Studying a short course can offer valuable professional skills and career advancement opportunities; in fact, most students who took short-term courses in the USA were able to find lucrative jobs with high-paying salaries.
Studying short courses in the USA may pose a better option for foreign learners whose plan is to seek employment in the country. Here are the reasons why: Firstly, completing a short course is less demanding than taking a four-year degree course since you will only be taught the required skills and knowledge you need. Secondly, the tuition fees are relatively much lower compared to bachelor’s or master’s tuition costs. Lastly, completing a short course to find employment saves time since you’re gaining the necessary skills quickly and often find employment shortly after the completion of your course.
If you’re an international student planning to enroll in a short-term course in the USA, then this article is for you. Read our list of top short courses with high-income opportunities.
Top Short-term and Certificate Courses in the USA
Here, we list the most valuable short courses in the USA for international students, each characterized by its own benefits and opportunities.
1. Data Analytics for Business
- Host Institution: University of California, Irvine
- Duration of Study: 7 to 18 months
- Mode of Study: Online
Data Analytics for Business is a certificate program offered by the University of California, Irvine as an online course. Studying data analytics will train students to make successful business decisions. The curriculum includes concepts of collecting, managing, analyzing, and interpreting data to develop strategies in any industry.
The Data Analytics for Business Certificate is specifically designed for individuals with work experience in data analytics, marketing, sales, and similar departments to enhance their professional skills and gain deeper insights into the business world. The course is taught online, and the total tuition fee is $4,850 for 13 credits and 7 to 18 months of study.
2. Personal Financial Planning
- Host Institution: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Duration of Study: 1 yr (full-time), 2 yrs (part-time), 9 months (online)
- Mode of Study: On-campus or Online
Another prestigious certificate program from the University of California is Personal Financial Planning at UCLA. In this certificate program, students can learn the fundamentals of financial planning, including investments, retirement and insurance planning, as well as ethics in personal finance planning and risk management.
Personal Financial Planning certificate program is targeted for finance professionals with 2 or 3 years of work experience in investment, insurance, estate, or retirement planning. Students are given -time, full-time, and online options to complete the program. Part-time and full-time options include eight courses in total, and the online option includes 7. Tuition rates will differ depending on which mode of study you choose, for the face-to-face option, the total tuition fee is $7,160; while taking it online will cost $6,170.
3. Intensive Language and Culture
- Host Institution: Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies
- Duration of Study: 8 weeks
- Mode of Study: On-campus
The Intensive Language and Culture Certificate Program is an immersive eight-week course offered at the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies with multiple entry periods. The program is designed for non-English speaking international students who wish to improve their English composition, conversation, and comprehension skills while discovering American culture and social life. The total tuition fee for this course is $4,904 for 8 weeks.
4. Information Technology
- Host Institution: University of Massachusetts, Lowell
- Duration of Study: 3-4 months
- Mode of Study: Online
Information Technology (IT) Certificate Program is a 6-course undergraduate certificate program offered at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. The course includes 2 required courses and 4 elective courses, each having 3 credits. The IT certificate program is ideal for students planning a degree and employment as software developers, computer programmers, computer system analysts, computer network architects, and more. The total tuition fee for 6 courses in the program is $6,930, and there is no fee for application.
5. Digital Engineering
- Host Institution: University of Massachusetts, Lowell
- Duration of Study: 3-4 months
- Mode of Study: Online
Another online certificate program at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, is Digital Engineering, encompassing 6 courses and 12 credits in total. In this certificate program, students can gain expertise in digital modeling practices, processes, and products. The program is targeted at graduate students holding a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. The total tuition cost for this starts from $7,200.
6. International Development
- Host Institution: Johns Hopkins University
- Duration of Study: 3-4 months
- Mode of Study: On campus
The Certificate in International Development is a postgraduate course offered at Johns Hopkins University in California. By taking this program, students can enhance their knowledge centering on political, social, economic, and environmental issues in developing countries. Students are required to take required courses from comparative politics, as well as three elective courses from international development, climate, or sustainability departments. Students who prefer to take it full-time can complete the course in one semester, yet if they choose the part-time option, they would have to complete it in two semesters.
