FAQs

A graduate certificate is a master’s level certificate program, meaning you will be doing master’s level course work during the program.

A graduate certificate is fewer credits than a full master’s degree. In our instance, a graduate certificate is 12 credits and takes approximately two full semesters to complete. A master’s degree is likely to be at least 30 credits and takes approximately two years to complete. In both cases you are taking master’s level courses and need a bachelor’s degree to apply and be accepted. Master’s degrees may also have more application requirements than a certificate. In a master’s program you will also have to complete a capstone, final project or thesis.

Note, Gonzaga's Leadership in the AI Revolution Graduate Certificate does require a capstone project for completion.

In a graduate certificate program, you are taking master’s level courses. Other certificates are considered continuing education. In many of these certificates you can often fulfill continuing education requirements in your work, and you may or may not need a bachelor’s degree.

If you would like to learn more about Gonzaga’s continuing education and professional certificates or other training and development opportunities, you can explore our Center for Lifelong Learning here.

All 12 credits from your graduate certificate can be directly applied to our Master’s in Communication and Leadership (COML) or Master's in Organizational Leadership (ORGL) programs.

We encourage you to explore the COML and ORGL programs because when you complete your graduate certificate, you are nearly halfway finished with a master’s program.

Yes, Gonzaga is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Schools (NWCCS). Gonzaga is also member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.

Jesuits have been educating people since 1540 with a focus on the whole person, not just your mind. Gonzaga was founded in 1887 and continues to pursue a mission of educating leaders with the capacity for reflective and critical thought.

Gonzaga's graduate certificate programs offer you the opportunity to pursue a degree that strives to educate you intellectually, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

Our graduate certificates are designed to be as flexible as possible for your schedule.  Please see the schedule below and refer to our how to apply page for detailed dates.

5 Start Dates a Year

• January, March, May, August, October

• Leadership in the AI Revolution
• Social Media
• Strategic Communication & Public Relations

3 Start Dates a Year

• August, January, May

• College Teaching of Communication

Our certificates are designed to be completed in two full semesters. You will take two 8-week classes each semester.

You will take 4 courses, which are 3 credits each for a total of 12 credits.

Each class is 8 weeks long. The certificate program is designed for you to take 2 courses within one semester, back-to-back in 8-week sessions. If you choose to take a course in the summer, you will only take one 8-week course, unless you decide to double up.

Every class is designed by our Gonzaga faculty. Most classes are taught by faculty who have a PhD, or Master's degree or have achieved distinction as a practitioner of communication and/or leadership.

There will be up to 15-20 students in a course, which is often split into smaller discussion groups. Class sizes are kept small to allow professors more one-on-one time with you.

All of our certificates are designed to be fully online. If you choose the certificate in College Teaching of Communication, you do have the option to enroll in the on-campus immersion or synchronous virtual immersion for COML 599.

Tuition is based on the cost per credit. The certificates are 12 credits.  For the most up to date information on tuition rates, please go to our tuition and financing page.


*Tuition rates do not include fees or travel for immersions.

While our graduate certificates are not yet eligible for federal financial aid at this time, you do have several options including:

• Payment plans
• Tuition reimbursement from your company
• Private Loans

Please check our Tuition and Financing page for more information.

At this time, there are no scholarships available for our graduate certificate programs.