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In short: A certificate from an accredited college or university answers the need for a practical education that will get the student "out the door" and into the workplace. Certificate programs vary widely, but all offer focused study leading to a professional credential that US News calls the new "mini-degree."

Though an undergraduate certificate is sometimes described as "less than an associate's degree," the certificate is intensive, fast-paced, and skill-centered. Working students in online certificate programs are nearly twice as likely to finish as degree-seekers, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Time to completion for certificates varies greatly from eight weeks to one year or, in rare instances, more.

Acceptance of certificates by employers has increased greatly in the 21st Century, especially among those who have taken online classes. Corporations themselves have turned to online training programs; for instance, online lessons offered by Caterpillar leapt from 30,000 in 2001 to 200,000 in 2004.

A student needs a high school diploma or GED to pursue most undergraduate certificates. Some certificates offer academic credit which can be applied toward a degree; others are noncredit credentials of achievement. Additional licensing beyond the certificate may be required for some professions.

Here are the highlights of the undergraduate certificate programs offered by our online university partners:

Strayer University

Offers flexible, goal-oriented business education in both real time and self-paced 24/7 courses. Undergraduate certificate programs require 27 credit hours.