Graduate certificate programs provide professional development opportunities to graduate students.

All certificate programs require prior completion of a bachelor’s degree. The Advanced Counseling Certificate and all Doctor of Medical Science certificate programs also require prior completion of a master’s degree.

Domestic Application Deadlines

• Summer semester: May 1
• Fall semester: July 31
• Spring term: Nov. 30

Step 1: Apply

At Lynchburg, you can easily apply online. Start your application, save it, and finish it whenever you want. This makes applying to Lynchburg simple.

All of our programs utilize the same application. To apply for a certificate program, start a general University of Lynchburg application, and when prompted, select the option for Graduate Degree, Grad Non-degree, or Certificate. Once you have opened your application, under the Program Information section, select the option for Certificate/Licensure.

Step 2: Submit Your Application Materials

Required

Include these required materials with your application or send them separately by mail:

• University transcripts: Submit an official copy of your transcript from your bachelor’s degree and your master’s degree (if applicable). Required from each college attended indicating all college coursework completed. Transcripts must have the official school seal and be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Success from all the institutions you have previously attended.

Next Steps

Once we receive your application and materials, we’ll review them and contact you with an admission decision or a request for additional information. Acceptance as a graduate certificate student is limited to certificate-specific classes. If you are interested in a degree program, consult the faculty certificate advisor to verify the credits that apply to that degree

You can expect to receive a decision for many programs within two weeks. Certificate program students are not eligible for financial aid. 

For International Graduate Certificate Applications

Graduate International Application Deadlines:

• Fall Enrollment Deadline: June 1 (for the August to December semester)
• Spring Enrollment Deadline: Oct. 15 (for the January to May semester)
• Summer Enrollment Deadline: March 1 (for May, June, and July summer terms)

STEP 1: Apply

UNIVERSITY OF LYNCHBURG APPLICATION

At Lynchburg, you can easily apply online. Start your application, save it, and finish it whenever you want. This makes applying to Lynchburg simple.

All of our programs utilize the same application. To apply for a certificate program, start a general University of Lynchburg application, and when prompted, select the option for Graduate Degree, Grad Non-degree, or Certificate. Once you have opened your application, under the Program Information section, select the option for Certificate/Licensure.

STEP 2: Submit Your Application Materials

Required

Include these required materials with your application or send them separately by mail:

• University transcripts: The University of Lynchburg requires international students to furnish verification of the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Sciences equivalency of their academic record (e.g., through an international transcript assessment service). For students for which the verification of courses is not essential for admissions into, and course planning for, a graduate program, such an analysis must only confirm that the individual received the equivalent of an American four-year (BA/BS) degree from his/her home institution. In some instances (e.g., teacher licensure), a more detailed course-by-course analysis will be required. Some transcripts may be evaluated internally by the University of Lynchburg.
• Copy of Passport: A photocopy of your passport’s front informational page showing your biographical data. You may submit this by mail or email to your admissions coordinator. 
• Financial Resources Verification: The letter should be written on the bank’s letterhead stationery and provide support for the certificate of finances. It should indicate how long the person has been a bank member and if he/she has adequate funds to support projected costs for attending the University of Lynchburg.
• Certificate of Finances: To obtain this document and costs for your specific graduate program, please contact the Office of Graduate Success at 434.544.8300 or [email protected].
• TOEFL Scores: (Minimum 80 Internet-based tests/550 paper-based tests) or IELTS (minimum 6.0)
  TOEFL/IELTS Waiver Policy
  Under certain circumstances, international applicants to graduate programs may request a waiver for the TOEFL when applying for admission. University of Lynchburg, Office of Graduate Success will consider, on a case-by-case basis, TOEFL waiver requests from applicants who fall into one of the following categories:
  • The applicant has completed at least three years of full-time study at a recognized secondary school, college, or university whose primary language of instruction is English or
  • The applicant has completed a bachelor’s degree or higher in an accredited US college or university or
  • The applicant has a current IELTS band score (less than 5 years old) of 6.5 or
  • The applicant has completed nine semester hours of lower division English in an accredited US college or university, three of which must be in composition and three in literature or
  • The applicant has completed the highest level of intensive English study and is recommended for academic study by an English Language Institute recognized by the University of Lynchburg.
• A TOEFL waiver is not automatic for any applicant. TOEFL waiver is dependent on individual programs. To request a TOEFL waiver, the applicant must submit the following materials to the Office of Graduate Success:
  • A brief written request outlining why the OGS should grant a TOEFL waiver (including career goals and objectives) and indicating which of the above waiver categories applies.
  • Copies of all academic transcripts for work completed at any college or university attended (if copies have not already been provided to the Office of Graduate Success).

Once admitted, international students may enroll with a J-1 VISA to complete a specific in-person certificate program within 24 months. Online programs do not qualify for a J-1 or F-1 VISA.

You can expect to receive a decision for many programs within 2 weeks. Certificate students are not eligible for financial aid.  In the meantime, get to know Lynchburg better with a campus visit or a virtual tour!