Certificate programs are an ideal way to gain career expertise or move into a new career field.

General Information
Certificate programs are a key educational offering from SDSU's World Campus.

Thousands of people have benefited from completing an SDSU certificate program, and these programs continue to be one of the core competencies of the college.

Expanding to meet the needs of the workforce, the college now offers many types of certificate programs including: professional certificates, open university certificates, technology-related certificates, and online certificates.

Certificates are recognized by most employers as a significant academic accomplishment, and can lead to new jobs as well as promotions for those who obtain them. They are also typically more relevant and focused for today's workforce than academic degrees and can be completed in a much shorter period of time.

Select from the Following Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be a matriculated student to take Open University Certificate programs?
No, you do not have to be a matriculated student at SDSU to enroll in Open University certificate programs.

What are the financial aid options?
CES students are encouraged to check with various banks, credit unions, and lending institutions ? many of which now offer private alternative loan programs for continuing education. For additional information see Financial Aid Options on our Registration Information page.

Are the courses for credit, and can they be applied toward a degree?
The credit earned for open university classes is non-matriculated resident credit. Twenty-four units of non-matriculated resident credit may be applied toward an SDSU undergraduate degree.

How do I sign up?
Please contact the SDSU department academic advisor and determine a plan of study. All available certificate classes are published in the University's class schedule by department. A $35 application processing fee will be charged. Please make checks payable to SDSU Foundation. Registration for Open University classes is online at our Registration Information page.

Are Open University Certificate programs available for international students?
International students who have satisfied the prerequisites may apply for admission to an Open University Certificate program. A TOEFL score of 550, or its equivalent, is required. However, Open University Certificate programs are not available to international students with an I-20 visa issued by another university. Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (uscis.gov) for more information.

What is the cost?
See current semester fees.

For more information on Open University Certificates, please call (619) 594-0845 or email openu.ces@sdsu.edu.

If you have registration questions, see Open University Registration or contact the World Campus Registration and Enrollment Services office at (619) 594-5152 or ces.registrar@sdsu.edu.