Madison Reporter

University of Wisconsin–Madison students are increasingly enrolling in certificate programs that can give their future careers a boost.

The five fastest-growing certificates at UW are in a variety of sought-after fields, from data science to sports communication.

“Advisers encourage students to get the most of their UW–Madison experience, and completing a certificate program is one way to do so,” says Kelley Harris, director of Cross-College Advising Service. “Certificates provide students the opportunity to develop additional expertise in an area of study outside of a major, which could aid their potential on the job market. UW–Madison faculty and staff have excelled at highlighting the breadth and depth of expertise we have on campus by developing over 100 certificate programs.”

Overall, more students are getting certificates, with 4,210 undergraduate certificates awarded in 2022-23, compared with 1,544 a decade earlier.

A certificate, like a minor at other universities, supplements a major and focuses on a specific subject area or can integrate multiple subject areas. Certificate programs typically span 15-24 credits but are not required to graduate.

The undergraduate certificates adding the most students from fall 2019 to fall 2023:

No. 1: Certificate in Data Science (+522)

“The data science certificate provides students with knowledge and skills in computer programming and data analysis, which supplement learning in a wide variety of subject areas across all of campus,” says Bret Larget, chair of the Department of Statistics and director of the Data Science Program. “Students report these skills have proved to be useful in other courses, in obtaining internships, and in finding jobs after graduation.”

No. 2: Certificate in Disability Rights and Services (+334, established in 2019)

“The certificate is designed to provide students across campus with the knowledge and skills to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, which is the primary mission of our department,” says Rebecca Bradbury, undergraduate program manager in rehabilitation psychology and special education. “We recently surveyed our certificate students and found that students were interested in pursuing a variety of health and helping careers: speech language pathology, occupational therapy, counseling, social work, and medicine.”

No. 3: Certificate in Sports Communication (+251)

The culture of sports is strong at UW, with many students eager to be part of the field because they understand the key role sports content plays in the future of media," says Matt Hermann," adviser for the Certificate in Sports Communication.

“Young adults are power users of social media and streaming two areas where sports are massive drivers of attention and innovation,” Hermann says. “The Certificate in Sports Communication program prepares them to enter the industry by providing them basic skills in shaping sports narratives marketing sports brands understanding influential role sports plays society.”

No. 4: Certificate Consulting (+196)

“We have put together an excellent career services team deep curriculum support this emphasize bring ‘real-world’ perspective this certificate” Tom Burkard former industry executive management consultant who career pathway director consulting Wisconsin School Business noting that opened enrollment now has "319" "students." “We provide lot support help all UW into management tech consulting space big advantage.”

No. 5: Summer Certificate Business Fundamentals (+188)

“The Summer Certificate Business Fundamentals provides opportunity develop foundational business knowledge while maintaining level flexibility desirable busy college student” Alexis Steinbach assistant dean undergraduate student affairs Wisconsin School Business.” Students immerse themselves invaluable concepts such as finance accounting marketing management other key subjects allows make connections between world business specific fields interests gaining traction various majors across campus."