Graduating with a certificate from the University of West Georgia sets you apart from the crowd with added credentials that shows the world the quality education that you received when you went West!

The University of West Georgia offers two different types of certificates, embedded certificates and stand-alone certificates. The information on this page will help you understand the difference between these two types of certificates and the process of declaring and earning a certificate from UWG.

Embedded Certificates

Embedded Certificates are those certificates where the courses required to earn the certificate are embedded into a major or degree program and are only awarded at the completion of a specific degree program. These certificates are intended to encourage students to use the elective requirements in their degree program to form a coherent concentration of coursework in a specified area.

Specific Requirements for Embedded Certificates (Academic Catalogs - effective Fall 2020)

  1. Embedded certificates are not a stand-alone program; students must be enrolled in the major, minor, or degree program in which the certificate is embedded. Embedded certificates are only awarded in conjunction with the completion of a degree.
  2. Students are required to declare their intent to pursue an embedded certificate. Students must declare their intention to pursue an embedded certificate to the department that offers the certificate prior to or in conjunction with applying for graduation and should also notify their academic advisor to assure proper academic advising. 
  3. Complete a minimum of 9 semester hours of required coursework for the approved embedded certificates.
  4. A minimum of 6 semester hours of the courses must be numbered 3000 (6000 for graduate students) and above.
  5. All credit-bearing courses applied towards the embedded certificate will also fulfill and share with any other requirement for the student’s degree. 
  6. Students must attain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (3.0 for graduate students) in courses used to satisfy the embedded certificate.

How to Apply

Students who intend to pursue an embedded certificate in addition to their degree must apply for the certificate through the Certificate Application form. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor and apply for the certificate as soon as they intend to pursue the embedded certificate program. Students must apply for the embedded certificate prior to or in conjunction with applying for graduation. Students receiving embedded certificates must complete all the requirements for their intended certificate prior to receiving their undergraduate degree. Students who receive embedded certificates will have their accomplishment noted on their official academic transcript and may receive a printed certificate. 

Who to Contact with Questions about Embedded Certificates

For questions regarding course requirements for embedded certificates, students should contact their academic advisor or the academic department offering the certificate. 

Stand-Alone Certificates

Stand-Alone Certificates are those certificates that comprise a prescribed program of study that may or may not be associated with a degree, major or minor. These certificates represent a cohesive program of study of a smaller size than a degree program and provide more flexibility to those looking to pursue continued education, including a means for professionals to renew and retrain due to an ever-changing workforce.

Specific Requirements for Stand-Alone Certificates (Academic Catalogs - effective Fall 2020)

  1. Students must be admitted into a stand-alone certificate program by meeting the minimum requirements set forth by the certificate program.
  2. Students may enroll in conjunction with a degree program or as a non-degree seeking student.
  3. Unless otherwise stated in the certificate program of study, all courses applied towards the stand-alone certificate will also fulfill and share with any other requirement for the student’s degree.
  4. Complete a minimum of 10 semester hours of required coursework for the approved certificate program.
  5. A minimum of 6 semester hours must be numbered 3000 (6000 for graduate students) and above.
  6. Students must attain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (3.0 for graduate students) in courses used to satisfy the certificate.
  7. Students are required to apply to graduate with stand-alone certificates through the Office of the Registrar and by the Graduation Application Deadlines outlined in this catalog. Students who are concurrently pursuing a stand-alone certificate and a degree must apply to graduate at the same time as their degree. Students may graduate with their degree and re-admit as a non-degree seeking student to complete requirements for a stand-alone certificate.
  8. Students who are awarded a stand-alone certificate will have their accomplishment noted on their official academic transcript and will receive a certificate of completion.

College of Education Teacher Certification / Endorsements

Certification of teaching endorsements are processed in the College of Education. Students seeking endorsement will not complete a stand-alone certificate declaration form nor will they apply for graduation through the Registrar's Office. Students with questions about Teacher Certification & Endorsement programs should contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Certification.

Resources for Faculty & Staff