Certificates are recognized by most employers as a significant academic accomplishment, and can lead to new jobs as well as promotions for those who obtain them. They are also typically more relevant and focused for today's workforce than academic degrees and can be completed in a much shorter period of time.

• Accounting
• Computational Linguistics
• Environmental Studies
• Gerontology

• Professional Writing
• Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL)

Do you have to be a matriculated student to take Open University Certificate programs?
You do not have to be matriculated to SDSU to enroll in an undergraduate Open University Certificate program. However, all students who are participating in an Advanced Graduate Certificate Program must APPLY to the University through CSU Mentor and be admitted to the university. This requires completing the application and submitting official transcripts that confirm that the student has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Department application and admissions processes cannot substitute (though they may complement) the formal application and admissions process through CSU Mentor and Graduate Admissions. Students can earn no more than nine units prior to formally matriculating into the University. Students must be admitted into the University either prior to beginning their coursework, or in a semester where they are actively enrolled in program coursework. A student cannot retroactively apply to the University in order to be awarded a certificate for coursework already completed. Open University certificate programs are not open to students currently enrolled at SDSU.

What are the financial aid options?
CES students are encouraged to check with various banks, credit unions, and lending institutions - many of which now offer private alternative loan programs for continuing education. If you are an SDSU matriculated student you may also wish to check with the SDSU financial aid office at (619) 594-6323. For additional information, please contact the CES registration office at (619) 594-5152.

Are the courses for credit, and can they be applied toward a degree?
The credit earned for open university classes is non-matriculated resident credit. Twenty-four units of non-matriculated resident credit may be applied toward an SDSU undergraduate degree.

How do I sign up?
To obtain an application form and brochure, please call the certificate programs department at (619) 594-6255. You will then need to contact the SDSU department academic advisor and determine a plan of study. All available classes are published in the University's course bulletin. A $35 application processing fee will be charged. Please make checks payable to SDSU Foundation.

Are Open University Certificate programs available for international students?
International students who have satisfied the prerequisites may apply for admission to an Open University Certificate program. A TOEFL score of 550, or its equivalent, is required. However, Open University Certificate programs are not available to international students with an I-20 visa issued by another university. Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for more information.

What is the cost?
Open University Certificate programs cost $197 per unit.