Undergraduate Certificates

A certificate is an approved academic award given in conjunction with the satisfactory completion of a program of instruction, signifying a standard of knowledge in a specific subject. Certificates are posted to the official transcript and documented on a separate diploma.

In addition to meeting the specific course requirements of the certificate, students must meet the Residency Requirement: a minimum of 16 credits or 3/4 of the credits required for the certificate, whichever is higher, must be earned at Portland State University.  

Three types of certificates are available at the undergraduate level, each differing in terms of the minimum required admission status and in the timing of when the certificate is awarded, as described below. Individual certificates may have unique pre-requisites or program admission requirements defined by the academic departments.

Undergraduate Certificate Awarded with Baccalaureate

An Undergraduate Certificate Awarded with Baccalaureate is intended to supplement the major field of study and is an optional credential. Undergraduate Admission is required, and as part of a baccalaureate degree program, this type of certificate may only be awarded at the same time the baccalaureate degree is awarded. This certificate type may also be earned by students admitted and matriculated into Postbaccalaureate and Graduate status.

Undergraduate Certificate Awarded at Completion

An Undergraduate Certificate Awarded at Completion may supplement the major field of study or be awarded as an independent credential prior to completion of the bachelor’s degree.  This certificate type may also be earned by students admitted and matriculated into Postbaccalaureate and Graduate status.

Certificate – Admission Not Required

Formal undergraduate admission is not required. Students may earn the certificate in the non-degree enrollment status. Financial Aid is not available to students enrolled in the non-degree status. This certificate type may also be earned by students admitted and matriculated into Undergraduate, Postbaccalaureate or Graduate status.