Graduate Certificates in Math, Science and Engineering

Graduate Certificates in Math Science and Engineering are non-degree awards that could culminate in a diploma or certificate of achievement. Most programs run an average of four to eighteen credits and tackle a single content area. Students usually take a series of courses that are either pre-set by the university, or allow some freedom to choose a few electives. Because they have less credit weight than a masters degree, most programs are shorter-term. As a result, full-time learners might complete their certificate in about one year.

written by Rana Waxman

Graduate Certificates in Mathematics, Science and Engineering: Basics

Graduate certificates in mathematics, science and engineering are available in many subjects that could harness your interests. Whether you are driven by data analysis, biology, photonics or energy science, there are options for students with diverse education levels and goals.

• Post-bachelors certificates presume students have a bachelors degree in math, science or engineering
• Advanced or post-masters certificates presume they have either a masters or doctoral degree in math, science, or engineering and work-related experience

Why Consider Graduate Certificates in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering ?

Graduate Certificates in Math Science and Engineering allow participants to earn an advanced credential that might drive a career or bolster a resume. Also, a certificate may add focus to a STEM graduate degree program, enhance expertise, or help prepare you for continued education. For instance, some certificates are offered within a masters program. These give students the opportunity to take a bite out of a masters degree program, update skills, and possibly, finish the full degree program later.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the demand for mathematicians and statisticians will increase by 11% from 2023 to 2033, resulting in approximately 2,500 job openings yearly.

Boost a Bachelors Degree

By the same token, some graduate certificates in mathematics, science and engineering might help students refine or define skills and technical knowledge. You may be a recent graduate, or someone with substantial work experience but out of school for some time. Either way, you may benefit from current and continued education, whether you hope to climb the ladder or make a transition into new pursuits.

What are Science Graduate Certificates?

Some graduate certificates in science programs are designed for scientists and other professionals who have a technical background and want to expand their ability in a certain area. Look for science certificates in biology, environmental science, animal health, and more.

How to Apply to a Certificate Program

Most schools will list out how to apply and what material you need to do so. The admission process often depends on whether or not a student seeks to add a certificate to a masters degree. Degree seekers who wish to add a certificate to their masters program may have to discuss this with their department. If you intend to pursue a certificate, but not a degree, you might have to fill out a graduate application or a non-degree student application. Since each university has its own process, refer to individual schools for more details.

Math Certificates

Graduate certificates in mathematics might help students build computational and analytical skills and knowledge. Math certificates could cover areas such as applied statistics, math for teachers and data visualization amongst others. Several examples are highlighted below.

What are Math Graduate Certificates?

Some graduate mathematics certificate programs are designed to prepare current teachers to teach mathematics at the collegiate level. This type of math certificate might help students develop a broad grasp of the field of mathematics, as well as an ability to analyze and communicate math effectively to learners. Students are likely to take several courses.

• Linear and Abstract Algebra
• Advanced Calculus
• Statistical Methods
• >Modern Geometry

Applicants could need a bachelors degree in math and a state license to teach mathematics at the secondary school level. Programs vary. Contact individual schools to learn more.

What are Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics?

An advanced certificate in applied statistics might provide a solid education in statistical methods closely related to several career fields. Among them are engineers, scientists, analysts, and other professionals. Courses could cover regression analysis, experimental design, and electives. Applicants typically need a bachelors degree program with a background in math, probability and statistics.

Graduate Certificate in Data Visualization and Analysis

A graduate certificate in data visualization and analysis could delve into how people receive information and how to clearly communicate it. Future students need a bachelors degree and may need to have taken an introduction to psychology course.

In some schools, students take about 18 credits of required courses and electives, and complete an internship. They might explore statistics, data mining, visualization and cognition. Through these lessons, students could practice how to prepare real-world information to be stored in databases. They are also likely to analyze data with statistics and machine-learning tools, and use visualization to study data and present findings. Electives could be offered in a variety of dynamic topics.

• Computer Graphics
• Survey Design in Health Care
• Financial Management

Available courses may vary. Contact individual schools to learn more about proposed curricula.

Science Certificates

Some graduate certificate in science programs are designed for scientists and other professionals who have a technical background and want to expand their ability in a certain area. Look for science certificates in biology, environmental science, animal health and more. Some examples of the types of programs you might find follow.

Post-Masters Certificate in Sequence Analysis and Genomics

A post-masters certificate in sequence analysis and genomics could explore the world of bioinformatics and the interplay between molecular biology and computer technology. An advanced certificate, it may be designed for scientists who have a solid base in biochemistry and molecular and cell biology, and either a masters or doctoral degree.

Through a series of five courses, learners might work to acquire the practical bioinformatics tools required for large-scale sequence analysis and genomics. In required courses, students are likely to explore the theory and practice of biological databases, search, information retrieval and analysis. Students could also be exposed to an overview of next generation DNA sequencing technologies and basic computer concepts. Electives may provide some leeway for students to tailor the certificate to personal and career goals. Some of the topics could be drawn from the list that follows.

