There are many times when a person may wish to acquire new work-related knowledge. A Graduate Certificate can address these needs. They are in general open to a wide range of prospective students, and are typically taken on a part-time basis, although they can be completed in one semester of full-time study. These programs focus on limited areas of specialization, and are an excellent way for people in early stages of their careers to obtain a basic foundation in particular disciplines or to update or broaden their existing knowledge.