Penn State University is now offering a groundbreaking opportunity for students looking to advance their careers through online education. The university has introduced stackable online graduate certificates in various fields that can count towards earning a master’s degree. This innovative program allows students to earn credentials in areas such as Engineering, Data Analytics, Information Science, Artificial Intelligence, Human Resources, and Psychology.
The stackable credentials at Penn State are available through 27 graduate-level certificates that can be completed online via Penn State World Campus. These certificates range from nine to 12 credits and can be completed in a year or less. Upon completion, students will receive a certificate bearing the official Pennsylvania State University seal.
What sets this program apart is its flexibility and adaptability to the needs of today’s workforce. The stackable credentials can be combined towards the completion of a Penn State master’s degree, providing a faster pathway for students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge to potential employers. This program is designed to help working adults who are looking to enhance their careers by acquiring new skills and specializations.
Renata Engel, the Vice Provost for Online Education at Penn State, emphasizes the importance of providing learners with a faster pathway to career advancement. She states, „Working adults going back to school to learn new skills or a new specialization want to be able to leverage their new knowledge for career advancement as soon as they can. This is what the new stackable credential program does.“
Applications are currently being accepted for enrollment in Penn State’s fall 2024 semester, which begins on August 26. The university’s online stackable credential program is the most comprehensive in graduate higher education in Pennsylvania, offering certificates in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Engineering Management, Human Resources, Information Science, Psychology of Leadership, Software Engineering, and Systems Engineering.
The launch of these stackable credentials is the result of partnerships between Penn State World Campus, the Penn State Graduate School, Penn State Great Valley, and the College of the Liberal Arts at Penn State University Park. Levon T. Esters, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and the Dean of the Graduate School, highlights the university’s commitment to increasing access to graduate programs through innovation in education.
Penn State World Campus has been a pioneer in online education for over 25 years, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. The stackable credential program is the latest addition to their academic portfolio, with plans for future programs in sustainability and renewable energy.
In conclusion, Penn State’s stackable online graduate certificates offer a unique opportunity for students to advance their careers through flexible and accessible education. With a diverse range of certificates available in various fields, students can tailor their educational journey to meet their specific career goals. Learn more about this innovative program on the Penn State World Campus website and discover the endless possibilities for lifelong learning and professional development at Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies.