I’ve been asked to change my declared minor to a certificate. How will this impact my time to completion?

Updating your minor to a certificate should not have an impact on your time to completion. The change is only in name (from minor to certificate) and should not impact the curriculum.

What is a certificate and how is it different than a minor?

Certificates and minors often have around the same credit hours, but minors can only be completed while pursuing an undergraduate degree. If permitted by your college, certificates can be completed while pursuing a degree or as a standalone credential. For example, a person who just completed a degree could return to complete a certificate but not a minor.

What are the benefits of pursuing a certificate instead of a minor?

Unlike a minor, a certificate results in a credential. Students can use this documentation to make themselves more marketable in the workplace. Students earn a Certified Electronic Certificate with the option to purchase a Ceremonial Certificate.

I’m pursuing more than one minor, but was only asked to change one. Can I change the others as well?

Currently there is a set list of minors being changed over from minor to certificate. These include the following minors: Computer Science, Computer Technology, Information Systems, Information Technology, and Business Analytics. If your additional minors are outside of these, they are likely not eligible to change to a certificate at this time.

If I have already met my minor requirements, do I still need to switch?

​Yes, we recommend switching for credentialing purposes. You should have received an email with a link to an online form to indicate your response to stay in the minor or switch to the certificate.

How will my certificate appear on a transcript/diploma?

UC does not print minors on diplomas or offer separate documentation for a minor. By comparison, UC does offer separate documentation or certificates. Minors and certificates are both transcriptable and do appear on a student’s transcript.

How will a certificate attract future employers (versus a minor)?

Students may use the certificate as a way to distinguish skills earned while pursuing the credential. While students may also list minors on a resume, a downloadable certificate attachment may be seen more easily than one line on a transcript or resume.

I want to switch my minor to a certificate. What action do I need to take?

You should have received an email with a link to an online form to indicate your response to stay in the minor or switch to the certificate.

I completed my degree. Can I retroactively change my minor to a certificate?

No. This change only applies to those who are currently enrolled.