Question
What is the difference between a career studies certificate, a certificate, and a diploma?
Answer
Below you will find the definitions of the Career Studies Certificate, Certificate, and Diploma.
Career Studies Certificate
A career studies certificate program is defined as a program of study of not less than 9 nor more than 29 semester credit hours. Career studies certificate programs are not required to include general education.
Certificate
A certificate program is defined as a curriculum of study less than two years in length that consists of a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 59 semester credit hours. A minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of a certificate’s credit hour requirement shall be in general education and must must include one (1) three (3) credit hour English class.
Diploma
A diploma program is defined as a two-year curriculum of study that consists of a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 72 semester hours with an emphasis in a career/technical area. Exceptions to credit hour limits must be justified on the basis of documented business and industry requirements or standards. A minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of a diploma’s credit hour requirement shall be in general education. The general education requirements must include one (1) three (3) credit hour English class.