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Innovative Waiver and Stand-Alone Certificates
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Innovative Waiver

Innovative Waiver

Ohio University recently joined the College Credit Plus Statewide Waiver Pathway program. Through our engineering technology and advanced manufacturing stand-alone certificate options, OHIO aims to increase access to critical technical skills training for in-demand regional job opportunities.
 
The CC+ Statewide Innovative Waiver Pathway program increases access for high school students planning to pursue technology and manufacturing credentials for in-demand regional job opportunities. Students who qualify for the waiver program are eligible to complete courses for one or more of the three standalone certificate programs offered through OHIO's campuses located in Chillicothe and Lancaster.
 
Students applying for consideration for the stand-alone engineering technology and manufacturing certificate programs through the Chillicothe and Lancaster campuses may qualify for admission through the Innovative Waiver program:
  • A minimum 2.0 accumulative GPA and a letter of recommendation from a high school counselor, STEM teacher, or Career and Technical Center instructor are required for consideration for admission to the Innovative Waiver program.
  • Students who qualify for admission through the Innovative Waiver program are not required to meet the minimum 3.0 GPA to participate in the curriculum offered through the stand-alone certificate programs that are available as part of the College Credit Plus program offerings.
  • Students admitted through the Innovative Waiver program will be eligible to take courses that are part of the standalone certificate curriculum only.
  • Students participating in the Innovative Waiver program who do meet admission guidelines to enroll in approved CC+ level one courses through OHIO's CC+ program will be limited to coursework included in the approved stand-alone certificate pathways programs. If a student chooses to pursue coursework through OHIO's CC+ program outside of the approved stand-alone certificate pathways program coursework, while still enrolled in high school, they will be required to submit a new application and meet the admission requirements for OHIO's CC+ program.

Stand-alone Certificates for a High-Tech Career

OHIO offers three stand-alone certificates in automation and mechatronics, providing a quick path to an in-demand career. Ohio’s growth in high-tech manufacturing brings with it the promise of high-paying jobs with employers such as Intel and others.

Certificates are stackable, and many credits can apply toward the Engineering Technology associate degree or an online bachelor's in project management.

How to take these courses: Students who are enrolled in OHIO's CC+ program may take courses that lead to a standalone certificate. However, since standalone certificates require a high school diploma or GED for admission, CC+ students will not be eligible to enroll in a certificate program code until completion of high school (or equivalent). CC+ students should submit a CC+ Certificate Pathway Opt-in Form to Undergraduate Admissions. Completed forms can be emailed to admissions@ohio.edu or mailed to 120 Chubb Hall, Athens, OH 45701. 

Learn more about the CC+ Pathways for OHIO's standalone certificates:

*Please note that certificates will be available on the Chillicothe campus beginning fall 2026.

Contacts

Rob Callahan, M.Ed. 
Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of the Online, Transfer and Credit Services Center
740.593.2576
callahar@ohio.edu

 

Lindsay Lake Hawkins
Director of Transfer and Dual Enrollment
740.597.2532