Google Career Certificates Available to Help You Gain In-Demand Skills

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:19:48 -0500
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NEW This Semester: Google Career Skills Specializations

This semester, UMBC learners also have access to Google Career Skills Specializations, short, focused learning experiences designed to build targeted, in-demand competencies.

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

1. Visit the UMBC Google Career Certificates website to explore available certificates.

2. Complete the enrollment form to request access to the program. (Limited licenses available! First-come, first-serve)

3. If approved, you’ll receive an email invitation from Coursera with instructions on how to get started.

4. 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.