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why get certified
why get certified
Earning a certification can be a great way to build your resume, explore an interest, or demonstrate your knowledge to employers—especially if you're still gaining formal experience. Whether you're interested in tech, business, health, education, or creative industries, certifications show initiative and help you stand out.
getting started
getting started
Popular Certification Areas
Popular Certification Areas
Environmental & Marine Science
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) – e.g., Esri ArcGIS
Scientific Diving Certification – often tied to field research
Hazardous Waste Operations (HAZWOPER)
CPR/First Aid & Wilderness First Responder
Boating Safety or Vessel Operator Licenses
Climate Change or Environmental Policy Courses – from Coursera, edX, or UNCC Learn
Psychology, Human Development, and Health
Mental Health First Aid / Youth Mental Health First Aid
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training
Certified Peer Educator (CPE)
CITI Program (research ethics and human subjects training) – often required for research roles
Crisis Counselor Training – like those offered by Crisis Text Line
International Studies, Language, Global Affairs
TEFL / TESOL Certification – Teaching English abroad
Foreign Language Proficiency Certifications – e.g., DELE for Spanish, HSK for Chinese
Intercultural Competence Badges or Microcredentials
Business, Communication, and Social Impact
Google Analytics / Google Digital Marketing
HubSpot Marketing or CRM Certifications
QuickBooks or Excel for Business
Project Management (e.g., CAPM or Google Project Management)
Nonprofit Management – via platforms like Nonprofit Ready or Coursera
Technology & Data (for all majors!)
Excel or Google Sheets Advanced Skills
Python for Beginners / R Programming
Tableau or Power BI (Data Visualization)
Digital Literacy Certificates (IC3, LinkedIn Learning badges)
AI Literacy or Digital Ethics Microcredentials
Creative Arts & Media
Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
Canva Design School Certifications
Podcasting or Video Editing Workshops
Social Media Strategy Certifications
Where to Find Certifications
Where to Find Certifications
Eckerd Courses & Departments: Some courses offer certifications as part of the curriculum
Online Learning Platforms: Coursera, LinkedIn Learning (free through our library), edX, Udemy
Professional Associations: Many offer low-cost or student-rate certifications
Campus Events: Keep an eye out for Career Center or club-hosted certification workshops
Need Help Choosing?
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure what certification makes sense for your goals? Ask faculty members which certifications are in demand in your field, and schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to explore your options and learn how to highlight them on your resume.
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