The Graduate School offers graduate certificate programs (most of which are interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary) that draw upon the unique strengths of Duke’s research institutes and faculty. Certificate programs are designed to provide graduate students with advanced training in interdisciplinary or emerging fields of knowledge by taking advantage of the distinctive resources available at Duke or in the Research Triangle Park area.
The certificate is a formal statement of the interdisciplinary coursework a student has completed, and it has proven to be a useful, professional credential to students seeking positions after graduation. The student’s official Duke University transcript notes the awarding of the certificate. These certificates are not standalone and cannot be earned independent of the student’s degree. These certificates are only available to Duke graduate students. In order to pursue a graduate certificate, the student must complete a Graduate Certificate Program Application (PDF) and contact the director of the certificate program. The application to enroll should be submitted at the time a student begins pursuing the certificate. At the latest, each application must be submitted on or before the drop/add deadline of the student's graduating term.