In partnership with Google, The National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH), The University System of Maryland (USM), and the University of Texas System (UT), UMBC is offering a limited number of free licenses to help learners build high-demand skills in fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support, digital marketing, project management, UX design, and artificial intelligence (AI).
These certificates are 100% online, self-paced, and designed for learners with no prior experience.
Whether you’re a student looking to gain a competitive edge in the job market, an alumnus reskilling for a career transition, or a faculty member wanting to integrate industry certifications into your course, this program provides an accessible, flexible, and career-ready learning experience.
Unlike full Professional Certificates, these specializations typically take 5–20 hours to complete, making them a great option for learners who want to quickly build skills, explore a new field, or strengthen specific areas of expertise.
These specializations provide valuable exposure to industry-relevant tools and practices; however, they do not stack into larger Google Professional Certificates.
They’re ideal if you want to:
- Build a specific skill in a short amount of time
- Explore a career area before committing to a full certificate
- Add a quick, resume-boosting credential to your profile
0-Credit Practicum Support
Eligible UMBC undergraduate and graduate students may also enroll in a free, 0-credit, pass/fail practicum course (PRAC) to receive additional structure and support while completing their Google Career Certificate.
- Must enroll before February 24, 2025.
- Includes regular reminders, optional check-ins, and curated resources.
- Builds a sense of community with other students working on certificates.
- Details and requirements will be shared in the course’s Blackboard shell.
This practicum is designed to help you stay on track, maintain momentum, and successfully complete your certificate.
Why Earn a Google Career Certificate?
- Gain Job-Ready Skills – Develop expertise in cybersecurity, AI, data analytics, project management, and more.
- Boost Your Resume – Earn an industry-recognized credential that is valued by top employers.
- Flexible & Self-Paced – Learn at your own speed with high-quality courses developed by Google experts.
- Free for UMBC Learners – This initiative provides access to Google Career Certificates at no cost during the extended pilot.
How It Works
- Visit the UMBC Google Career Certificates website to explore available certificates.
- Complete the enrollment form to request access to the program. (Limited licenses available! First-come, first-serve)
- If approved, you’ll receive an email invitation from Coursera with instructions on how to get started.
- Start learning at your own pace and earn your credential to advance your career!
Important: To maximize access for the UMBC community, learners are asked to enroll in and complete one certificate at a time. Licenses are issued for a defined duration based on expected completion timelines.
Who Can Participate?
- Current UMBC Undergraduate & Graduate Students
- Recent UMBC Alumni
- UMBC Faculty & Staff
No prior experience is needed—just a desire to learn and grow!
Get Started Today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to earn a Google Career Certificate for free and develop the skills needed for your future career.
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