Certificate Programs are designed to prepare students for employment in selected professional, technical, and occupational skill areas. OWCC offers two types of certificate programs, college credit certificates and vocational credit certificates. Both are technically oriented and require less time to complete than do the two-year degree programs.

College Credit Certificates

College credit certificates¹ range from twenty-four (24) to sixty (60) credits in length, although most are comprised of thirty (30) credits, and require approximately one academic year to complete. Courses in these certificates include professional and technical skills, with an emphasis on practical application. Most college credit certificate programs include an internship option through which students may gain on-the-job experience as they study.

Each of the OWCC college credit certificates is paired with a companion A.S. Degree Program. Upon successful completion of the college credit certificate, the student may receive credit toward approximately 45% to 50% of the course requirements in the companion A.S. Degree program. Conversely, students who successfully complete the technical credits within a companion A.S. Degree program may qualify for graduation from the appropriate certificate program. In this manner, students may receive two graduation credentials from the college. Students should work closely with an advisor to plan their studies in a way to take advantage of this opportunity.

College Credit Certificates Offered at OWCC

• Accounting Applications
• Business Management/Small Business Management
• Child Development and Education
• Microcomputer Specialist
• Office Systems Specialist
• Promotion Management (Marketing)
• At catalog press time, a number of additional short-term college credit programs were under consideration and development by OWCC. Students interested in pursuing a field of study not listed above should contact the Office of the Vice President for Instruction or the Office of Enrollment Services to check on the status of additional short term college credit options.

Vocational Credit Certificates

Vocational credit certificates¹ are comprised of vocational credits, as distinct from college credits. The certificates are generally less than one year in length and are designed to prepare students for employment in selected occupational skill areas. Most vocational certificates contain an internship option through which students may gain on-the-job experience as they study. The curriculum is heavily oriented toward problem solving and skill application. In certain circumstances, the skills acquired through completion of a vocational credit certificate may be articulated into comparable college credit work and applied to college credit certificates or A.S. Degree programs. Students should work closely with an advisor to plan their studies in a way to take advantage of this opportunity.

Vocational Credit Certificates Offered at OWCC

• Corrections Basic
• Customer Service Specialist
• Hospitality Services
• Law Enforcement Basic
• Maintenance/Facilities Specialist (Environmental Services)
• Office Support Technology

At catalog press time, a number of additional vocational credit certificates were under consideration and development by OWCC. Students interested in pursuing a field of study not listed above should contact the Office of the Vice President for Instruction or the Office of Enrollment Services to check on the status of additional certificate options.

Graduation Requirements for Certificate Programs

To successfully complete a college or vocational credit certificate, the student must meet the following requirements.

1. Complete the courses and other requirements as specified in the program of study.

2. Complete at least 25% of the certificate coursework in residence at OWCC.

3. Maintain a cumulative GPA of not less than 2.00 in all coursework pursued for the certificate.

4. Satisfy all other college graduation requirements.

In addition, students wishing to complete a vocational certificate must demonstrate minimum skill levels in reading, communications, and mathematics, as measured by the TABE. The levels vary for each program of study.

¹At catalog press time the State of Florida was reviewing the length and content of the vocational programs offered in the community college system. Some program requirements may change upon completion of this review.