• Protein Bioinformatics
• Biostatistics
• Meta-genomics

Graduate Teaching Certificate in Biology

A Graduate Biology Certificate could be a series of six graduate courses designed for those who seek the credentials required to teach biology at the collegiate level. Applicants may need to have a bachelors degree with a biology major and typically, must be state certified to teach Biology at a secondary school.

To earn their certificate, students typically take graduate level biology and physiology courses. Here they might learn to think critically, solve complex problems and effectively communicate scientific ideas. Look at some example courses below.

• Biological Chemistry
• Cell Biology
• Genetics
• Microbiology

Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology Education

A graduate certificate in biotechnology education could boost content knowledge and pedagogic techniques in bioscience. It is often aimed at middle and secondary science teachers, as well as curriculum and instructional leaders. In some schools, students take a series of five graduate courses that highlight inquiry and the integration of technology into the classroom. These could cover molecular biology, chemistry and bioscience basics. Students who complete their certificate may be able to count some courses towards a master of science in biotechnology. The ability to transfer credits varies by program. Talk to an advisor to learn more.

Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology

A graduate certificate in epidemiology explores the key theories in public health that are used to study disease, health patterns, and other topics that relate to population health science. Graduate students and professionals might take this as a stand-alone program or as part of a master’s, MD, or PhD program. To be considered for admission, students usually need a bachelors degree plus some coursework under their hat like biology and statistics.

In some schools, the certificate of graduate study in epidemiology is an 18-credit program. It is often designed to help students build their ability to solve problems and think critically about major issues. Through their core courses, students could learn to analyze disease and health-related conditions, investigate disease outbreak, prevention and control; and apply research methods in public health such as biostatistics. Electives could explore some of the topics that follow.

• Public Health Policy
• Public Health Law
• Public Health Informatics

X Series: Data Analysis for Life Sciences

A Certificate in Data Analysis for Life Sciences is designed to help students gain the tools to analyze and interpret life sciences data. For instance, they are likely to study basic statistical concepts and R programming skills. The four integrated courses in this program could be as follows.

• Statistics
• Intro to Linear Models and Matrix Algebra
• Statistical Inference
• High Dimensional Data Analysis

After successful completion of their courses and exams, students could earn a certificate of achievement.

Graduate Certificate in Renewable and Sustainable Energy

A graduate certificate in renewable and sustainable energy could focus on the technologies, energy policies and business areas that form the industry. Students are likely to examine both conventional energy sources (oil and gas, coal, nuclear and hydroelectric) and renewable/sustainable energy technologies (wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and end-use efficiency). Other courses could cover topics such as energy markets, economic analysis and finance.

Graduate Certificate in Animal Health

A graduate certificate in animal health could be a set of courses within a master of science in international animal health program. It may appeal to veterinarians, medics and biologists with an interest in animal health and welfare. Students may be required to complete a series of core modules for the certificate. These are likely to cover applied epidemiology, host responses to infection and pathogen strategies for transmission and survival.

Engineering Certificates

Graduate certificate in engineering programs are typically designed to help current engineers and technology professionals expand technical and/or managerial skills. Some programs may be offered on their own or as part of a master of science degree. Several examples of possible engineering certificates follow.

Graduate Certificate in Computer and Systems Security

A graduate certificate in computer and systems security could help students build a solid base of technical knowledge and professional skills. Some courses are likely to focus on the technological layer within a cyber-physical security model. For instance, you might study engineering principles of computer intrusion and detection, intelligence and counterintelligence. Others may look at the tools and methods needed to ensure protection of hardware and network systems. These courses could include topics such as the ones below.

• Cryptography
• Risk management
• Engineered resilient systems

Graduate Certificate in Engineering Management

A graduate certificate in engineering management might appeal to those who already have a masters degree in a technical discipline and want to gain business management skills. In some courses, students might study corporate finance and cash flow. Other courses could help students learn to manage projects and people in a technical or engineering environment.

Graduate Certificate in Vibrations

An advanced certificate in vibrations could help students develop specific abilities, such as how to use complex software tools, analytical techniques and experimental methods. The advanced certificate typically requires students to successfully complete four required courses and one elective course. Those who want to pursue a masters degree might then apply the courses toward their degree, should their masters program accept them.

Graduate Certificate in Power Electronics

A graduate certificate in power electronics may be of interest to electronic engineers who want to focus on this key technology. Students may have the option to pursue a stand-alone professional certificate or a masters degree. Certificate courses could provide an overview of power electronics, modeling and soft switching techniques.

Online, On-Campus or Hybrid?

You may find schools with graduate certificates in mathematics, science and engineering cater to at-work and busy graduate students. For instance, campus courses could be offered in the evenings. Or, interspersed with online coursework in a hybrid format. If you just can’t get to university in person, there are options for online certificates as well. Refine your search by program format (online, campus, hybrid) and subject, to help you find a program that fits your needs. You can also search for schools in a specific location.

Find Your Graduate Certificates in Mathematics, Science and Engineering

Prepare for your next step as a science, math, or engineering professional. Easily compare graduate certificates in mathematics, science and engineering in your preferred category. Each page has programs for you to read about. There is also an on-page tool to contact the school directly. Get started now!

GradSchools.com offers 240 Graduate Schools in Math Science and Engineering Programs