How to Apply
Whether you are a current Jenkins graduate student or a new applicant, your path to enrollment depends on your student status.
Current Jenkins Graduate Students
Current Jenkins Graduate Students (MBA, MAC, MMA, MRA) at Poole College must complete the Certificate Data Plan Entry Form and email it to their academic advisor to participate in a certificate program.
Other Applicants
If you are a non-degree-seeking student (not currently enrolled in any degree programs at NC State), or you are a graduate student at another NC State University program outside of Poole College, you are in this category.
Application Deadlines
- August start: Apply by May 15
- January start: Apply by October 31
How to Apply
- Apply through the NC State Graduate School portal
- Select the certificate program as your intended major
- Upload the following materials:
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Transcripts
What Happens Next
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after submission.
- Interviews may be requested on a case-by-case basis.
- Applications submitted after the deadline are considered only if space is available.
- Submission of an application does not guarantee admission.
Questions? Contact us at pcom_gradcertificates@ncsu.edu
Estimated Tuition Rates
Tuition rates will vary depending on your student status (see below).
Please note that tuition and fees differ between on-campus (in-person) and distance education (online) courses.
Degree-seeking Students
Students currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at NC State (Jenkins MBA, MAC, MMA, MRA, or other graduate programs) pay tuition according to their enrolled degree program’s rate structure.
Certificate-only Students
Non-degree-seeking students are charged the standard graduate tuition rate listed below.
Amounts shown are minimum estimates for full certificate tuition* and do not include books, materials costs and future tuition increases.
- In-State Tuition: $7,153.32
- Out-of-State Tuition: $21,352.08
*Tuition rates are based on 2025-26 figures and are subject to change.
Questions? Schedule an appointment with our team to discuss tuition rates and options.
Employer Sponsorship and Financial Support
Many certificate students receive partial or full employer sponsorship.
Because certificates are often completed over two to three years, many students find the investment manageable—especially when supported through employer professional development or tuition assistance programs.
We encourage prospective students to speak with their employer’s HR or professional development office to explore available funding options.
Financial Aid Resources
- NC State Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
- State Employee Faculty & Staff Tuition Waiver
- Military Benefits Information
- NC Residency
Program Requirements and Academic Policies
All students enrolled in a Graduate Certificate Program (GCP) must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Submit an official transcript indicating degree conferral
Academic Performance Requirements
- Minimum 3.000 GPA on all certificate coursework
- Minimum grade of C- for a course to count (some programs may require higher)
- All 400-level and above courses count toward GPA
Read more about certificate requirements and policies
Completion Timeline
- Certificates must be completed within four years from the first applicable course
- Students may earn multiple certificates, but each must include at least 9 unique credit hours
Admitted Students
Congratulations on taking this exciting step in your career! Find all you need to know about registration, tuition and more on the Admitted Certificate Students site.