Graduate Certificate Programs

Looking to upgrade your career? Earn a graduate certificate. This 9-20 credit hour program focuses on your area of expertise. Add it to a master's degree or pursue it as a standalone.

What are the admission requirements?

The minimum standard for admission to a graduate certificate program is a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by agencies recognized by Missouri State University Graduate College. Additional requirements and higher standards may be stipulated for specific graduate certificate programs and applicants should check for such requirements in the departmental section of the graduate catalog.

I'm eligible. How do I apply?

To be considered for admission to a graduate certificate program, you should complete the following:

1. If you are not a current Missouri State graduate student and you are applying for admission to a certificate program only, you should submit an application through GradCAS.
2. If you are a current Missouri State graduate student who wishes to apply to add a certificate program, you should submit an application through your My Missouri State (contact graduate admissions at GraduateAdmissions@MissouriState.edu or 417-836-5331 for specific instructions). No application fee is required nor will you be required to submit transcripts to graduate admissions.

Since graduate certificates are standalone programs, you may be required to submit or meet program-specific admission requirements. Search and find your program's site to review these requirements.

A program audit, prepared for you, will show the requirements necessary to complete the certificate program. You may view the audit the first day of classes for the semester of admission into the program. It is essential that you meet with your advisor before registering for courses each semester.

Are there certificate completion requirements?

You must apply to graduate with a certificate. Choose the "Graduation Application and Status Review" link in the "Graduation & Commencement" card in your My Missouri State.

To be eligible for a graduate certificate, you must:

1. Complete the minimum number of hours required for the certificate program. Minimum hours for specific programs vary.
2. Attain a grade point average of at least 3.00 on all graduate work utilized in the certificate program (that includes Missouri State University and transfer courses).
3. Complete all requirements within an eight-year period (exclusive of time spent in the U.S. Armed Forces).
4. Meet all additional program-specific certificate program requirements. The certificate will be mailed to you approximately four weeks after the end of the semester of completion. A hold will prevent the release of a transcript or certificate.

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Frequently asked questions