General FAQs

Can I apply financial aid to the certificate program?

Students taking certificate programs are not entitled to financial aid. Only degree-seeking students are eligible for financial aid.

Are there scholarships available?

Scholarships are available to CUNY SPS students and students can apply through the Office of Scholarships.

Is there career placement for the certificate?

The Office of Career Services offers career advisement for this certificate.

What if I don’t meet the 3.0 GPA requirement for admissions?

You will be required to submit a personal statement that provides information about your previous academic experience, why you would like to take this program, and anything that will enable Admissions to get a full picture of your academic ability.

By when is a student notified of acceptance in these two certificate programs?

Acceptance decisions are usually made within 2 to 3 weeks after a completed application is submitted.

Is there a deadline to complete all 9 credits?

There is no deadline for completion, but if a student does not attend for more than two consecutive semesters, he/she may be asked to complete a re-admission process before continuing.

Is there an application fee waiver for a returning student?

A returning student has to pay the fee for each application they submit, unless they submit their application before the “priority deadline”.

What is the tuition cost/cost per credit?

Please visit the Office of the Bursar for graduate student tuition rates.

Do I need to submit letters of recommendation or a resume with my application?

You will not need to submit letters of recommendation or a resume with your application.

I have already attended a CUNY school. Do I need to submit my transcripts?

No, you do not need to submit your transcripts as CUNY will be able to access them.

As a re-admit will I have to retake the courses I have already completed?

You will not need to re-take any course which you have successfully completed.

Is there a deadline to accept the offer to enroll?

There is no official deadline to accept the offer to enroll.

I submitted my application. Do I need to do anything else now?

You do not have to do anything until you hear back from the admissions department.

Do I need any prerequisites to apply for this program?

Students need a bachelor’s degree to apply for the program. If your GPA is less than 3.0, we will request a personal statement.

I have completed 9 credits. What else do I need to do to receive my certificate?

Students need to complete an application to graduate in order to generate their final transcript to receive their certificate.

I am a CUNY alumna and a CUNY teacher. Can I get a discount?

CUNY alumni do not receive a tuition discount. Currently employed CUNY faculty and staff can get a tuition discount depending on their job title. Interested faculty or staff should reach out to their school’s HR office for more information.

I am here on a F1 visa and am currently waiting for my U visa. Can I apply while my visa is pending?

Visa status does not affect the application process, nor will it stop one’s application from being reviewed. Please visit the Office of Admissions for more information on applying with an F1 visa.

I am having difficulty uploading my transcripts. How can I submit them?

We prefer electronic transcripts sent directly from the college and/or university to admissions@sps.cuny.edu.

I have already had my undergrad transcript evaluated. Can I send it to you directly?

The evaluation agency must send CUNY SPS a copy of the course-by-course evaluation report directly to admissions@sps.cuny.edu.

When are online classes typically held?

Online courses are asynchronous, which allows students to read course materials, participate in class discussions and complete assignments at their own pace each week.

When will I be assigned an advisor?

You will be assigned an advisor as soon as you accept the offer to enroll in the program.

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General FAQs