Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies program ("CAGS") now available
Prescott, Arizona Northcentral University (NCU) today announced the addition of the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) to its curriculum. NCU, A 100% online university, developed the courses to afford Learners already holding Masters degrees the opportunity to stay current in their field or explore new career opportunities by completing six courses in one of 26 specializations offered in business and technology management, education, or psychology.
Learners enrolling in CAGS can begin courses on the first of each month and complete each 3-credit course in 12 weeks. Those successfully completing six courses of prescribed coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or better will be awarded the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, and credits earned can be transferred into doctoral degree programs at NCU.
The CAGS is a significant departure for NCU, where over 73 percent of the student body is enrolled in a doctoral program. It is anticipated that CAGS will meet a genuine need among individuals desiring advanced level continuing education as well as with organizations that want to retain their existing professional staff even as they upgrade or modernize their in-house skill and knowledge base.
The CAGS will be of special interest to professionals in business, education, and mental health holding Masters degrees who seek concentrated graduate study to maintain or advance their career within their current discipline or to prepare for a career in a new discipline. In addition, those interested in pursuing education beyond the Masters degree who are unsure about applying for doctoral degree programs will have an opportunity to explore advanced graduate education knowing that the credits will transfer to a doctoral program if they choose.
Employers will also be interested in CAGS if they seek to upgrade and retain their staff and want to offer professional employees already possessing Masters degrees an alternative to training programs and college degree programs. At the same time CAGS presents organizations an education format that is considerably more in-depth than the standard training model, and a more focused and far more time- and cost-efficient investment than a doctoral degree entails.
As with all NCU academic programs CAGS courses begin monthly and are conducted 100% online using email, discussion forums, and assignments through the Learners web portal. Learners can take 12 weeks to complete each course but may complete the course early and start a new course. Learners may take courses concurrently with the approval of NCU. All courses are taught by qualified faculty Mentors who work with each Learner one-on-one to ensure their success.
A Summary of Direct CAGS Benefits
Individual
- Provides a highly concentrated educational format to maintain current knowledge and build your proficiency in chosen specialization
- Offers a way to demonstrate a willingness to learn, grow, and contribute to future success of your organization
- Teaches current best practices while you network with professional mentors
- Helps build your credentials for career advancement
Organizational
- Promotes employee retention for professional staff
- Upgrades knowledge and skills to build a more agile organization
- Provides an alternative to short-term training or long-term college degree programs
To apply for admission, prospective Learners will complete an online application form and pay a non-refundable $50 application fee. Learners must have official transcripts from prior colleges and universities sent to the Registrar at NCU, and successful completion of a Masters degree in any field is the basis of admission to the CAGS.
The CAGS fee is $1,485 per three-credit course, or $8,910 for completion of the six courses to earn the certificate. Course textbooks and materials are extra and the responsibility of the Learner. All other enrollment and academic policies are the same as for NCU Learners enrolled in degree programs. Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants.