There are several advantages to choosing certificate courses in the USA over a degree, however, students do not get the same recognition or range of abilities like a 2 or 4 year degree. Certificate programmes aren't always degrees, and they don't come at the same price as a long-term degree. Certificate programmes are short-term courses required for specific professions or to boost a CV.
For admission to the certificate courses in the USA, prospective students must have a minimum GPA of 3 to 4 (83-100%) on a scale of 4.0. Applicants should also submit scores of standardized exams to study in USA as proof of proficiency in English. Certificate courses vary in price between 8 and 10 lakhs for 3 quarters. Certifications in healthcare, information technology, and other professions can pay professionals between $17 and $40 per hour.
There are numerous certificate courses available in the USA for professional development, accreditation, or educational objectives. In terms of global education, USA ranks first with over 11,00,000 international students enrolled in its numerous universities. The abilities acquired from certificate courses may be more specialized than standard education and provide a lot more in-depth look into a specific subject.
Explore: Part-time jobs in USA for international students
Top Universities for Certificate Courses in the USA
Certificate courses in USA are available at both undergraduate and graduate levels. 3 four-year schools, the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, Purdue University in Indiana, and Bowling Green State University in Ohio, offer certificate programmes in entrepreneurship, management, and education. Some of the top universities in USA that provide top-rated certificate programs are listed here.
| University | Programs | Average Fees | Course Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | Several programs are available including Teacher credentialing programmes in adult education and professional technical education | $11,000 | 1-2 semester |
| University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | Four post-baccalaureate certificates, licencing, or endorsement programmes are available in environmental education, community college teaching, and educational computing and technology | $415 - $1133 | - |
| University of Akron | Certificate programs at the undergraduate level, such as teaching English as a second language and conflict resolution are available | $21,376 | Credit-based |
| Saint Louis University | The School of Professional Studies at Saint Louis offers both undergraduate and post-certificates bachelor's | - | - |
| Northern Arizona University | Almost 70 certificate programmes are available, with the majority of them in administration, business, and management | $25,396 | Credit-based |
| Northeastern University | 113 graduate certificate programmes are available at the university, with the majority of them being offered online or in a hybrid format | $30k-50k | 6-12 months |
| Bowling Green State University | Over 20 graduate certifications and undergraduate certificates in management and supervision, bookkeeping, and small company management | $12,547.50 | 6-12 months |
| Purdue University | Graduate certificates and certificate program in entrepreneurship and innovation | - | - |
| University of Pittsburgh | Applied behavioral analysis, as well as many forms of education, offer certification opportunities | $12,044 | 6-12 months |
Why Study Certificate Courses in the USA?
- Studying in USA provides a diverse range of possibilities to travel the world and meet with students from various countries.
- Making a personal investment in a credential demonstrates to the company that the applicant is serious about and boosts the worth at work. A certificate might offer students a leg up on the competition when it comes to hiring and promotions.
- Certificates can give a student’s resume a significant boost.
- Most US colleges, on the other hand, provide excellent assistance and support to all students, whether it is about student housing in USA, visa status, or employment chances.
- University and college career fairs are held frequently in the United States, as are career workshops featuring guest speakers from prominent organizations. These events put you in touch with industry professionals who can help you expand your professional network.
Top Certificate Courses in USA
One of the simplest methods to earn a promotion, raise pay, or move jobs is to complete a certificate course from a reputable university. A collection of brief certificate programs that can lead to a rewarding profession is provided below.
| Certificate Course | University | Duration | Mode of Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intensive Language & Culture | Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies | 8 weeks | On campus/online |
| Data Analytics for Business | University of California | 3 months | On campus/online |
| Certificate in Biotechnology | Tufts University | 2 semesters | On campus |
| Intensive Academic English | Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies | 8 weeks | On campus /online |
| Graduate Certificate Programs | EC Council University | 3-9 months | Online |
| Social Media Academic Credit Certificate of Achievement | Brookdale Community College | 2-3 semesters | Online |
Universities across the country offer certificate programmes in teaching, business management, and bookkeeping. Students should think about enrolling in an online, blended, or traditional program.
