Advance your Career with a Graduate Certificate at University College at Rockland

Wed, 08/20/2014 - 7:45am

Graduate certificates are brief programs of study created to meet the additional education requirements of individuals holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Certificates are the fastest-growing form of post-secondary credentials in the United States, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, and The Washington Post Magazine reports that a graduate certificate can increase earnings by up to 25 percent.  University of Maine System universities offer a variety of graduate certificates designed to supplement the needs of busy professionals. Whether offered online, through videoconference, or a combination of modalities including occasional face-to-face meetings, these convenient, flexible programs can enhance skills and boost career opportunities.

From Foods and Nutrition to Gifted and Talented Education, the four-to-six course UMS graduate-level certificates help students quickly gain a specific professional credential to advance in their careers.

“In most cases, the credits earned while completing a graduate certificate can be transferred later toward a master’s degree,” said Deborah Meehan, Director of University College at Rockland. “Students should always meet with an advisor first if they plan to use their certificate as the foundation for a master’s degree.”

Hundreds of courses from Maine’s public universities are available at the center each semester, ranging from introductory level to master’s level courses, and students can choose from more than 100 degree and certificate programs. Students receive personalized support for their learning goals, including instruction on how to become a successful online learner.

Registration for the Fall 2014 Semester is open and ongoing. For more information about graduate certificates or other programs and courses available at University College at Rockland, please call 596-6906 or visit http://learn.maine.edu/programs/.