Urban College Launches New Career-Focused Certificates for Spring 2026!
Urban College is excited to announce several new certificate programs beginning in the Spring 2026 semester! Students can now earn their certificate in:
The new programs were designed to meet workforce demand to ensure that once students finish their certificate they’ll be able to enter a strong labor market in these fields. Every program is also offered in Spanish with a pathway to English proficiency to meet the needs of multilingual learners.
Expanding Access, Equity, and Opportunity
Urban College’s new certificate programs demonstrate the College’s continued commitment to expanding access, equity, and opportunity to high-quality education for adult learners.
Each certificate integrates essential workplace skills like communication, collaboration, and time management, with the field-specific knowledge students need to succeed. From the growing demand for paraprofessionals in education to the urgent need for elder care and behavioral health workers, these programs are tailored for adult learners who want to advance in their careers or enter a new field, without putting their lives on hold.
Explore the New Certificate Tracks Launching this January
Each of the new certificate programs offers a flexible, online course schedule, requires between 16-21 credits, and can be completed within one year.
Business Certificate
This program is designed to equip students with the foundational business skills needed to pursue roles such as office manager, administrative assistant, bookkeeper, or even enter into entrepreneurship. Students will learn essential business management skills in courses such as Quantitative Reasoning, Introduction to Computer Apps, and Speech Communication.
Requires 18 credits to complete.
The Massachusetts job market for general managers is projected to grow by 6%, above the national average.
Excellent starting salaries: For example, bookkeepers earn around $65,000 on average.
Project Management Certificate
Master the strategies that keep teams on track and projects on time. This certificate program prepares students to step into project coordinator, analyst, and project management roles in any industry. Students learn planning, budgeting, and leadership skills through courses like Principles of Management, Speech Communication, and Project Management.
Requires 18 credits to complete.
The project job market growth for Project Management Specialists is 6%, higher than the national average.
Competitive salary potential: Entry-level project coordinators earn an average of $59,000 per year in Massachusetts.
Digital Marketing Certificate
Students who earn their Digital Marketing Certificate will be prepared to explore a variety of career opportunities, such as social media specialist, brand associate, and marketing coordinator. Coursework includes Principles of Marketing, Social Media Marketing, and Digital Marketing Strategies.
Requires 18 credits to complete.
Social Media Managers can expect impressive projected job growth of 10%, much higher than the national average.
Strong earning potential: In Massachusetts, entry-level Digital Marketing Coordinators earn an average of $51,062 per year.
Foundations of Early Childhood Education Certificate
Build a meaningful career in education, work with children and help them grow as a childcare worker, family childcare provider, or preschool teacher. This program is designed to give students a strong foundation in early childhood development through courses like Child Growth and Development, Guidance and Discipline, and Observing, Recording, and Assessing.
Requires 19 credits to complete.
4% projected job growth for Preschool Teachers, on par with the national average.
Growth opportunities: The average salary for a Pre-School Teacher in Massachusetts is $46,330 per year.
Paraprofessional Educator Certificate
This program is designed to equip students for impactful roles in K–12 classrooms, supporting teachers and students, especially those with diverse learning needs. Students will be prepared to work alongside teachers, supporting instruction and classroom management through courses such as Introduction to Teaching and Learning, Introduction to Special Education, and Early Language and Literacy Development.
Requires 21 credits to complete.
Teaching Assistants can expect 7% projected job growth, higher than the national average.
Solid salary outlook: Paraprofessional Educators in Massachusetts earn an average of $55,547 per year.
Children’s Behavioral Health Certificate
The Children’s Behavioral Health Certificate will prepare students for a career as a Registered Behavior Technician, Community Health Worker, Residential Counselor, or Youth Worker. Students will take courses like Fundamentals of Children’s Behavioral Health, Trauma & Resiliency in Children's Behavioral Health, and will gain real-world work experience through a behavioral health internship.
Requires 16 credits to complete.
Students will be prepared to take the Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) certification exam.
Promising starting salaries: The average annual salary for a Registered Behavior Technician is $53,298 in Massachusetts.
Elder Care Certificate
Answer the growing call for compassionate professionals in the elder care services field both in direct care and administration. Students with an Elder Care Certificate will be prepared to step into a career as a community health worker, case manager, residential support specialist, a home health and personal care aide, or open their own private homecare agency. Students will complete courses such as Case Management, Concepts and Practices in Elder Care, Human Behavior and Development, and will gain experience through a Behavioral Health Internship.
Requires 21 credits to complete.
Impressive 58% projected job growth for Elder Care Services.
Strong salary potential: The average salary for a Community Health Worker in Massachusetts is $55,090 per year.
Apply Today to Start in January 2026
Don’t wait to advance your career! Request more information or apply now to begin your program in January.
Looking at the numbers
When examining job growth and salary data, it’s essential to recognize that these figures can fluctuate based on various factors, including years of experience, the specific industry, location, individual skill levels, and overall economic conditions. Keep in mind that the projections provided are not definitive indicators of actual salaries or job growth. Please check the program-specific landing pages for source information.