Understanding Cornell’s Professional Certificates And Non-credit Credentials
In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, many individuals pursue learning opportunities beyond traditional degrees. These non-credit credentials demonstrate valuable skills and knowledge to employers, appearing prominently on resumes and professional profiles.
At Cornell University, we recognize the importance of these achievements and are committed to ensuring our non-credit credentials carry meaningful weight in the professional world. While these programs operate separately from credit-bearing degree programs, they maintain the rigorous standards expected of the Cornell name.
Why This Matters
- Employers need clear understanding of what our credentials represent
- Learners deserve recognition for their educational investments
- The value of Cornell-issued credentials must be consistently maintained
Industry Context
In the current learning marketplace, the meaning and usage of terms like “certificate” and “credential” can vary widely. Some providers use these terms for simple one-hour courses, while others apply them to intensive two-year programs. This inconsistency can create confusion about the value of non-credit credentials.
Cornell’s Approach
Through eCornell, we maintain specific standards for our non-credit credentials. This guide provides clear definitions and requirements for each credential type, ensuring employers and learners understand their significant value in the marketplace.
Through these standards, we aim to help both learners and employers better understand the significance of Cornell’s non-credit credentials while maintaining our institution’s reputation for excellence.
What Sets Cornell’s Certificate Programs Apart?
Cornell’s professional certificate programs distinguish themselves through several key features that work together to create a unique learning experience:
- Small Cohorts: Join focused learning groups where you can connect meaningfully with peers through asynchronous discussions, weekly live sessions, and exclusive symposiums that bring your cohort together for deeper engagement and networking.
- Real-World Projects: Engage in practical applications that allow you to implement new concepts directly in your current role, with ongoing guidance and feedback from expert facilitators during both coursework and live sessions.
- Expert-Led: Receive personalized feedback and dedicated support on your projects while benefiting from facilitators who lead live sessions, guide discussions, and keep learning objectives on track throughout the program.
- Structured Flexibility: Programs are thoughtfully designed around your busy schedule, typically organized into multiple 2-week modules with optional live sessions and symposiums that allow you to balance professional development with work and personal commitments.
- Results-Driven Design: Experience rigorously designed curriculum with clear learning objectives, effective online delivery methods, interactive live sessions, and comprehensive facilitator support—all focused on delivering measurable impact in your career.
This combination of focused learning environments, practical application, expert guidance, live interaction opportunities, and outcome-focused design creates a learning experience that’s both accessible and transformative for working professionals.
SUMMARY
The following table outlines key requirements for different types of non-credit credentials from Cornell.
| Credential | Acknowledgement of Completion | Recognition of Achievement | Professional Certificate: Live or In-Person Executive Education Program | Professional Certificate: Online or Blended Program | Professional Certificate with 360 Designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Hours | Any amount | 12+ hours | 24-32+ hours | 40-100+ hours | 120-200+ hours |
| Grading | Confirmation of participation or completion, including auto-grading | Confirmation of participation or completion, including auto-grading | Complete Program requirements | Human Grading According to Rubric Defined by Authoring Faculty (Typically includes projects) | Human Grading According to Rubric Defined by Authoring Faculty |
| Active Instructor or Facilitator | Not required | Not required | Required | Required | Required |
A printable acknowledgement for an achievement at the micro-learning level, that is less than 40 hours of effort with validated participation and outcomes. A Letter of Completion is earned after completion of a single short-course, On-Demand lesson or other short learning experience that includes confirmation of participation or completion, including auto-grade.
A printable acknowledgement for a program achievement with validated participation and outcomes, that is a minimum of 12 hours of student effort whereby the student completed a series of mico-learning components in the form of On-Demand lessons or other learning experience that includes a confirmation of participation or completion, including auto-grade.
A printable acknowledgement for a program achievement that is a minimum of 24 hours of live student effort with validated participation, outcomes and completion of the program requirements. Includes both live synchronous online or in-person instruction. Pre and post work or client-led sessions can be included, 1 hour per ½ day session, exceptions to be made with approval by the Vice Provost of External Education. For enterprise groups, a certificate title can include theAn organization’s name or a can be included in the certificate title and is often co-branded with the organization and/or could be a custom name that reflects the program goals. i.e. Github Leadership Excellence.
A printable acknowledgment for a program achievement that is a minimum of 40 hours of student effort required with validated participation and outcomes evaluated through human grading according to a rubric defined by the authoring faculty. An organization’s name can be included in the certificate title and can be co-branded. i.e. Github Leadership Excellence.
A printable acknowledgment for a program achievement that is a minimum of 120 hours of student effort required with validated participation and outcomes evaluated through human grading according to a rubric defined by the authoring faculty. An organization’s name can be included in the certificate title and can be co-branded. i.e. Github Leadership Excellence.
Typically an 8-20 credit, stand-alone academic credential recognized by the Department of Education, comprising a set of credit-bearing courses in a specific area. Completing this block of courses counts toward the course and credit requirements of a degree offered by the same institution.