Certificate in Professional Studies, Self-Designed
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The Certificate in Professional Studies allows you to create a course of study that will meet your specific needs and help you get where you want to go. Our program gives you the opportunity to mold professional development to your personal goals with the support of our experts in transdisciplinary studies.
This degree is offered by Antioch University’s Online Campus.
Program Overview
The Certificate in Professional Studies is a 13-credit self-designed certificate program to cater to students who prefer a more flexible commitment than the existing 36-credit Liberal Arts MA program. Students will receive a certificate in professional studies with a specialization in their self-designed focus. This initiative enables students to delve into individualized graduate-level coursework without a substantial commitment, offering them a valuable glimpse into advanced studies. The certificate is designed for the reflective, committed, and self-directed learner who seeks to effect social, organizational, or personal change. Students pursue their studies through one foundation course, a choice of self-designed courses with faculty, seminars, or Intra-University, and one certificate project. Our individualized approach makes it possible to combine graduate education with professional, personal, and community commitments.
The Certificate in Professional Studies caters to students with backgrounds in allied health and human services professions. This specialized program provides targeted coursework aimed at enhancing professional competencies and advancing career prospects in allied health and human services fields. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills development, students acquire the necessary expertise to excel in their chosen profession. Whether aiming to enter the workforce or seeking to progress within their current professional roles, this certificate equips students with the tools and credentials essential for success in the allied health and human services sectors.
“Self-design is about giving the freedom for people to be who they are by unlocking their potential.
Ashley Neilsen, PhD
Program Chair
Related Centers and Institutes
Additional Information
This program will take about 9 months to complete.
- Foundations of Individualized Certificate (3 credits)
- Seminars, Intra-University courses, or Self-Design courses (9 credits)
- Certificate Project (1 credit)
The certificate can help people grow in their current field or prepare for a change in career.
Faculty Spotlights
Josette Luvmour, PhD
Joseph Cronin, PhD
Chair
B. J. Bullert, PhD
Professor Emerita
Lucila T. Rudge, Ph.D.
Affiliate Faculty
Admission
Application information
- Complete the Online Application (No Application fee!) Start by setting up a username and then select Online campus to get started!
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or an institution recognized by regional accreditation. Official transcripts of all academic work.
- Exceptions may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis using faculty’s professional judgment such as cases of international degree. Antioch Online will accept degrees earned under the terms of the Bologna Declaration.
- (optional) Two current professional references; one from a professor who has evaluated your academic work, preferred
- Admissions Essay:
- Please provide a statement in 500 words or less as to why you would like to do an Individualized program, what specialization you might be interested in pursuing, what you intend to accomplish in the program, and what qualifications you bring to accomplish that
- No GMAT or GRE required
- Additional requirements for international students:
- Reading & Writing in English Proficiency Assessment (if applicable) or TOEFL score of 550 “paper-based”, 214 “computer-based”, and 79 “internet-based or higher.
Please submit all supporting materials to [email protected] or mail to: Antioch University Admissions Office 900 Dayton Street, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.
Deadlines
| Semester | Application Deadlines | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall B | October 18 | October 21 |
| Spring A | January 3 | January 6 |
| Spring B | February 28 | March 3 |
| Summer A 2025 | May 1 | May 5 |
| Summer B 2025 | June 25 | June 30 |
| Fall A 2025 | August 21 | August 25 |
| Fall B 2025 | October 18 | October 20 |
| Please review the Academic Calendar for additional details. | ||
Technology Requirements
Students in this program participate in online learning activities organized within small- and large-group learning communities. Antioch University Online is a 100% online learning environment, and therefore, in addition to having the traditional learning skills, students are expected to have basic technological skills, compatible computer hardware, operating system, and internet connectivity upon entrance into the program. LEARN MORE
Cost
Graduate Degree Tuition
| Program | Cost |
|---|---|
| MA in Humanities or Social Sciences | $784 per semester hour |
| View the Cost of Attendance Components |
|
ADDITIONAL TUITION & FEES INFO
Financial Aid
Many AU students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants – are right for you. Our staff is here to help you, so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AU.
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