Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study
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TOTAL COST
$10,780*
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NEXT START DATE
Jul 07, 2025
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COMPLETION TIME
15 Months†
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AVG. SALARY PREMIUM
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SEMESTER CREDITS
30
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- Overview
- Why ACE?
- Tuition
- Program Details
- Start Dates
- Courses
- Featured Faculty
- Admission Requirements
Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study
This program is designed for students wishing to design their own program of study at the post-master’s level. Students can choose from a variety of courses to customize their study around topics most relevant to their field or interests.
Why ACE?
Quality You Expect
Our accredited programs are designed for working professionals who want a quality education. We’re committed to delivering high-quality, affordable and accessible online programs grounded in evidence-based content and relevant application.
Low Cost You Deserve
Because we’re 100% online, you only pay for the cost of delivering your education, not infrastructure like buildings or dorms. In fact, our affordability allows most of our students to graduate with no debt. We also offer over $2.5 million in scholarships and grants every year.
Flexibility You Need
Complete your coursework any time and anywhere there’s an internet connection. You’ll have access to academic resources 24/7, and highly responsive faculty and librarians. You decide how we fit into your life, not the other way around.
Tuition
We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.
Total Cost Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study |
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Total Tuition 30 semester credits x $306 per credit |
$9,180 |
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Fees $100 Application Fee$150 Conferral Fee $1350 Technology and Library Fee (30 Semester Credits X $45 per Credit) |
$1,600 |
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Total Program Cost |
$10,780* |
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Find a plan that fits your budget.
Program Details
The Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) is a post-master’s certificate of advanced study. Students major in interdisciplinary educational studies, allowing them the ability to choose their courses. Structured for those seeking to enhance graduate level skills through a student-designed program of study, this certificate offers a range of selected courses tailored to align to personal and professional goals. The certificate includes nine courses plus a three credit course devoted to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations, for a total of 30 semester hours. Credits earned in the CAGS program are transferrable to the Ed.S. or Ed.D. in Leadership at American College of Education.
Program Outcomes
- Assess contributions in the field by applying, evaluating, and revising ideas, designs, and approaches to solve problems which promote application of cognitive and psychological foundations to increase personal and corporate productivity.
- Evaluate theories, standards, and principles within the critical frameworks of a discipline to identify appropriate methods for engaging in content, including ways to evaluate and conduct research.
- Demonstrate knowledge of organization or industry standards and collaborative strategies by incorporating multiple resources to ensure the application of diverse viewpoints and ethical reasoning when endeavors require critical and creative thought.
- Devise approaches which exercise multiple perspectives to engage, explain, and express how experts within a field consider evidence as a means to generate new options which also helps to establish and maintain a climate of mutual respect, trust, collegiality, and support.
- Demonstrate awareness of critical issues within a field of study, requiring both a personal response and a professional position, which impact communities, regions, nations, and global concerns.
- Apply advanced skills, including the ability to document, to improve observation and organization of critical elements within a discipline.
- Promote skills in leadership by incorporating collaborative, data-driven decision making which leads to contributions in the field, enhances the function of an organization, or engages in meaningful and relevant endeavors.
Start Dates
With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it’s best for you.
April 07, 2025 Term
Apr 11, 2025
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
May 11, 2025
Term End
May 11, 2025
Term End
July 07, 2025 Term
September 29, 2025 Term
January 12, 2026 Term
Courses
Here are just some of the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.
Featured Faculty
Our real-world coursework is taught by experienced faculty.
Jason Cohen
Chair, Leadership and Administration
Amber Daub
Program Coordinator
Dana Kaminski
Internship Coordinator
Michelle McCraney
Program Coordinator
Erick Aguilar
Senior Core FacultyJoseph Clark
Senior Core Faculty
Audrey Donaldson
Senior Core Faculty
Deborah Lee
Senior Core Faculty
Amy MacCrindle
Senior Core Faculty
Marsha Phelps
Senior Core Faculty, DoctoralAdmission Requirements
ACE General Admission Requirements
Program Admission Requirements
International Transcript Requirements
English as a Second Language Applicants
*This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours or program pathway credit hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program or program pathway credit hours, receipt of, or eligibility for, institutional or non-institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, and adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section.
State of California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)
It is a state of California requirement that a student who pays his or her tuition is required to pay a state-imposed assessment of zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges, rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, for the California Student Tuition Recovery Fund. For more information and to see if you must pay the state-imposed assessment for Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) click here.
A Note About Licensure:
While this program provides a comprehensive understanding of the intended program outcomes, it does not lead to licensure, certification, or endorsement. ACE offers several programs that do provide a pathway to licensure, certification, or endorsement and they can be found here.