Programs For You
Professional Certificates
Build skills you can use today and stand out tomorrow with a Professional Certificate that proves your expertise in an in-demand area.
Build Expertise You Can Apply Today
Professional certificates give you a structured way to deepen your expertise, sharpen your skillset, and show growth you can capitalize on now.
Our noncredit Professional Certificates are designed specifically for working professionals who need skills or a credential they can apply now. They are earned by completing three qualifying programs in a certificate area.
We currently offer professional certificate programs in:
Analytics
Strategy and Organizational Performance
Supply Chain Leadership
Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Operations
If an existing certificate area isn’t the right fit, talk with our team about creating a custom certificate based on the skills and expertise most relevant to your professional goals.
What Are the Benefits of a Professional Certificate Program?
Strengthen Your Expertise
Develop complementary knowledge and skills in a focused area, building greater depth with each program you complete.
Put New Skills to Work Right Away
Apply what you learn to the decisions, challenges, and opportunities you encounter on the job.
Build Your Certificate Over Time
Complete qualifying programs over time, giving you the flexibility to work toward your professional certificate while balancing your professional responsibilities.
Demonstrate Your Professional Development
Earn a credential that reflects your continued investment in professional development, and use it to advance in your career or role.
How to Earn a Penn State Smeal Professional Certificate
1. Choose your area of interest.
Choose the certificate area that best aligns with your professional goals. Each area includes a selection of qualifying programs.
2. Complete three qualifying programs.
Take the programs in any order and at a pace that fits your schedule. Each program can count toward only one professional certificate.
3. Earn your certificate.
After you complete three qualifying programs, you'll receive an e-certificate.
Commit to completing your Professional Certificate up front to receive a 10% discount on live remote programs or a 20% discount on on-campus open-enrollment programs.
Explore Our Certificates
Continue to Build Toward Professional Scholar or Executive Scholar
Professional Certificate
Complete three qualifying programs in a certificate area to earn a Professional Certificate in:
Professional Scholar
Complete two Professional Certificates of your choice to become a Professional Scholar and receive a framed certificate.
Executive Scholar
Complete three Professional Certificates to become an Executive Scholar. You'll also receive:
An engraved award
A one-year membership to the Penn State Alumni Association
Attendance at the Leadership Forum
Looking to Develop a Team?
We work with organizations to create custom learning solutions or tailor an existing program for private delivery to your team.
Ready to Take Your Expertise Further?
that qualify toward a Professional Certificate, or talk with our team about creating a certificate based on what you want to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
A professional certificate is a noncredit credential you earn by completing three qualifying programs within one area of study. It provides a focused way to deepen your expertise and demonstrate continued professional development to current or prospective employers. No degree enrollment or application is required.
A professional certificate can be valuable if you want to deepen your expertise without committing to a degree program. It gives you a structured way to build skills relevant to your current role or future goals.
Choose a certificate area and complete three qualifying programs. Programs can be taken in any order and completed at a pace that fits your schedule. Individual live remote programs typically run three to four half-days, while classroom programs typically run two to four days. Each program can count toward only one Professional Certificate.
A previously completed Penn State Smeal program may qualify toward a Professional Certificate. Contact our team to confirm whether your program is eligible.
No. These are noncredit credentials that do not require an application or enrollment in a Penn State degree program.
The time to complete a Professional Certificate depends on your schedule. You can take the three required programs in any order and at a pace that works for you.Individual live remote programs typically run three to four half-days, while classroom programs typically run two to four days.