Applying to a Graduate Certificate

How you apply to a graduate certificate program depends on whether you plan on enrolling in just the certificate program or in the certificate program in addition to a degree program in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Graduate Certificate as a Stand-Alone Program

Prospective students who plan on enrolling in a graduate certificate program only (not in conjunction with a degree program at Mason) apply the same way they would apply for a graduate degree program.  They must:

Graduate Certificate in Addition to a Degree Program

Students who have already been admitted to a master's or doctoral program in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences may apply to a graduate certificate program to be taken in conjunction with the degree program. Courses taken toward the certificate may count toward requirements in the program subject to approval of the graduate director of the respective program.

A prospective student applying to a graduate certificate program secondary to a degree program must:

Non-degree Study and Certificate Programs

Up to 6 credits earned as a non-degree student may be applied to a graduate certificate program.  Prospective students can initially take courses required by the program as non-degree students, but must apply for admission to the certificate program

  • No later than the second semester of study.
  • Before completing 6 credits of course work. 

Completion of course work is not in itself a guarantee of admission to the certificate program.