Certificate Programs

Complement Your Program With a Certificate

In addition to your major and minor, you may complete special programs known as certificates, which typically require fewer hours than a minor and include an experiential component.

Actuarial Science

A certificate in actuarial science builds on the foundation of your current education. Actuaries assess financial risk and are educated in mathematics and statistics while also learning analytical and problem-solving skills, business sense, communication skills, and computer skills. Becoming an actuary requires taking a series of exams, and employers from all industries are seeking team members who are certified in actuarial science. This certificate will help you stand out among your competition in any career you choose to pursue. In today’s world, this certificate reflects your drive to succeed and helps you find success in your future career.

Students may complete a certificate in actuarial science either separately from or in conjunction with the mathematics major or minor. Students who wish to pursue a career as an actuary should take the first two exams in probability and financial mathematics during their undergraduate career. Companies that employ actuaries give time, support, and bonuses for completing the rest.

To receive a certificate in actuarial science, you must complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours. See all requirements and course descriptions in the Mercer University catalog.

Applied Social Justice

Mercer University’s certificate in applied social justice allows you to gain hands-on experience in social justice work. Our coursework is designed to give you new perspectives while recognizing the importance of justice for all people regardless of racial, national, religious, gendered, or sexual identity. The certificate program exposes you to a number of approaches to social justice work and empowers you to make meaningful change in your community.

The certificate requires a minimum of 11 semester credit hours. See all requirements and course descriptions in the Mercer University catalog.

Faith-Based Diplomacy

Mercer University’s certificate in faith-based diplomacy explores how religion and public life intersect and demonstrates how religion can be used to build trust and cooperation among people. Coursework explores various religious traditions and contemporary global challenges, but the hands-on component is what makes this certificate stand out. Our program requires a significant amount of service, and you will be encouraged to serve as a leader to promote interfaith dialogue to benefit the Mercer and Macon communities. Your newfound ability to build bridges and cooperate with a diverse array of people will benefit you as you seek a career or pursue graduate school.

The certificate requires a minimum of 12 semester credit hours. See all requirements and course descriptions in the Mercer University catalog. For more information, contact Dr. Paul Lewis at lewis_pa@mercer.edu.

Political Communication

A certificate in political communication is an excellent addition to your major, especially if you want to work in the world of politics and campaigns. Receiving the certificate gives you an edge to stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs, adding an extra qualification many do not have. Outside of the classroom experiences are embedded in our certificate requirements, encouraging you to intern with a political campaign and discover strategies for effective political communication. Mercer University’s certificate in political communication will help you build valuable experience and snag your ideal job faster after graduation.

To receive a political communication certificate, you must complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours and complete 50 hours of experience through service-learning, internship, or documented volunteer activity with one or more political campaigns. See all requirements and course descriptions in the Mercer University catalog.

Public Writing

Public writing is a growing area of undergraduate study focused on the pivotal role of effective writing in both professional pursuits and civic engagement. Mercer’s certificate in public writing supports your development as an effective communicator and professional writer as you learn how to translate your academic knowledge and skill into a range of public and professional contexts. This certificate offers you the skills and credentials you need to enter a variety of professional fields, from public service and speech writing to library sciences and museum studies. As a public writer, you will help shape the narrative of our shared experience through storytelling, memory, and empathy.

To receive a public writing certificate, you must complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours and 50 hours of experience through service-learning, an internship, a special project, or another option approved by the director. See all requirements and course descriptions in the Mercer University catalog.