An undergraduate certificate will help you to expand your skill set and enhance your marketability in today’s competitive workforce. Undergraduate certificate programs typically require 6 to10 three-credit courses and are available from the College of General Studies, the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, and the University Center for International Studies. Prerequisites, curriculum, and admissions requirements vary, so be sure to check individual certificate program pages for more information.
General Information About CGS Certificates
Our certificates are available as standalone programs or may be pursued in conjunction with another undergraduate degree. You may even be able to apply the credits you earn toward a future degree.
- Many certificate courses are offered in the evenings and some are available in an online format, but not all courses are offered every term.
- All courses are three credits unless otherwise noted. Please check course descriptions for prerequisites.
- Credits earned at other accredited educational institutions may be eligible for transfer. However, a minimum of 9 credits must be earned at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Students must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average in all University certificate courses.
How to Apply for a CGS Certificate
Current University of Pittsburgh students not already enrolled in CGS:
You will need to complete and submit the CGS certificate application form online. All students must meet CGS certificate requirements for admission; some certificate programs may have additional entry requirements.
Current College of General Studies students:
Fill out an application with your academic advisor as soon as you know that you would like to pursue a CGS certificate and no later than the last term before graduation. Check with your advisor for the application filing form and deadline and to ensure you have completed all requirements for the certificate in time for graduation. To avoid a late fee, you should complete this process when registering for the term.
Non-degree students looking to enroll only in a CGS certificate program:
Please see the Certificate/Minor Students section on the Admission page.
Graduating with a Certificate from CGS
In order to receive your CGS certificate, you must complete and submit our graduation application form.
Please note that this form is different than the certificate declaration form. If you did not declare your certificate, we will not be able to process your certificate credential.
CGS Undergraduate Certificate Programs
Community Health Assessment
CGS’s community health assessment certificate provides an understanding of how social, economic, and environmental factors impact a community’s well-being.
Communication
The 24-credit communication certificate helps students enhance their professional written and oral communication skills.
Corporate/Community Relations
The corporate and community relations certificate at Pitt CGS will help you communicate strategically and effectively with internal and external audiences.
Digital Media
The digital media certificate helps students gain practical experience with multimedia content production, including video, audio, and graphic design.
Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
The 18-credit gender, sexuality, and women’s studies certificate program at Pitt CGS provides an understanding of the role gender plays in society.
Information System Design
A certificate in information system design provides students a foundation in database management, user-centered design, security, and other IT topics.
Leadership*
Grow as a leader and advance your career with an 18-credit leadership certificate from University of Pittsburgh College of General Studies.
* This certificate can only be pursued in conjunction with a degree.
Managing Health Services Programs and Projects
A certificate in managing health services and programs provides students with marketable management skills to advance their healthcare careers.
National Preparedness and Homeland Security
A certificate in national preparedness and homeland security from Pitt prepares students to respond to emergency situations, from weather-related to terrorism.
Nonprofit Management
Advance your career and build on your nonprofit management and fundraising skills with an 18-credit certificate program at Pitt.
Writing
The 21-credit writing certificate helps students improve their writing ability, whether for business communications or creative careers.
Writing for the Professions
The 18-credit writing for the professions certificate helps students improve their writing proficiency—a valuable skill in today’s marketplace.
CGS Post-baccalaureate Certificate Program
Accounting
CGS partners with the College of Business Administration to offer a part-time post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting. A bachelor’s degree and a 2.75 or higher cumulative grade point average are required for admission to the program. Students interested in the certificate should apply directly to the College of General Studies via its online portal.
Graduate Certificate Program
Gerontology
CGS also supports a graduate certificate program in gerontology. Interested students should contact Jennifer Bissell by phone at 412-624-1019 or email at bissell@pitt.edu.