Certificate Courses in USA Admission Process
The application process for the certificate courses in USA is similar to degree programs in USA. To begin, go to the university's website and fill out an online application form. Second, double-check that you have all of the required documents and that the application fee has been paid. Following the application deadline, an acceptance letter must be received 3-4 weeks later. Certificate programs do not necessitate the completion of the GMAT or GRE.
Documents required
- Transcripts or grade records (high school and university)
- Passport size photos
- Application fee
- Standardized test score (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)
- Passport photocopy
- Student visa
- Updated CV/Resume
- Portfolio
- English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/C1 Advanced).
English Proficiency Requirements
International students doing certificate courses in USA must express either IELTS or TOEFL score.
After finishing a certificate program in USA, students are entitled to one year of OPT. This means that students can work in the United States for a year.
US Student Visa Application
International students planning to study in USA must get an F or M visa, depending on their program. Applicants must register for SEVIS after getting an admission letter from the institution by paying the SEVIS I-901 fee and receiving an I-20 or DS-2019 form, which must be submitted to apply for a US student visa. The application process varies for each US Embassy or Consulate; therefore, applicants should verify with the embassy or a counselor before applying.
The following documents are required to apply for a visa:
- Valid passport
- Application fee payment receipt (application fee $160)
- Form I-20
- I-129 form
- Academic transcripts, certificates from schools attended
- Original mark sheets or provisional certificates
- English Proficiency Test Scores
- Documents demonstrating financial support
After submitting their applications, applicants aged 14 to 79 must schedule an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. It can take up to 120 days for new students to receive their visas. Applicants can contact the International Students and Scholars Services for more information on the Visa application and processing.
Cost of Certificate Courses in USA
Some of the best certificate programs in USA are quite affordable. For a one-year course, you should expect to pay between 8 to 10 lakh INR. The cost of living in the USA varies based on their lifestyle, location, and kind of housing, among other factors. The most expensive cities are San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.
Monthly rent in New York might be around 4,600 USD, whereas a monthly rent in Boston might be around 3,500 USD. The average cost of living in the USA for an international student is tabulated below.
| Description | Monthly Expenses in USD |
|---|---|
| Apartment rent | 650-25,000 |
| Meals | 30-40(one-meal) |
| Transportation | 100-300 |
| Personal Expenses | 300-600 |
| Health Insurance | 450-700 |
Scholarships for Certificate Courses in USA
Studying in the USA may be reasonable if you plan ahead of time and apply for many scholarships offered by American colleges and universities before the deadlines. Scholarships are offered by a variety of commercial and governmental organizations, as well as the United States government.
- Laurel Hummel Scholarships for International Students: F-1 international students with a GPA of 3.0 or above who have completed at least 12 units in an approved certificate program are eligible.
- Ingrid Skulstad Williams Scholarships for Women: It is offered to women pursuing postgraduate education.
Also check: Popular Scholarships in USA
Career Opportunities in Certificate Courses in USA
Various rapid certificate programs can provide certifications in as little as a few days if you attend lectures or seminars. These credentials may not help you acquire a job, but they may help you improve your existing knowledge and skills. For the year 2022, many short-term courses, and certifications are available in the healthcare business requiring no degree.
| Job Positions | Average Salary in USD |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $137,940 |
| Statisticians | $92,270 |
| Survey Researchers | $59,870 |
| Computer Information Systems Managers | $151,150 |
| Database Architects | $98,960 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $52,250 |
| Chief Executives | $185,950 |
| Chief Sustainability Officers | $185,950 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $69,600 |
People interested in working in healthcare might earn a starting wage of $15-20/hr with a basic qualification (depending on the type of certification - CPC, CMA, CNA, etc). With the certifications listed above, students might make $17-$40 per hour. IT certifications are in high demand and can lead to high-paying positions within 2 years. Cloud engineering (AWS, GCP, and Azure credentials are in high demand), cybersecurity analyst, programming, machine learning, and AI are among the highest paying positions in this field for 2022. To make a career in the IT industry, an undergraduate degree with certification can be a rewarding career. Numerous computer certifications can help you advance in your job and make significantly more money. If you have a bachelor's degree and are interested in computers, computer certification is a fantastic option.
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