Workforce Readiness

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.