Determine in which specific field of architecture you intend to pursue your certificate. Programs are offered in areas like enterprise architecture, sustainable design, architectural management, architectural theory, history and criticism and urban design. Choose a program that best fits your career goals. Other considerations may include factors like cost, program length and the potential for financial aid.
Submit your application for admission to each school of interest. Apply to as many schools as possible to help ensure that you will be accepted into a program that meets your needs. Entrance requirements for certificate programs tend to be less stringent than graduate school admissions. Some schools offer the opportunity to register for certificate program courses online or via phone. Read the admissions requirements carefully for each school to ensure that you do not miss any of the steps.
Register for courses once you have been admitted to the program. In most certificate programs you will have very little leeway in which courses you can take. Most certificate programs are highly structured and require that you complete specific classes, sometimes in a specific order.
Complete your online coursework. Architectural certificate programs typically require that you complete four to five courses (12 to 15 credit hours) of required coursework. For instance, Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan, requires the completion of 15 credit hours in its architectural management certificate program. Courses include areas of study such as construction management, law for architects and architectural design and practice. Some schools offer courses as modules rather than specific classes. For instance, Penn State University's Fundamentals of Enterprise Architecture certificate program consists of three modules: Introduction to Enterprise Architectural Concepts, Initiating Enterprise Architecture and Enterprise Architecture Implementation.