Undergraduate Certificate in Core Competencies

Start strong with a Certificate in Core Competencies at Indiana University Southeast

The Undergraduate Certificate in Core Competencies at IU Southeast is designed for students who are beginning their college journey or returning after time away. Whether you're a working adult without prior college experience or someone with past college credit seeking to continue, this program helps you build the foundational academic skills you need. With flexible options including day and evening classes, online coursework, or a hybrid of both, you can begin or resume your education in a way that fits your life.

Flexible learning designed for real life

This certificate can be completed fully online, on campus with day or evening classes, or in a combination of both. IU Southeast offers maximum flexibility to support students balancing work, family, or other commitments. The program is open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED who meets the university’s admission requirements, as well as to admitted high school students looking to get a head start. Depending on your pace, the certificate can be completed in as little as one year full-time or two years part-time.

Build the skills to move forward with confidence

The Certificate in Core Competencies at IUS helps you develop the essential academic and communication skills needed for success in college-level coursework and professional environments. You’ll gain confidence in critical thinking, writing, quantitative reasoning, and time management while laying the groundwork for future degree study.

A gateway to your next step

After finishing this certificate, you’ll be ready to declare a major and continue working toward a degree in the field of your choice. This certificate opens doors to a wide range of academic and career pathways by ensuring you're prepared for the next level of college coursework. Whether you're interested in business, health sciences, education, social work, or the arts, the Certificate in Core Competencies is your first step forward.

Application and tuition information

Online application

Learn how to apply to this program.

Scholarships

Explore which scholarships are available to you.

Tuition information

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Certificate Information

120 Credit hours
Minimum culumulative GPA of 2.0
In-person

Certificate requirements

Please visit the IU Southeast Bulletin website for specific certificate requirements.

Careers and Next Steps

Students who earn the Core Competencies Certificate at IU Southeast are well-prepared to:

  • Transition into associate or bachelor’s degree programs
  • Re-enter the college environment with a clear academic foundation
  • Strengthen skills needed for workplace advancement or career changes
  • Explore academic interests before committing to a major

IU Southeast’s Certificate in Core Competencies is a foundation for achieving your educational and professional goals, no matter where you're starting from.

Kentucky residents

Kentucky students are part of our IU Southeast family. In fact, students from ten Kentucky counties receive in-state tuition through our reciprocity program, students from non-reciprocity Kentucky counties qualify for reduced tuition through our Indiana Partner Program, and all Kentucky students may qualify for the KEES Match Scholarship! Learn more about the advantages of attending IU Southeast, including the lowest four-year tuition rate in the region, staying close to home while you earn your degree, and the unique experience only IU Southeast can offer.

Your brighter future begins here