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Postsecondary Access and Success Graduate Certificate

15
Credits to Earn Your Certificate
95%
CSU Online Grad Students Secured Plans Related to Their Career
93%
Grad Students Would Choose CSU Online Again
$447M
Investment in research in FY21
Certificate Overview Open Accordion
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Please note, the Postsecondary Access and Success Graduate Certificate is being discontinued and will no longer be offered. Please contact your academic advisor or our student support coach with any questions.

Developed by the School of Education, this five-course online graduate certificate is designed for anyone working (or planning to work) in pre-college preparation access programs, postsecondary student opportunity programs, or student support positions. Course material will prepare you to take on roles such as:

  • College access advisor
  • Pathways program coordinator
  • Student success coach
  • High school TRIO or GearUp advisor
  • Retention specialist
  • College enrollment personnel

What is postsecondary education?

The term postsecondary education refers to any educational program that takes place after high school or after completion of a high school equivalency test, such as the GED. Common postsecondary education programs include:

  • Two-year associate degree programs at community colleges
  • Three- and four-year undergraduate programs at colleges and universities
  • Graduate degree and certificate programs
  • Programs offered by trade and technical schools

Prepare to work in a growing field

The number of pre-college access and postsecondary student support programs is increasing across the United States. Recognized as a student services functional area by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education, this growing field employs thousands of professionals across the U.S. and other parts of the world.

Colorado State University currently offers one of the only graduate programs specifically designed for professionals working in postsecondary access and success programs. This certificate also supports individuals looking to make a career change who require additional knowledge and academic credentials.

Study online and on your schedule

Online graduate certificate programs from Colorado State University are ideal for working professionals. Aside from the flexibility of studying online, there are several benefits to participating in this program.

  • Learn from scholar-practitioners who teach in the field of student affairs
  • Collaborate and discuss course content with peers throughout the program
  • Develop in-depth knowledge and practical, career-applicable skills
  • Earned credits can be applied to a relevant master’s degree program, such as the online Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education*

*Note: You must be admitted into this program for the graduate certificate to appear on your official University transcript.

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Curriculum Open Accordion

Note: You must be admitted into this program for the graduate certificate to appear on your official University transcript.

Required courses (9 cr.)

In addition to the required courses above, students must also complete six credits in their area of choice (either precollegiate or postsecondary):

Precollegiate courses (6 cr.)

Postsecondary courses (6 cr.)

Program Total Credits: 15


Note: This certificate may have courses in common with other graduate certificates. A student may earn more than one certificate, but a given course may be counted only in one certificate.

How to Apply Open Accordion
Please note, the Postsecondary Access and Success Graduate Certificate is being discontinued and will no longer be offered. Please contact your academic advisor or our student support coach with any questions.

1Review Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA from all previously completed coursework

Note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission to the certificate program.

2 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

Important note: Both your application and all supporting documentation (transcripts, statement of purpose, etc.) must arrive by the application deadline.

  • Choose “Postsecondary Access and Success Programs (Certificate) – Distance” when choosing the Program of Study. (Note: You must first select "Certificate" at the top.)

3 Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript from the institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.

Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary):
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You can expect to be notified of status within two weeks of submitting a complete application.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements.

Questions?

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Alex Broz
Prospective Student Support Coach
Schedule Time to Talk

Program Details

Courses
Online
Credits
15 credits
Tuition
$698 per credit
Same in-state tuition for all.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships Tuition/fees are just part of the cost to attend CSU. Learn more about the full Cost of Attendance
Certificate Awarded
Graduate Certificate in Postsecondary Access and Success Programs
Time Frame
Varies based on intensity of study and course availability
Admission Reqs.
  • Undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution.
  • 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework

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