Certificate Programs

Students have the option of designing their own course of study for the summer, but those who want to follow a prescribed curriculum in a specific area of study, may use the Summer Sessions to earn a certificate.

Please note that current Columbia students are ineligible for certificate programs. Follow the registration processes detailed on the Columbia Students Registration page.

Summer Certificates for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

All of these certificate programs can be completed in just one summer:

The Business Certificate Program is designed to meet the professional and academic needs of students from a diverse range of experiences — from advanced undergraduates to those currently working in major corporations, government, non-profit organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures. Learn more about the Business Certificate Program (Undergraduate Visiting Students are eligible for the Business Certificate Program).

The Critical Issues in International Relations Certificate Program provides students with focused academic exposure to current critical issues in the field of international relations. Advanced undergraduates with strong academic records and a foundation in political science and international studies may apply. Learn more about the Critical Issues in International Relations Certificate Program.

The Human Rights Certificate Program emphasizes the interaction between human rights theory and practice and provides students the opportunity to explore human rights both inside and outside the classroom. Learn more about the Human Rights Certificate Program.

The United Nations Studies Certificate Program allows students and professionals to focus their studies on current international issues and ideas. Advanced undergraduates with strong academic records and a foundation in political science and international studies may apply. Learn more about the United Nations Studies Certificate Program.

Certificates for Graduate Students

Please note that the Biotechnology, Quantitative Studies for Finance, and Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology certificate programs accept students in the Summer, but cannot be completed in a single Summer.

The Biotechnology Certificate Program is for college graduates with little or no background in biology who want graduate school preparation in biotechnology. Learn more about the Biotechnology Certificate Program.

The Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Certificate Program develops competency in the core sciences related to environmental biology – chemistry, biology, earth sciences, statistics, and conservation biology. Learn more about the Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Certificate Program.

The Quantitative Studies for Finance Certificate Program prepares students for graduate coursework in mathematics and statistics of finance and financial engineering. Learn more about the Quantitative Studies for Finance Certificate Program.