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Higher Learning Commission

Higher Learning Commission
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        HLC accredits colleges and universities in a 19-state region of the United States.
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  • Accreditation | 
  • Institutional Change | 
  • Changes Requiring Approval or Notification | 
  • Academic Programs | 
  • Certificate Program Application

Certificate Program Substantive Change Application

Before submitting this application, institutions should complete the Certificate Program Screening Form to determine if prior HLC approval is required. HLC-accredited and candidate institutions are required to seek prior approval for credit-bearing certificate or diploma programs that are Title IV eligible and in which 50 percent or more of the courses were developed for the program and not derived from courses in existing academic programs.

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

Screening Confirmation


Selection required

Contact Information

First name required
Last name required
Valid email address required
Email address must match address provided above
Select your institution from the list provided
Field required
Field required

Certificate Program Information

Select the program's CIP code
Provide a course catalog name for the certificate program
Valid date required (DD/MM/YYYY)

Internal and External Approvals

Field required

Selection required
If the arrangement requires prior approval from HLC, submit the relevant application separately from the Certificate Program Application (follow the instructions provided on the Contractual or Consortial Arrangement Application). Indicate this related request at the end of this form.
Attach documentation as a single PDF file.

Curriculum Information

Credential level required

Academic term required


Please select where the certificate program will be offered
Total credit hours required
Course list required
Course list required

Academic Control

Provide brief answers to the following questions. Each response is limited to 150 words.

Response required
Response required
Response required
Response required

Related Change Requests


Selection required
Please specify the other requests you plan to submit to HLC in conjunction with this application.

Please complete the Certificate Program Screening Form before submitting this application.

Get in Touch With HLC

© Higher Learning Commission

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604

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800.621.7440 / 312.263.0456

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