SACO — University College at Saco will offer courses this fall leading to graduate certificates in math leadership from the University of Maine at Farmington. Courses will be available in blended on-site/online formats. Graduate certificates are short programs of study created to meet the additional education requirements of individuals holding bachelor’s degrees or master’s degrees. Certificates are the fastest-growing form of post-secondary credentials in the United States, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. The Washington Post Magazine reports that a graduate certificate can increase earnings by up to 25 percent. University of Maine System universities offer a variety of graduate certificates designed to supplement the needs of busy professionals. Whether offered online, through videoconference, or a combination of modalities including occasional face-to-face meetings, these convenient, flexible programs can enhance skills and boost career opportunities.

From Foods and Nutrition to Special Education, the four-to-six course UMS graduate-level certificates help students quickly gain a specific professional credential to advance in their careers.

“In most cases, the credits earned while completing a graduate certificate can be transferred later toward a master’s degree,” said Dan Philbrick, Director of University College at Saco. “Students should always meet with an advisor first if they plan to use their certificate as the foundation for a master’s degree.”

Registration for the UMS summer and fall 2015 semesters is open and ongoing. For more information about graduate certificates or other programs and courses available at University College at Saco, call 800-696-3391 or visit learn.maine.edu/programs/.