Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the certificate offered through Professional and Continuing Education is offered 100% online.

No, since the certificate program is not full-time, it does not qualify for international student visas.

There are no degree requirements. All are welcome. The credits you will receive are for professional development but not graduate academic credit. The Professional Certificate will give you graduate-level extension credits, which can be used for professional promotions and salary increases.

Each course is $1,195, which totals $3,585 for all three courses in the certificate. You will also need to purchase books for course 1 and 2, which total approximately $100.

Some people have access to professional development funds given through their institutions. Here is an example of a letter you can share with leadership at your institution while seeking professional development funding.

USD also has a relationship with eight hotels around SD that give a 15% discount if you are connected to USD. https://www.bartellhotels.com/usd

• On this list of 8 hotels, the Days Inn by Wyndham in Hotel Circle is the closest to USD (2 miles/5 min drive and probably the cheapest) and The Dana on mission Bay and The Holiday Inn Bayside are also very close (about a 10min drive and have a much more beautiful SD location near the water).
• Also, there is a place called Hotel Circle, which has A LOT of hotels 2-3 miles from USD and has access to many restaurants nearby (that is where the Days Inn is).
• There is also the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town that is the closest hotel to USD (1 mile from campus).

A student cannot skip any course and continue to the next. It is essential that they do the courses in order.

Graduate-Credit

Those enrolling in the certificate for graduate-level credit must follow the university guidelines for adding/dropping classes.

Professional Development

Those pursuing the certificate for professional development through USD's Professional and Continuing Education should review the Registration Policies for further details on course withdrawals, refunds and transfer policies.