UofM Graduate Certificates: A Smart, Flexible Path to Career Growth

If you’re looking for a way to stand out in today’s job market, a graduate certificate might be your next best move. These short, focused programs allow you to sharpen your skills, expand your expertise, and position yourself for career advancement—all without the time or cost of a full graduate degree.

At the University of Memphis, graduate certificates have become one of our fastest-growing offerings. With over 70 graduate certificate programs to choose from, there’s something for nearly every career path and interest area. Over the past three years, programs like Clinical Social Work, Play Therapy, Museum Studies, and Population Health have seen incredible momentum, helping students bridge the gap between knowledge and practice in fields that need skilled professionals.

Why Graduate Certificates Work

Graduate certificates at UofM are designed to be flexible, efficient, and career-focused. Here’s what makes them such a smart choice:

✅ Just four courses – a typical certificate can be completed in as little as 18 months.
✅ Flexible scheduling – most courses are offered online or after 5:30 p.m., making it easy to balance with work and family.
✅ Career-ready skills – certificates provide immediate value in the workplace while keeping the door open for future graduate study.

Whether you’re advancing in your current field or exploring new opportunities, these programs offer a powerful way to invest in your future.

More Reasons to Consider a Graduate Certificate

Still wondering if a graduate certificate is right for you? Our article 6 Benefits of a Graduate Certificate dives deeper into why these programs are such a smart investment. Here are a few highlights:

Specialized Skill Development – Gain targeted knowledge in a specific field without the full commitment of a master’s.
Career Advancement – Stand out to employers and qualify for new opportunities.
Time & Cost Efficiency – Complete in less time, with less financial investment, than a traditional graduate degree.
Flexibility – Many programs offer online and evening options that fit your lifestyle
Pathway to a Master’s – Credits may apply toward a future graduate degree.
Networking Opportunities – Connect with peers, faculty, and industry professionals.

Check out the full article on 6 Benefits of a Graduate Certificate for an in-depth look at how these advantages can shape your career journey.

Spotlight: Andrew Hashimura

For Andrew Hashimura, an current student pursuing a Graduate Certificate in College and Career Counseling, the decision to enroll at UofM was all about aligning his passion with his profession.

Originally from Beckley, West Virginia, Andrew has built a career in higher education administration, with extensive experience in enrollment management and student engagement. Now, he's expanding his expertise through the graduate certificate program. "The alignment of the program with my career goals made this decision an easy one," he shares.

Andrew chose UofM not only for its strong academic reputation, but also because of its faculty. He was particularly drawn to program director Dr. Michelle Brasfield, whose leadership and expertise solidified his choice.

Balancing academics with family life is also a priority for Andrew, who is a proud dad of two young daughters. With structured scheduling and strong support systems, he's ready to take on this new chapter.

His long-term goals? To become a higher education leader specializing in student success and eventually pursue a doctoral degree.

Invest in Your Career

Andrew’s story is just one example of how graduate certificates open doors to growth, leadership, and impact. With their flexible design and focused approach, UofM certificates provide the tools you need to take the next step—on your terms.

Explore all UofM Graduate Certificates and see how one could be the career boost you’ve been looking for.