Certificate Programs

Whether you are a professional seeking career advancement or a college graduate preparing to apply for graduate school, Columbia University’s School of Continuing Education can help you reach your goals. Certificate programs are well-suited for those applying already knowing how they wish to develop and advance themselves, the amount of time they have and the goals they are looking to achieve by pursuing this course of study. If you are unsure whether a certificate fits your specific needs and goals, the Non-Degree Programs team can help you chart the right path to achieve your goals.

At Columbia, you will have access to a world-renowned academic community that includes top-rated professors, state of the art facilities, and student peers who will challenge and engage you.

For graduate school preparation, certificates allow you to follow a specific, prescribed curriculum and can enhance your qualifications for pursuing programs you may have thought were beyond your reach. The School of Continuing Education offers programs with structured curriculum in areas such as Biology, Biotechnology, Business, Classics, Psychology, Quantitative Studies for Finance, and Sustainability.

Bioethics

You will gain a structured understanding of ethical and social history as it concerns biomedical work and research. The curriculum has been specially designed for busy professionals with an advanced degree who need further knowledge of the complex framework for bioethics that incorporates philosophy, history, law, sociology, economics and religion.
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Biotechnology

You will gain academic and laboratory experience required for applicants to the most competitive master’s programs in the field at Columbia and elsewhere. The course plan is also useful for those interested in a career change or likely to work in fields that interact with the biotechnology industry, such as business or law. It is best for students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in biotechnology and want to strengthen their qualifications. If you are a college graduate, this program will give you the background in biology required to pursue further study in biotechnology.
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Business

You will master business fundamentals such as finance, marketing and human interaction through coursework and independent studies. The Business Certificate provides a comprehensive overview of these core fields of business. In addition to solidifying your skills in these areas, you will gain experience with strategic thinking skills that are critical in the ever-evolving global marketplace.
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Business Edge

As an undergraduate student, you will learn business fundamentals such as finance, marketing and human interaction so that you can distinguish yourself and bolster your resume with a certificate from Columbia University. The program helps you learn strategic thinking skills and gives you the foundations to compete in the ever-evolving business marketplace.
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Classics

This program will hone your linguistic skills in preparation for doctoral academic programs. The curriculum focuses on language comprehension in Ancient Greek and Latin with classes that range from beginner to advanced. Having these skills at your disposal will give you a deeper understanding of classical texts in their original language. You can apply these skills to further studies in ancient history, art history, philosophy, religion and medieval studies, as well as a host of English-based linguistics career choices.
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Critical Issues in International Relations

In this program, you will study the theory and practice of modern international politics. You will examine the actions of the United Nations and topical interests such as the United Nations Security Council, human rights and international development. The program is offered jointly by Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs and the School of Continuing Education.
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Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology

This program will help you develop skills in the core sciences related to environmental biology such as chemistry, biology, earth sciences, statistics, and conservation biology; as well as advanced class work in ecology, evolution, organismal biology or environmental policy. You will be exposed to theoretical and practical applications of these subject areas in the classroom and lab to prepare you for highly competitive graduate programs.
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Human Rights

The study of human rights at Columbia University emphasizes the interaction between human rights theory and practice, and requires you to approach the issues from multiple angles. You will have the opportunity to explore human rights both inside and outside the classroom. Classes focus on economics, gender, and legal issues relating to the international struggle for human rights. It is offered by the Institute for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University through the School of Continuing Education.
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Psychology

You will have access to the same introductory, intermediate, and advanced psychology courses taken by Columbia's undergraduate psychology majors and gain essential research experience necessary for research-oriented Ph.D. programs in psychology from top-tier graduate programs. This program is offered for college graduates who did not major in psychology but who want graduate school preparation in the field.
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Quantitative Studies for Finance

This program will prepare you for graduate study in mathematics and statistics of finance and financial engineering. The curriculum will help you strengthen your background in mathematics and statistics for this purpose.
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United Nations Studies

The program allows students to explore the role of the United Nations Security Council in international peacekeeping and the U.N.’s economic development activities. It is jointly offered by Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs and the School of Continuing Education.
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Sustainability Analytics

As sustainability and cost-effective business practices are adopted across the global marketplace, the application of analytics to complex sustainability data provides strategic value for organizations worldwide. The courses focus on key topics in reporting, accounting, metrics, and indices, as well as monitoring procedures.
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Sustainable Water Management

You will gain experience with hydrology, water policy and regulation, economics, finance and conflict resolution in the classroom and the lab. The program is designed to provide sophisticated and multidisciplinary training in water issues—the nexus of natural science, social science and public policy. Students learn skills applicable to a wide-range of professions including urban planning, manufacturing, sanitation, and NGO professionals domestic and abroad. This program is designed for sustainability professionals looking for specialized skills in water management.
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If you are still unsure about how these certificate programs can help you achieve your goals, you can send us a question from our request for information page. Postbaccalaureate Studies information sessions also provide an excellent venue for learning and inquiring about the program options and requirements.