4240. Interim Policy
This policy was adopted under the interim policymaking provisions of the University's Policy on Policies on January 29, 2026. Information about this policy change, and any proposals for further policymaking can be accessed at the University Policy website. Students and employees may submit comments on those proposals through the Proposed Policy Change Comment Form.
4240.1 Undergraduate Certificates
Undergraduate certificate programs offer student focused instruction in a structured and coherent field of study. The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) distinguishes three categories of certificates: Sub-Baccalaureate, Technical, and Industry-Recognized Credentials. Using Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) classifications, certificate programs are further distinguished into one-year certificate programs and those which can be completed in less than one year.
4240.2 Undergraduate Sub-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs
Sub-Baccalaureate certificates at Wright State University, classified under IPEDS as less than one-year certificates, may be earned in conjunction with degree programs, or can be earned by non-degree seeking students who wish to expand their professional expertise. All certificates must have specific learning outcomes, an assessment plan, and have an assessment report submitted in accordance with university, DOHE, IPEDS, and accrediting agency guidelines. Sub-Baccalaureate certificates are designated by departments or academic units, and will bear names and requirements that distinguish them from existing majors and minors.
A Sub-Baccalaureate certificate program at Wright State University should include between 12 and 21 semester hours. New Sub-Baccalaureate certificate programs that require a minimum of 12 semester credit hours must be 2000+ level standard academic letter grade coursework.
Courses taken in Sub-Baccalaureate certificate program of study are subject to the same regulations outlined in university policy, including but not limited to, course grade replacement, probation, and dismissal as courses taken in a degree program of study. If not otherwise prohibited, courses taken in a certificate program may be applied (double-counted) to a subsequent or concurrently awarded degree program of study. Courses taken as part of a completed two or four-year program may be counted towards an undergraduate certificate program of study, within the limitations of the certificate residency requirement.
Successful completion of a certificate program of study will be noted on the student's permanent record.
4240.3 Technical Certificates
One-year Technical Certificates may be earned for the completion of an organized program of study in at least 30 semester credit hours, with the majority of the coursework completed in a prescribed technical area. Technical Certificates may be earned in conjunction with degree programs, or can be earned by non-degree seeking students who wish to expand their professional expertise. The Technical Certificate is designed for an occupation or a specific employment opportunity. These certificates should prepare students for a valid occupations license or, if available, a third-party industry certification related to the field of study.
Technical Certificates with the IPEDS classification of less than one year may be awarded for the completion of an organized program of study in less than 30 semester credit hours that are designed for an occupation or a specific employment opportunity. These certificates should prepare students for a valid occupational license or, if available, third-party industry certification related to the field of study.
4240.4 Admission into Undergraduate Certificate Programs
Applicants must apply and be accepted to Undergraduate Certificate programs of study in much the same way that they are expected to apply for Associate or Baccalaureate Degree programs of study. Each certificate program must specify any formal requirements for admission.
A student may pursue an Undergraduate Certificate as (a) an exclusive non-degree program of study, (b) a dual program of study in conjunction with an Associate or Baccalaureate Degree, or (c) a non-degree program of study taken after the awarding of a previous Associate or Baccalaureate Degree. In each case, the certificate credential is awarded on the completion of the certificate program of study.
4240.5 Credit Hours in Residency Required for Earning a Sub-Baccalaureate Certificate
A minimum of 9 semester credit hours must be earned at Wright State University in an Undergraduate program of study approved by the department/unit overseeing the Sub-Baccalaureate Certificate. Credit by evaluation or transfer credit will not be considered as residency credit. Credits earned prior to the awarding of a previous degree, including degrees earned at Wright State, will not be considered as residency credit. Credits earned as party of a concurrently awarded degree may be considered as residency credit.
4240.6 Procedures and Guidelines for Preparing Certificate Program Proposals
Before approving or revising a certificate program, the proposal must be reviewed by all departments and program units that may be affected by the proposed program. In cases where a certificate is significantly similar to existing programs, scheduling, faculty, and resource implications must be specifically addressed. Programs that require new resources or staff, or significant utilization of existing resources or staff must address sustainability and resource impact of the proposed program.
The requirements for certificate programs may vary considerably across departments or program units. In order to ensure consistency from program to program, those preparing and approving proposals for a new program must observe the following format and guidelines:
Title. Title of Program, college or school, and department responsible for administering the program.
Description. Proposals must include an undergraduate catalog description of the certificate program.
Objectives. Proposals must provide a clear statement of the objectives and student learning outcomes of the program and the method by which the achievement of the learning outcomes is assessed.
Admission Requirements. Proposals must clearly indicate requirements for admission from the program, including but not limited to, required prerequisite coursework and GPA requirements.
Program Requirements. Proposals must specify the program of study, including course requirements, any electives and/or options, and total credit hours required. Certificate programs that require a summative evaluation (such as a comprehensive examination or portfolio review) must specify the valuation requirements and procedure.
Program Quality. Proposals must address how the proposed program of study and evaluation mechanisms ensure successful completion of program objectives. The faculty body responsible for overseeing the quality of the program must be explicitly identified. Proposals must indicate any requirements for maintaining the quality of the student performance and continuation in the program for successful completion of the certificate. This should include the following:
- Student GPA and/or performance in a specific course or set of courses required to progress in the program.
- Time limits for completion, including need for continuous registration.
- Criteria for reapplying if necessary.
- Acceptance of previous experience, including Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or credit by examination (e.g., College-Level Examination Program - CLEP).
Resources:
HLC Certificate Approval Form for New Certificate Programs