As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, obtaining an academic certificate is proving to be a strategic move for career advancement.

Davenport University, known for offering a diverse range of certificate programs from associate to graduate levels, has seen a rise in certificate program enrollment across its colleges. This uptick reflects students’ efforts to diversify their qualifications and enhance their career prospects, at all levels of their academic journey.

“Many students may not be ready to fully commit to a bachelor’s or master’s degree program,” said Wayne Sneath, Ph.D., vice provost for Academics at Davenport. “By pursuing a certificate in their field of study, they not only show future or current employers their potential, but they are also securing credits that can be applied toward future degree requirements and career goals.”

Recent studies underscore the financial benefits of post-secondary credentials, revealing that individuals with such qualifications often enjoy higher earning potential.

Davenport has seen steady enrollment in business, technology, health professions, and arts and sciences programs certificates, said Sneath, with more than 140 students currently pursuing these credentials. Urban Education certification has also gained significant traction, thanks to its stackability with the college’s graduate programs and scholarships offered through many Michigan K-12 school districts. The program has enrolled more than100 new students in the last two years.

“We’ve seen growth across various areas, especially in graduate certificates,” said Sneath. “These programs are ideal for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree but aren’t ready to commit to a full master’s program. They offer a chance to advance incrementally while often utilizing employer-sponsored support for earning enhanced credentials.”

In 2023, Davenport  introduced a new certificate in Cyber Security Management, addressing the growing need for MBA professionals and other management professionals to manage cybersecurity issues. Additionally, the College of Health expanded its offerings with a post-associate degree certificate, the Cancer Tumor Registry, which provides access to jobs with substantial entry-level pay and the flexibility to work from home.

“This certificate signifies expertise in ways to code cancer-related research, addressing a critical need in the field,” said Sneath.

Graduate certificates in data analytics are also available in the College of Arts and Sciences, allowing students to accumulate 12 credits toward a master’s degree.

Lisbeth Mcgregor, a bachelor of political science graduate, was matched with Davenport University through Michigan’s Talent Together initiative. The Urban Education Graduate Certificate, combined with passing the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification and fulfilling the Talent Together standards, has allowed her to obtain an Interim Teaching Certificate, and become a certified teacher.

“The Certificate program at DU gave me the tools I need to be successful in the classroom as a certified teacher,” said Mcgregor. “I learned best practices in instruction, classroom management, supporting students with special education eligibility and building community partnerships. The certificate program provided instruction on many aspects necessary to support my students, staff, and community.”

Mcgregor will be working as a Kindergarten teacher at Mackinac Island Public School this fall.

Davenport University’s stackable certificates are available in multiple course delivery formats including online on demand, live stream, and flex formats through the colleges of Business, Technology, Urban Education, Arts and Sciences, and Health Professions. These certificates serve as foundational blocks toward associate, bachelor, or master’s degrees, with program credits seamlessly transferring to many corresponding degree programs.

In addition to stackable certificates, Davenport offers post-baccalaureate, graduate certificates, and post-graduate certificates. Students can also explore general certificates to enhance and improve their skills in a specific field of study without pursuing a higher degree.

Along any of these paths, students have the full support of Davenport’s admissions, advising, professors and career services.

For more information, visit https://www.davenport.edu/academics/certificates or contact Davenport University admissions at 800-686-1600.