Minority-Serving National University to Offer Google Certificate Program for Both Undergraduates and Graduate Students

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 10/25/23

Nonprofit Minority Serving Institution (MSI) National University (NU) has partnered with Google to offer Google Career Certificates in six high-demand industry fields, the institution announced recently, for both undergraduates and graduate students.

This is the first time a university has offered this program at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, NU said in a release.

The courses will teach job skills in cybersecurity, data analytics, project management, digital marketing and e-commerce, IT support, and UX design. Enrollment is open this fall at no or low cost to current students, alumni, and employees, the university added.

NU said the courses, which have been built by industry professionals, will be offered as a combination of standalone training, elective classes, and skills training as a central part of the curriculum.

"The addition of these new certificates across multiple pathways and degree programs is reflective of our commitment to meeting students where they are — and creating a credential-rich pathway for every learner," said Susan Zukowski, vice president professional and continuing education.

Students who have already obtained a Google certificate may also be able to take up to five courses in various degree programs, including information technology, engineering, business, human resources, and marketing, the university said.

Students should be able to earn these certificates in six months or less, saving them anywhere from $1,300 and $6,900 in tuition costs.

The Google Certificate program is part of NU's credential-rich pathways initiative, which fosters stackable credentials so that learners have multiple ways to access career opportunities while learning.

"We're finding strategic ways to embed and integrate industry-recognized credentials throughout our degree pathways because it can unlock time, resources and career opportunities for the students that we serve," said Mark Milliron, NU's president and CEO.

The university said it will closely monitor certificate completion rates and evaluate how such credentials contribute to students' career advancement.

To learn more, read the university's release.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • From Fire TV to Signage Stick: University of Utah's Digital Signage Evolution

    Jake Sorensen, who oversees sponsorship and advertising and Student Media in Auxiliary Business Development at the University of Utah, has navigated the digital signage landscape for nearly 15 years. He was managing hundreds of devices on campus that were incompatible with digital signage requirements and needed a solution that was reliable and lowered labor costs. The Amazon Signage Stick, specifically engineered for digital signage applications, gave him the stability and design functionality the University of Utah needed, along with the assurance of long-term support.

  • cybersecurity analyst in a modern operations center monitors multiple digital screens showing padlock icons, graphs, and a global map with security markers

    Louisiana State University Doubles Down on Larger Student-Run SOC

    In an effort to provide students with increased access to real-world cybersecurity experience, Louisiana State University has expanded its relationship with cybersecurity solutions provider TekStream to launch TigerSOC, a new student-run security operations center.

  • flowing lines and geometric shapes representing data flow and analysis

    Complete College America Launches Center to Boost Data-Driven Student Success Strategies

    National nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) recently launched the Center for Leadership, Institutional Metrics, and Best Practices (CLIMB), with the goal of helping higher education institutions use data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes.

  • geometric pattern features abstract icons of a dollar sign, graduation cap, and document

    Maricopa Community Colleges Adopts Platform to Combat Student Application Fraud

    In an effort to secure its admissions and financial processes, Maricopa Community Colleges has partnered with A.M. Simpkins and Associates (AMSA) to implement the company's S.A.F.E (Student Application Fraudulent Examination) across the district's 10 institutions.