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Explore our post-master’s certificate online options in theology, counseling and nursing. Choose from our handful of specialized programs and take your graduate degree even further. If you already have a master’s degree, then this specialized graduate education can help you fine-tune your field knowledge to an area that interests you the most.
Post-master’s certificates are designed for those who already have a master’s degree in a relevant field of study. Our post-master’s programs provide an opportunity for you to expand upon your existing education and experience by acquiring specialized knowledge. These are focused programs, offering relevant courses within a tight timeframe to enable you to acquire new skill sets quickly and apply them to your career.
Efficiency
Post-master’s programs offer a timely route to gaining additional knowledge, making efficient use of your time compared to earning a second master’s or doctorate degree.
Specialization
The courses for each post-master’s certificate are purposefully designed to lead you through the needed lessons for achieving knowledge of the specialization.
Lower Costs
GCU's post-master's certificates require fewer credits than master's or doctorate degree programs and may be a good option for those seeking additional cost-effective learning opportunities.
New Graduate Student Summer Scholarship
You may be eligible to receive a $400 GCU scholarship if you start your program in May.‡ See if you qualify!
Discover GCU’s diverse range of post-master’s certificate programs designed to enhance your expertise in areas relevant to your career or personal interests. Explore our online offerings and find the right program to support your educational journey.
Our College of Nursing and Health Care Professions offers a nursing certificate program designed to provide knowledge in the ever-evolving healthcare field. If you're looking to specialize in a particular area of nursing, our certificate program offers flexible, online courses catering to many professional nursing goals.
If you want to deepen your knowledge in a specific counseling area, our counseling certificate programs offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences provide focused education in this niche industry. You can join a community committed to making a difference and take the next step in your counseling journey.
The College of Theology offers a theology certificate program designed to deepen your understanding of religious studies and theological concepts. Whether you're looking to enrich your spiritual knowledge, prepare for ministry or advance in your religious education, our certificate program provides an academic foundation and insights you can take with you throughout your theology career.
Accreditation is a reflection of the quality of education that an institution offers. GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, helping students like you take a significant step toward enhancing professional credentials.
Whether you're starting to explore your options or are ready to apply, these commonly asked questions and answers can help guide you through the process.
Post-graduate certificates can be valuable, depending on your career goals and circumstances. These certificates are designed for professionals who already hold a master's degree and want to gain specialized knowledge or skills in a particular area.
There are programs offered online as well, which are designed to fit into a busy professional’s schedule. This flexibility allows you to gain new skills without having to take a break from your career.
The difference between a graduate certificate and a post-graduate certificate primarily lies in the level of education required to pursue each and the purpose they serve in a professional's educational journey.
A graduate certificate typically requires that you have a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite. It’s designed for individuals who want to gain specialized knowledge or skills in a particular area without committing to a full master’s degree program.
A post-graduate certificate is an advanced level of study available to individuals who have already earned a master's degree. It's designed to provide additional specialized knowledge in a specific area of study or profession. This type of certificate program can provide a good opportunity for professionals to update their skills and learn new ones while they deepen their expertise.
Post-master’s applicants can be accepted at GCU with a master’s degree from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU. Learn more about our criteria by visiting our admission requirements page.
These certificates can be a powerful tool for expanding your expertise in a specific field. Whether you’re looking to gain knowledge, develop specialized skills or position yourself for potential career advancement, a post-master’s certificate can offer a flexible and focused way to get you closer to your goals.
Deepen your expertise in your field with advanced credentials.
‡ MOU 9904: New Graduate Student Summer Scholarship is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application, meet all requirements for acceptance and start their program in May 2025. If you enroll in a graduate program, we will award you a $400 scholarship toward your tuition, which will be applied over your first academic year, as defined in the University Policy Handbook. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship/awards, except the Persistence Credit, the Lifelong Learning Scholarship or the Military Veteran Tuition Scholarship. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.
