CERTIFICATE PROGRAM TIMELINE

Artwork by Rhonda Bessert, Summer 2024

Click here to view a downloadable version of the Certificate Program Timeline.

1. APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Visit continuingstudies.saic.edu. Select Certificate Programs under the heading Adult Continuing Education in the left column, then “Add to cart.” After you have selected at least one course, pay the nonrefundable $100 fee along with your tuition.

NOTE: Students may apply one SAIC course from the degree program or Ox-Bow to certificate coursework requirements. Prior approval is needed. Email saic-ace@saic.edu.

2. ENROLL IN COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Visit the links below for more information on your course requirements.

You must successfully complete all required courses (e.g., attend the required minimum classes, submit all required assignments)

REGISTER FOR YOUR COURSES AT CONTINUINGSTUDIES.SAIC.EDU.

3. TRACK YOUR COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Select your program below to download the Certificate Curriculum Guide. This will describe the curriculum requirements and allow you to track your progress. You must successfully complete all required courses (e.g., attend the required minimum classes, submit all required assignments)

4. PREPARE DOCUMENTATION OF YOUR WORK AS YOU COMPLETE YOUR COURSES

As students work to complete a certificate, they should also prepare documentation of their work as they complete their courses. Completing the noncredit certificate requires students to submit five or more high-quality images of their work for their student records.

Certificate Program High-Quality Documentation Parameters

Images should be at least 1600x1200 pixels or 8x10 inches at 300 dpi.
Acceptable image file formats: JPG, PNG, PDF
Use the following naming convention for your files: LastName_FirstName_Title/FileName

5. FILL OUT THE CERTIFICATE COMPLETION FORM

Complete the Certificate Completion Form after registering for your final course and before scheduling your portfolio review. You will be asked to upload five or more high-quality images of your work and a signed media consent form.

Before starting this process, you should have your Media Consent Form signed and your image files prepared according to the parameters above before starting this process.

6. COMPLETE YOUR FINAL PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Completion of certificate programs requires a portfolio review, fulfilled by participation in Portfolio Review Days offered in the fall and spring. We encourage students to participate in Portfolio Review Days as many times as they can while they are enrolled in courses. However, students are required to participate in Portfolio Review Day following the submission of the Certificate Program Completion Form to fulfill the final portfolio review requirement.

For more information, please visit the ACE Portfolio Review Day Website.

7. COMPLETE YOUR EXIT SURVEY

After participating in Portfolio Review Day, the last step is to participate in a brief exit survey.

You will receive an exit survey email two to four weeks after Portfolio Review Day.

8. RECEIVE YOUR DIGITAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

After completing all the steps mentioned above and upon our confirmation of your successful completion of any courses enrolled during your final term, we will send you a congratulatory email. This email will include your certificate of completion and notify you that your status has changed to Continuing Studies Certificate Alumni.

Students can expect to receive their digital certificate of recognition six to eight weeks after completing their exit interview and notification that their status has changed to Continuing Studies Certificate Alumni.