Chemistry Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Jun 11, 2025

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There is a saying that chemistry is the central science. Therefore, for those seeking a versatile graduate science pathway that opens multiple doors to career opportunities, it is crucial to consider an online chemistry graduate certificate (sometimes referred to as a postgraduate or post-master’s certificate). Learn more about the requirements, classes, and career opportunities that follow a chemistry graduate certificate.

2026 Best Online Chemistry Graduate Certificate Programs

Looking for the best online chemistry graduate certificate programs? You have come to the right place. Graduatecertificate.org is proud to present our expert rankings of top programs designed to advance your career in chemistry. These online options offer great flexibility, allowing you to learn from home or anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially important for working professionals or those with busy schedules who need to balance education with other commitments. Distance learning makes it possible to gain valuable skills without relocating. Explore our detailed rankings to find a program that fits your goals. https://www.graduatecertificate.org/rankings-methodology/

Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN - Public 4-Year - indianapolis.iu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Chemistry

Online Learning - Visit Website

Indiana University-Indianapolis offers a 100% online Graduate Certificate in Chemistry, requiring 18 credit hours with in-state tuition at $350 per credit. This graduate-level program does not require an entrance exam and focuses on chemical processes and principles, including inorganic chemistry and organic spectroscopy. It's designed for educators seeking to teach dual-credit or community college classes, with admission requiring a bachelor's degree and 3.0 GPA. The program features multiple start dates and elective options but does not offer financial aid.

100% Online
18 Credit Hours
In-State Tuition $350
Out-of-State Tuition $490
Bachelor's Degree Required
3.0 GPA Minimum
Core Course Required
Electives Available
No Financial Aid
Multiple Start Dates

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Chemistry

Concentration: Biochemistry - Online Learning - Visit Website

Indiana University-Indianapolis provides a Graduate Certificate in Chemistry with a Biochemistry concentration, delivered entirely online. This 18-credit hour graduate program does not mandate an entrance exam and covers topics like organic spectroscopy and physical chemistry. Tailored for dual-credit instructors meeting HLC standards, it offers flexible coursework from multiple IU campuses. Tuition is $320 per credit for Indiana residents, with no on-campus requirements, making it ideal for educators and professionals advancing in biochemistry.

18 credit hours
Online program
Biochemistry concentration
$320 per credit (IN)
$450 per credit (out-of-state)
Meets HLC standards
Multiple IU campuses
Core and elective courses
No on-campus requirements
Ideal for educators

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Chemistry

Concentration: Environmental chemistry - Online Learning - Visit Website

The Graduate Certificate in Chemistry with an Environmental Chemistry concentration at Indiana University-Indianapolis is a 100% online program requiring 18 credit hours. This graduate-level offering does not require an entrance exam and emphasizes chemical processes impacting the environment, including a capstone project. Designed for dual-credit instructors meeting HLC standards, it features affordable tuition at $320 per credit for Indiana residents and a consortial model from IU campuses, providing flexibility for working professionals without on-campus obligations.

Focus on Environmental Chemistry
100% online program
18 credit hours required
Affordable tuition rates
Ideal for dual-credit instructors
Meets HLC standards
Consortial model from IU campuses
No on-campus requirements
Flexible for working professionals
Includes capstone project

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The College of Saint Scholastica

Duluth, MN - Private 4-year - css.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Chemistry Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The College of Saint Scholastica's online Graduate Chemistry Certificate provides working professionals and educators with advanced chemistry knowledge through a flexible, 100% asynchronous format. This 18-credit program features accelerated eight-week terms with six annual start dates, enabling completion in just two semesters. Coursework spans biochemistry, chemical education, and electives to enhance critical thinking and communication skills. No entrance exam is required; applicants need a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field, a recommendation letter, personal statement, transcripts, and prerequisites in organic chemistry, physics, and calculus. Tuition is $670 per credit for 2025-26, and a 2.8 science GPA is recommended.

100% online asynchronous format
Six starts per year
Accelerated eight-week terms
Complete in two semesters
Designed for professionals and educators
18 total program credits
Elective courses available
Tuition $670 per credit
Bachelor's degree required
Letter of recommendation needed

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL - Public 4-Year - uis.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Clinical Chemistry

Concentration: Clinical Chemistry - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Illinois Springfield's online Graduate Certificate in Clinical Chemistry is a 12-credit hour hybrid program that can be completed in four semesters. Designed for students with a bachelor's degree in a non-MLS field, it focuses specifically on clinical chemistry, preparing graduates for the ASCP BOC Scientist in Chemistry exam (Route 3). The program emphasizes practical laboratory experiences, quality assurance, diagnostic testing, and result interpretation skills. No entrance exam is required for admission. This flexible, career-friendly format provides a recognized pathway to certification, making graduates highly sought after in clinical chemistry laboratories.

