Policy 

In addition to undergraduate and graduate degree programs, Ramapo College offers certificates for credit-bearing and/or non-credit bearing experiences. These certificate programs must be recommended for approval by the appropriate entities of the College and the State.

Reason for Policy:

Describes certificate programs of study

To Whom Does The Policy Apply

All Ramapo instructors as well as academic administrators

Related Documents

Procedure

ARC Academic and Curricular Guidelines Manual

Contacts

Office of the Provost: 201-684-7532

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS PROCEDURE

Certificates may be packages of credit-bearing courses (i.e., “Academic Certificates”) or packages of non-credit-bearing learning experiences (i.e., “Professional Certificates”).

Academic Certificates

Academic Certificates are organized, coherent programs of study usually comprised of credit-bearing courses.

• In addition to credit-bearing courses, Academic Certificates also may include non-credit learning experiences such as seminars, workshops, and modules.
• Academic Certificates may be offered at the following levels in compliance with federal and other regulations:
  • Undergraduate certificate
  • Graduate certificate, which must require at least 9 credits beyond the Bachelor’s level
  • Doctoral certificate, which must require at least 12 credits beyond the Master’s level

All proposals for new Academic Certificate programs must complete the following steps:

1. Obtain approval of the concept and proposal from the Provost (or designee).
2. Submit a full ARC program proposal. Academic Certificates must follow the ARC Guidelines for New Program Proposals.

The Academic Certificate must also be submitted to the Academic Issues Committee of the New Jersey Presidents’ Council as an information item only (i.e., no approval is required).

Certificate Program Directors work with the Office of the Registrar to determine how academic certificates are noted on transcripts. Academic Certificates are not considered graduation requirements and are removed from the degree audit.

Professional Certificates (Non-Credit Certificates)

Professional Certificates (non-credit certificates) are organized, coherent programs of study comprised entirely of not-for-credit learning experiences, such as seminars, workshops, and modules.

• Professional Certificates are not differentiated by level.
• None of the learning experiences include academic credit.
• Professional Certificates may be developed by Ramapo College or by third-party vendors.

All proposals for new Professional Certificate programs must obtain approval of the concept and proposal from the Provost (or designee).

• Proposals for Professional Certificates must be submitted to the relevant Dean(s), Convening Group(s), and Unit Council(s) associated with the certificate’s discipline for feedback. Once reviewed, the proposal’s sponsor(s) and/or the Dean(s) will present the proposal and feedback to the Provost.
• Professional Certificates require the approval of the Provost.
• These certificates are then submitted by the Provost to the Board of Trustees for final approval.
• Professional Certificates must also be submitted to the Academic Issues Committee of the New Jersey Presidents’ Council as an information item only (i.e., no approval is required).

The Office of the Registrar is not involved in administering/issuing Professional Certificates, which are non-credit-bearing and are not noted on transcripts.