7. Artificial Intelligence Professional Program
- Host Institution: Stanford University
- Duration of Study: 10 weeks per course
- Mode of Study: Online
Stanford University also offers a highly comprehensive professional certificate program in Artificial Intelligence, including seven different courses lasting 10 weeks. Graduate-level students can choose among the short courses, including Deep Generative Models, Natural Language Understanding, Machine Learning, and more. The short-term courses in this program are also affordable for a 10-week duration, each course costing $1,750.
8. Product Management
- Host Institution: Stanford University
- Duration of Study: 10 weeks
- Mode of Study: Online
Stanford University also offers an accelerated certificate course in Product Management. The course lasts 10 weeks, and each week, students will discover key principles and issues in marketing, team management, product lifecycle, and more. The instruction is provided by the experienced teaching team of Stanford School of Engineering and guest speakers. By the end of the course, students receive a Certificate of Achievement from Stanford University. The total tuition fee for the course is $3,995.
9. Technology and Operations
- Host Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management
- Duration of Study: 1 month
- Mode of Study: Blended Learning
Offered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Executive Certificate in Technology and Operations is for qualified and experienced seniors in management. Experienced executives and managers can discover new insights into supply chain management within the perspectives of evolving technology and the demands of the new globalized world.
The certificate program is offered by experts in the sector, together with the top-level teaching standards of MIT. To obtain the certificate, students must complete at least 8 courses in the curriculum, which can be done in one month or more, depending on the availability of the courses and student.
10. Digital Business
- Host Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management
- Duration of Study: 1 month
- Mode of Study: Blended Learning
Another executive certificate program offered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the Digital Business program. The program is suitable for executives and managers to expand their skills in optimizing digital customer experience. By obtaining the executive certificate, managers will be able to effectively manage their company with the digital skills they learned from the program.
The Executive Certificate Program in Digital Business aims to boost individuals’ executive skillset and find solutions to certain challenges they will encounter. To successfully complete the program, students must enroll in at least 8 courses of their choice. The courses are available online or face-to-face, and the program can be finished in one month.
11. Intensive English Program
- Host Institution: Eastern Michigan University
- Duration of Study: 4 months
- Mode of Study: On-campus
Eastern Michigan University’s Intensive English Program is a 4-month short course eligible for both undergraduate and graduate level students with F-1 or F-2 visas. The aims of the program include enhancing the English proficiency of college-level students before formally starting their degree programs. The Intensive English Program lasts 4 months for full-time students, yet there is also a part-time option available. The total tuition fee of the program is $7,800.
12. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages / TESOL
- Host Institution: Eastern Michigan University
- Duration of Study: One year
- Mode of Study: Blended Learning
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a graduate certificate program offered at Eastern Michigan University. The program is for novice or experienced teachers who have been certified to teach English as a foreign or second language and take the course for professional development purposes. With this program, teacher students can gain deeper knowledge into the language learning challenges of students and how to encourage better learning in a multilingual environment. To complete the certificate program, students are required to complete a minimum of 12 credit hours.
13. Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Host Institution: Eastern Michigan University
- Duration of Study: One year
- Mode of Study: Blended Learning
Eastern Michigan University offers a one-year graduate certificate program in Hotel and Restaurant Management for individuals whose career interests align with the hospitality and management sector. In this program, students can concentrate on the key issues and principles of hotel and restaurant management, from food serving to event planning, hospitality industry marketing, international hospitality management, and more. A total of 18 credits are required to complete the program, and for international admissions, applicants must be aware of the requirements and deadlines as it may differ from domestic applications.
14. Early Childhood Special Education
- Host Institution: American College of Education
- Duration of Study: 5 months
- Mode of Study: Online
In this micro-credential course, the American College of Education offers teacher students a series of courses to expand their methodologies to teach young learners in diverse populations. Early Childhood Special Education program is targeted for novice or experienced teachers to be introduced to the critical dimensions of teaching young children with special needs, including language development, assessment, behavior management, and more.
