Certificate Programs

The following certificates are programs of study leading to majors in AA or AS degrees and AA-T or AS-T degrees. Not all courses in all majors are offered each semester. Many courses listed in these certificates will transfer to four-year colleges or universities in satisfaction of lower division requirements; however, an associate degree or Associate Degree for Transfer does not necessarily complete all lower division requirements for transfer. For specific courses students should confer with their counselors or contact the college to which they intend to transfer.

Skyline College offers two types of certificates: Certificate of Achievement and Certificate of Specialization.

A Certificate of Achievement (generally 16–30 units) is awarded in certain occupational fields upon successful completion of a specific course of study in a state-approved program with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Students must complete all courses used to satisfy both core and elective requirements with a grade of "C" or better (or Pass). Certificates of Achievement are posted to the student's transcript. 

Certificates of Specialization (fewer than 16 units) are awarded in specific, locally approved occupational programs upon successful completion of all required coursework with a minimum 2.0 GPA.  Students must complete all courses used to satisfy both core and elective requirements with a grade of “C” or better (or Pass). Certificates of Specialization are not recorded on official student transcripts. 

Please note:

  • Certificates of Specialization are not Financial Aid eligible programs of study.
  • While most Certificates of Achievement qualify for financial aid, students should check the catalog description to confirm eligibility for their specific program.
  • Fifty (50) percent of the total units required for the Certificate must be completed at one or more of the SMCCCD colleges.
  • A maximum of 6 units may be applied to meet certificate requirements from courses in which the student has elected a Pass/No Pass option.
  • Units completed for certificate requirements may be applied toward both major requirements, and the 60 units required for an associate degree. 
  • Certificate requirements for an individual student shall be those listed in the Skyline College Catalog at the time the student’s studies begin. Those requirements may be followed throughout the student’s course of study as long as the student remains in continuous enrollment. For the purposes of this requirement, continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in at least one semester each academic year. If a break in attendance occurs before the certificate is earned, the certificate requirements shall become those listed in the college catalog which is current at the time the student’s studies are resumed.
  • A student may earn multiple certificates from Skyline College.
  • Students may earn certificates from any college within the SMCCCD; however, to be eligible to apply for a certificate, a student's declared campus and major must match the campus and major listed on their graduation petition. 
  • Courses used to meet requirements for one certificate may be used to meet requirements for additional certificates.
  • Students will receive a Certificate of Achievement or Certificate of Specialization for each certificate earned.