Learn more about how we make money. ' > AD
Attending online certificate programs is an excellent option for those wanting a fast track to a new career. Students receive practical training that's more narrowly focused and shorter in length than associate degrees or bachelor's programs. Many online certifications only require a high school diploma or equivalent and take two years or less to complete. This can help with accessibility for students who are already working or have additional responsibilities at home. Most programs require 30 credits or less and consist of courses worth one to four credits. Earning a certificate shows that students have learned specialized job skills to work as paralegals, accountants, dental assistants, or nurses.
Online certificates are available in fields like business administration, medical or dental assistance, computer-aided drafting, and HVAC. They are delivered by various institutions, including universities, trade schools, community colleges, and for-profit schools, allowing students to choose how and where they earn certifications for jobs. However, when considering online courses from for-profit schools in particular, students should make sure the programs are accredited. Not only does this mean the professors and coursework have been evaluated for quality, but federal aid requirements state that students must be enrolled in an accredited school to receive benefits.
Certificates and degree programs serve different purposes. Vocational certificates usually cost less than a degree and require fewer credits, allowing students to gain the necessary skills for a particular occupation at a quicker pace and without incurring much student debt. A college degree takes longer because it provides a more general, theoretical education. Both programs can help students meet professional goals but in different ways.
The curriculum of each area of study is different as well. A certificate program is very targeted and occupation-focused, meaning that core classes or prerequisites aren't usually required. On the other hand, many degree programs offer a broader education, where students not only learn about their field of study but may also be required to complete courses in other areas to graduate.
A certificate may be a good option if you are looking for faster results and have a specific job in mind that only requires a certificate. Some careers, such as registered nursing or engineering, require you to complete a degree in order to acquire an advanced skill set and practical training before entering the workforce. Students can also choose a broader degree program, such as liberal arts, which may open the door to a variety of positions. This route may be preferred by those who are still deciding the direction of their career.
There are various options to consider when it comes to an online certificate program. Most programs are designed to prepare graduates for specific careers, such as HVAC technician or paralegal. In contrast, others may offer broader training in management and business, allowing graduates to pursue different positions in different industries.
Accounting certificates prepare students for entry-level positions by providing training in accounting software, taxation, economics, and management. Career opportunities include bookkeepers, payroll assistants, and collections coordinators. Graduates may also pursue accounting and finance certifications, such as those for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Financial Analyst (CFA).
Business certificates are among the most comprehensive non-degree options because they feature coursework in several disciplines. Students learn about financial tools, management applications, data analytics, and communication tactics. Graduates may seek entry-level management jobs in various industries or non-administrative roles in human resources and executive support. They may even choose to start their own business as entrepreneurs.
In paralegal certificates, students explore the job responsibilities of legal assistants. This includes preparing court documents, tracking case assignments, recording notes for public records, and completing case research. They are most likely to gain employment at private law firms, but some graduates pursue positions at government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporate legal departments.
Clinical psychologists require a master's degree and professional license, leading some graduate-level programs to offer licensure endorsements. Undergraduate students earn clinical psychology certificates to prepare for entry-level mental health roles or to learn specialized skills after completing their degrees. Typically, these curricula cover fundamental psychology principles related to psychological disorders, diagnosis techniques, and treatment plans. Students may go on to pursue roles in clinical research institutes, hospitals, and mental health clinics.
Counseling certificates are specialized programs that usually revolve around individual entry-level counseling careers. Many certificates also prepare students to take licensing exams in their state. Students may learn about treatment models for addiction and chemical dependency, adolescent behavioral health issues, or adult mental health disorders. Roles may be available as recovery coaches, youth counselors, or guidance counselors.
Like counseling, psychology certificates allow students to explore different career paths while receiving a base-level education. There are courses in organizational psychology, sports psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and memory, as well as applied courses in patient assessment and intervention. Specialized training can lead to non-licensed careers as positive psychology coaches, wellness program coordinators, and human resources managers.
Educational leadership certificates are meant for professional teachers who already hold education licenses but wish to transition into leadership roles like principals and administrators. The curricula feature advanced coursework in the economic, legal, organizational, and ethical aspects of education. Once completed, these students will be eligible to pursue leadership positions in public and private schools, school district offices, and community colleges.
Healthcare administration certificates are often taken at the graduate level because they prepare students for managerial roles with varying responsibilities. Students explore healthcare economics, management principles, project management, and healthcare policies. Job opportunities are as comprehensive as the coursework itself, with graduates working for community health organizations, hospital human resource departments, and healthcare insurance companies.
Management certificates feature various business disciplines designed to train for supervisory roles. Business strategies, communication techniques, business law, software applications, human relations, and organizational behavior are all covered from a foundational perspective. Management graduates benefit from transferable skills, allowing them to choose which industry they work in. Roles may include operations manager, sales consultant, and administrative assistant.
Secondary education certificates focus on teacher training for grades 7-12. There are post-graduate and post-baccalaureate options that apply to both current and future educators. Curricula differ from program to program but may cover literacy instruction, classroom management, adolescent behavior, and classroom assessment. Students can earn specialized teaching jobs in subjects like math, science, and geography or pursue roles as education specialists and librarians.
HVAC certificates prepare students for specialized roles as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians. The comprehensive curriculums feature coursework in HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical systems that work to prepare graduates to sit for professional certification exams. Employers are more likely to hire credentialed HVAC specialists to install and maintain systems.
CAD certificates cover computer aided drafting, otherwise known as computer aided design, which entails using software programs that translate technical drawings into digital images. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for these programs, where they can learn AutoCAD, 3D visualization, drafting technologies, and computer integrated machining. Drafters are the most common career path for CAD certificate graduates.
Phlebotomy certificates teach healthcare students how to collect blood samples. Required coursework includes laboratory procedures, hazardous material handling, and medical terminology. While the job responsibilities may be simple, they are critical roles in many healthcare settings and therefore need serious training. In fact, many programs require students to undertake practical experience at local healthcare facilities before becoming phlebotomists.
Salary expectations vary based on each individual's experience and education, but the average salary generally lands around $30,000 based on College Scorecard data (as listed in the chart above). Attending an online certification program can either increase the salary of existing professionals by providing advanced graduate-level training or offering foundational knowledge for undergraduate students seeking an entry-level career. Management, business, and CAD offer the highest average earnings at over $35,500 per year. HVAC and paralegal certificates aren't far behind, with salaries of $32,900 and $34,100, respectively. Other certificates, such as phlebotomy, psychology, and counseling, range from $26,700 to $28,300.
When applying to an online certificate program, many of the requirements and processes are the same as applying to an in-person program. However, students should check each school's admission requirements to pick a college that meets their qualifications. Sometimes there are fewer application requirements for online certificates.
In general, applying to a certificate program may require the following:
An application fee, which is usually non-refundable and falls between $25-$50 but rarely exceeds $100.
A completed FAFSA to determine financial aid eligibility. Students can then work with their school's financial aid office to see what other assistance they may be eligible to receive.
An essay or letter of intentthat explains why a student is interested in a particular program and their plans after program completion.
A copy of any high school and college transcripts that are available.Math and reading assessment scores. (Some certificate programs, such as dental assistance programs, require that students have passed math and reading assessments to enroll in the program.)
College entrance exams, which allow admissions counselors to further evaluate their comprehension in specific academic areas.
