UT Permian Basin’s stackable graduate certificate programs are a stepping-stone for students pursuing or considering a master’s degree.  

Our stackable graduate certificate programs offer a concentrated course of study within an overarching master’s degree program. All credit hours completed in these graduate certificate programs are “stackable” and can be applied to the master’s degree. As an added bonus:  

Eligible graduates of stackable certificate programs can be automatically admitted to the corresponding master’s degree program, whether they continue their studies now or at a later date. 

Stackable Graduate Certificate Pathways 

Select a stackable graduate certificate below to learn more about the program, its corresponding master’s degree, and admission requirements.  

The online Graduate Certificate in Spanish program guides students through an exploration of Spanish culture, linguistics, and literature. This 12-credit online program stacks with our online Master of Arts in Spanish program, which helps students truly master the Spanish language.  

Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: 

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university 
  • 12 hours of intermediate and advanced undergraduate Spanish courses 
  • Official transcripts 

The online Graduate Certificate in Energy Business program helps students apply their knowledge of accounting, finance, and law to the growing energy industry. This 12-credit online program stacks with the Master of Science in Energy Business program.  

Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: 

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university 
  • A 3.0 GPA or better in the last 60 credit hours of coursework 
  • Official transcripts  

Automatic Admission  

Graduates of our stackable certificate programs can be automatically admitted into the corresponding master’s degree program, if they so choose. Bypassing regular admission, this process only requires a completed application, and prospective master’s degree students will receive an admission letter shortly after applying.  

Apply to a Stackable Graduate Certificate Program 

Stackable graduate certificates are an opportunity to experience the rigors of graduate school and work toward a master’s degree without making a long-term commitment. These online programs are:  

  • Affordable: Tuition for most online graduate certificates is less than $5,000.  
  • Focused: Gain specialized knowledge and skills immediately applicable to your career. 
  • Efficient: Earn a certificate in a fraction of the time it takes to complete a master’s degree program.  

Apply to one of our stackable graduate certificate programs and make every success a step toward earning a master’s degree from UT Permian Basin.  

Contact your academic advisor to gain access to the application for automatic admission. Once your application is submitted, be on the lookout for notice of admission from your advisor.  

Credits are transferable up to eight years after completion of a stackable graduate certificate program.  

Graduate level courses “expire” after eight years. Until then, graduates of a stackable graduate certificate program can apply for automatic admission to its corresponding master’s degree program. Students should contact their academic advisor for application information. 

As non-degree seeking students, students in our stackable graduate certificate programs are not eligible for scholarships or financial aid.  

No, online courses do not affect students’ residency status.  

Yes. Students can meet with their advisor to discuss their options.