Get to Work Faster

For those who would rather go to work than go to school, Kirkwood offers certificate and diploma programs that provide hands-on experience in an industry, skilled trade, or technological field in as little as nine months to one year.

You'll start work with an upper hand on those who didn’t receive specialized training. And, if you choose to further your education later, many of our certificate and diploma programs transfer into two-year degree programs.

Earning a Certificate

In order to earn a certificate through Kirkwood, you must apply through the corresponding two-year program. Once you are accepted, you can indicate the certificate or diploma of your choice.

Participants in certificate programs are not eligible for federal student financial aid, or Kirkwood scholarships due to the short length of the program. Only students enrolled in diploma or two-year degree programs are eligible for financial aid.

Diploma Requirements

• Earn 30-48 semester hours of credit in the courses required for the specific Applied Science program.
• Earn 8 semester hours in residence at Kirkwood in the program for which the diploma is sought.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
  
  

Certificate Requirements

• Earn 12-18 semester hours of credit in courses required for the specific Applied Science program.
• Earn 6 semester hours in residence at Kirkwood in the program for which the certificate is sought.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

Looking for more options?

Check out our Program Areas

Program Areas are a collection of Kirkwood’s academic program options organized by similar career/interest categories. If you’re not ready to commit to a specific program yet, a Program Area is perfect for you! You can also customize any of our programs to meet your transfer needs, if that’s your goal.

Learn More