Undergraduate Certificates
Undergraduate certificate programs are designed to be a convenient way to take a few online courses that interest you or to start a degree program. Typically requiring 9–15 credits, an undergraduate certificate can help you develop professional skills and start your journey in higher education.
A high school diploma or GED is required for admission.
Penn State World Campus has more than 15 undergraduate certificate programs.
Associate Degrees
The two-year associate degree is the first degree level after earning a high school diploma or GED. It can be tied to a specific career track or provide a broad education if you’re undecided on a major. Depending on your academic and career goals, an associate degree can increase your earning potential and be a great step toward a bachelor’s degree.
A high school diploma or GED is required for admission.
View the Penn State World Campus associate degree programs.
Bachelor’s Degrees
Traditionally thought of as the four-year degree individuals earn after graduating from high school, a bachelor’s degree can prepare you for your chosen career and set you on the path to greater job security. Regardless of how long it takes you to earn a bachelor’s degree, the credential can open professional doors, increase your salary, and broaden your professional network.
Further reading: B.A. vs. B.S degree: What’s the difference?
A high school diploma or GED is required for admission.
Penn State World Campus offers more than 35 bachelor’s degree programs.
Postbaccalaureate and Graduate Certificates
If you’re not ready to commit to a master’s degree program but want to advance your career, a postbaccalaureate or graduate certificate could be the option for you. If you’ve never tried online learning, certificate programs can be a great first step because the programs require less time than a full degree.
A postbaccalaureate certificate is a credential in a specialized field, such as education or information systems, that can provide the qualifications you need for your profession. A graduate certificate can allow you to demonstrate a mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete.
Credits earned in a certificate program can often be applied toward a master’s degree, giving you a head start on your next degree and helping you earn multiple credentials in less time.
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required for admission.
View the more than 60 Penn State World Campus graduate certificates.
Master’s Degrees
A master’s degree can increase your eligibility for promotions and broaden your career and professional advancement. Typically completed in two to four years, a master’s degree involves either research or a culminating capstone project and can deepen your knowledge in your field of interest while elevating your earning potential.
Further reading: What is a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree?
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required for admission.
Penn State World Campus offers more than 50 master’s degree programs.
Doctoral Degrees
The highest level of education, a doctoral degree establishes you as an expert in your field, bringing respect and credibility among your peers. By advancing your analytic and problem-solving skills, a doctoral degree can open doors across industries, differentiate you from others in your workplace, and provide opportunities to work in academia and teach at the university level.
A master’s degree is required for admission.
View the Penn State World Campus doctoral degree programs.
With more than 175 accredited graduate degrees, undergraduate degrees, certificates, and minors, Penn State World Campus has the online program for you. Programs are taught by the same faculty who teach in the academic colleges at Penn State, and your degree or certificate is the same one that our on-campus students receive.