Embedded Graduate Certificates
An embedded graduate certificate allows a learner to earn an additional credential during their degree program, providing a learner the opportunity to show proficiency in a specialized area. iMBA learners can earn up to two embedded Graduate Certificates, while iMSA and iMSM learners can earn one embedded Graduate Certificate. iMBA Learners who earned a graduate certificate prior to joining a degree program are eligible to earn one embedded Graduate Certificate once in the degree. iMSA and iMSM learners who earned a graduate certificate prior to entering the program cannot earn an additional embedded certificate.
The implemented policies allow learners flexibility to earn additional credentials while ensuring learners are not receiving a multitude of credentials that may be perceived as diminishing value.
Learners requesting an embedded Graduate Certificate should first meet with a Student and Academic Success Specialist to create a degree plan. Once a plan has been determined, the learner will need to submit a curriculum change petition requesting to add the certificate as a secondary curriculum. If approved, this will add the certificate to the learner’s record. The learner must request to add the certificate before the Change of Curriculum semester deadline as set by the Graduate College. Learners interested in this option should discuss this option early in their degree program to create a plan.
The learner must apply to graduate via UIUC Self-Service in the semester all courses for the Graduate Certificate have been completed. Only one graduate certificate may be on the learner’s record at a time; the certificate may be added at any time but must remain on the record until it is conferred.