The credential program is offered entirely online, and students must obtain a total of 12 credits to complete the program. The total tuition fee for this program is $3,400.
15. Adult Education and Corporate Training
- Host Institution: American College of Education
- Duration of Study: 8 months
- Mode of Study: Online
The Certificate in Adult Education and Corporate Training is a certificate program designed to meet the needs of teachers who are engaged in professional environments of adult learners. In this program, teachers can enhance their interpersonal skills and pedagogical knowledge through experiential activities in the program curriculum. The program requires 18 credits to be completed, and the total tuition fee is $5,100.
16. Professional Fundraising
- Host Institution: Boston University
- Duration of Study: 12 weeks
- Mode of Study: Online
Boston University offers an online certificate program in Professional Fundraising targeted for individuals working in fundraising organizations or institutions. With this certificate program, students can take their professional skills to the next level. The courses do not follow a scheduled time; instead, students can track their own pace to complete the tasks and access the course materials at any time they wish. The total tuition for the program is $2,495.
17. Computer Science
- Host Institution: Boston University
- Duration of Study: 8-12 months
- Mode of Study: On-campus
The undergraduate certificate program in Computer Science is designed to train C++ and Java software development specialists in a short period to meet the increasing demand in the sector. The program includes discrete mathematics, computer architecture, C++ and Java. Students who complete the program and later receive their bachelor’s degree can further their studies at the graduate level by taking a follow-up certification program, the Software Engineering Certificate Program.
18. Industrial Organizational Psychology
- Host Institution: St. Joseph’s University
- Duration of Study: 3-4 months
- Mode of Study: Online
The Industrial Organizational Psychology Certificate Program is offered at St. Joseph’s University for students looking to advance their professional expertise on principles in psychology to integrate them with work settings. The main areas of study in the industrial psychology program include human resources, employment, professional training and development, productivity, and more. The course contains 21 credits, including 12 mandatory credits and 9 electives.
19. Healthcare Management
- Host Institution: St. Joseph’s University
- Duration of Study: 3-4 months
- Mode of Study: Online
Certificate in Healthcare Management is a focused course for managers seeking a career path in the healthcare sector. The program curriculum includes health administration, healthcare delivery systems, computer applications in health administration, and more. The program encompasses 15 credits, and a minimum of 12 credits must be completed to earn the certificate.
20. Biotechnology
- Host Institution: Tufts University
- Duration of Study: 1 year
- Mode of Study: On-campus
Tuft University’s Biotechnology is a two-semester certificate program aimed at developing pharmacological products using biotechnology. Students can choose from engineering or science program tracks to obtain the certificate. By obtaining the Biotechnology Certificate Program, students can gain an in-depth knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, biomaterials, and other bioengineering principles.
FAQs: Short-term / Certificate Courses in the U.S.
What Are the Factors to Consider When Choosing a Short Course in the U.S.?
The most important factor when choosing a short course is the accreditation of your certificate/diploma. You must prefer courses that are offered at verified institutions or universities. Always check the credibility of the program.
What Are the Advantages of Enrolling in a Short-term or Certificate Course in the U.S.?
Short-term courses or certificate programs are for students, professionals, or anyone who wants to boost their personal career development. These courses will provide specific skills which can often be taken in numerous course options. Once you have completed a course, you’ll be able to add these credentials to your CV. Individuals who have completed short-term courses can find suitable jobs with high-paying salaries.
Are Short-term or Certificate Courses Valued by Employers?
Both short-term courses and certificates are great sources to hone your skills and gain personal development. With certificates or diplomas from such short courses, you are at great advantage to your potential employers. Added skillset and knowledge will surely help you stand out from other applicants.
The benefits of studying a short course or certificate program are more than we can mention in this article alone, and in the USA, there are plenty of short course options for international students to follow their career goals. If you found what you’ve been looking for in a short course, apply today to take the initial step.
These are just some of the short courses offered by different educational institutions in the United States. We hope you’ll find this article helpful. To know more about studying abroad, check our Guide to Studying in the USA and Available Programs for International Students sections!