12-credit hour program
Prepares for ASCP BOC exam
Flexible, career-friendly format
Complete in 4 semesters
Practical laboratory experiences
Quality assurance skills
Diagnostic testing proficiency
Result interpretation training
Hybrid program type
On-campus format

*Analysis based on: NCES IPEDS 2023 survey data.

2026 Affordable Online Chemistry Graduate Certificate Programs

Finding affordable programs for a graduate certificate in chemistry is key for many students. These options help you gain skills without high costs. In the USA, you can explore online programs from various states, like California or Texas, which offer flexible learning. The tuition range varies, so look for low-cost choices that fit your budget. This makes education more accessible, especially if you're balancing work or family. Focus on programs that highlight practical benefits, such as career advancement. By choosing economical paths, you invest in your future wisely. Remember to check details like program highlights to ensure they meet your goals.

School Name	Highlights	Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Indiana University-Indianapolis Graduate Certificate in Chemistry Graduate Certificate in Chemistry - Biochemistry Graduate Certificate in Chemistry - Environmental chemistry	Focus on Environmental Chemistry 100% online program 18 credit hours required Affordable tuition rates Ideal for dual-credit instructors Meets HLC standards Consortial model from IU campuses No on-campus requirements	$8,700 - $13,000 (Graduate In-State) $22,400 - $33,600 (Graduate Non-Resident)
The College of Saint Scholastica Graduate Chemistry Certificate	100% online asynchronous format Six starts per year Accelerated eight-week terms Complete in two semesters Designed for professionals and educators 18 total program credits Elective courses available Tuition $670 per credit	$12,300 - $18,500 (Graduate)
University of Illinois Springfield Graduate Certificate in Clinical Chemistry - Clinical Chemistry	12-credit hour program Prepares for ASCP BOC exam Flexible, career-friendly format Complete in 4 semesters Practical laboratory experiences Quality assurance skills Diagnostic testing proficiency Result interpretation training	$9,600 - $14,400 (Graduate In-State) $15,400 - $23,100 (Graduate Non-Resident)

*Higher education data sourced from: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.

What Are the Online Chemistry Graduate Certificate Requirements?

The exact requirements for admission to an online chemistry graduate certificate program are going to vary slightly from institution to institution; however, there are a few common themes that show up when it comes to admission requirements for this type of program. These include:

Evidence of the completion of an advanced chemistry degree (master’s degree or higher) from an accredited institution
Minimum GPA – often 3.0 or above
Transcripts indicating that students have completed the required coursework in chemistry, biology, and physics
Resume or CV highlighting relevant work experience
The inclusion of possible professional references and essay answers

Although many students will major in chemistry during their undergraduate years, this is not a requirement for applying to a chemistry graduate certificate program.

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Chemistry Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

Once students are accepted into the program, they must complete a wide variety of classes covering multiple chemistry topics to earn the certificate. Importantly, the courses that students will take will vary slightly from school to school, as different certificates will focus on different areas of concentration. Even though the curriculum will vary somewhat from program to program, some of the coursework may include:

Courses covering responsible research and publishing in chemistry
Advanced chromatography and chemical identification
Advanced methods in analytical chemistry
Organic reaction mechanisms
Spectroscopic identification of specific organic compounds
A focus on structural analysis
Advanced electrochemical analysis
Mass spectrometry
The chemistry of natural products
Advanced biochemistry, sometimes multiple semesters
A focus on polymer science
The Microscopy of Advanced Materials

These are just a few of the many examples of courses that students can take if they are interested in completing a graduate certificate in chemistry. Students who successfully complete this challenging certificate will open multiple doors to career opportunities.

What Type of Career Can I Pursue with an Online Chemistry Graduate Certificate?

For those who decide to pursue an online post-master’s certificate in chemistry, multiple career opportunities will be available. Some of the most common career opportunities that people pursue with a Post-Masters Chemistry Certificate include:

Researcher: Some students decide to pursue a career in research, where they work in a general chemistry lab, an inorganic chemistry lab, an organic chemistry lab, or a physical chemistry lab
Teaching/Education: Other students might decide to use this certificate to strengthen their resume as they apply for a position as a lecturer or a professor
Pharmaceutical Industry: Many students who graduate with a post-master’s certificate in chemistry will decide to go into industry and pursue pharmaceuticals, working in research and development for large companies
Engineering: There are also doors open in the engineering world with this type of certificate