An undergraduate certificate will help you to expand your skill set and enhance your marketability in today’s competitive workforce. Certificates are available as standalone programs or may be pursued in conjunction with another degree. You may even be able to apply the credits you earn toward a future degree.
Undergraduate certificate programs typically require six to ten 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
Many certificate courses are offered in the evenings and on Saturdays, 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 nine 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.
CGS Undergraduate Certificate Programs
- Community Health Assessment
- Communication
- Corporate/Community Relations
- Digital Media
- Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
- Information System Design
- Leadership*
- Managing Health Services Programs and Projects
- National Preparedness and Homeland Security
- Nonprofit Management
- Writing
- Writing for the Professions
*for degree-seeking students only
CGS Post-baccalaureate Certificate Program
CGS partners with the College of Business Administration to offer a post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting. You must have a bachelor’s degree to be admitted to this part-time evening program. Students interested in the certificate should apply directly to the College of General Studies.
Graduate Certificate Program
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.
How to Apply for CGS Certificates
Students currently enrolled in other schools at the University of Pittsburgh: Submit an application form online. All students must meet requirements for admission; some programs may have additional requirements.
Students currently enrolled in a bachelor's program at the College of General Studies: 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.
Prospective Pitt students looking to enroll only in a certificate program: Please see the Certificate/Minor Students section on the Admission page.