Find out more about Murray State University

This 12-hour fully online certificate consists of 8-week courses. There are no regularly required virtual meetings. Instead, you will be able to learn on your own time! 

This 18-hour undergraduate certificate is offered online. Course availability may vary by semester.

The Spanish Graduate Certificate supports the career advancement of professional educators by offering the graduate-level coursework required for raises, promotions, and expanded teaching opportunities. This 18-hour program is ideal for those who are already proficient in Spanish and credentialed to teach in other fields, but lack the graduate coursework required to teach dual credit Spanish high school classes or basic Spanish classes at the university level. This program is also well-suited for those who seek to improve their language proficiency through advanced language study in order to pursue professional opportunities in diverse fields such as academia, translation, non-profit leadership, international business, and diplomacy.

The Master of Arts in English is a 30-hour degree comprising advanced coursework in research methods and content areas. The program is designed primarily for teachers in high schools and middle schools, prospective postsecondary instructors, students who want to lay foundations for doctoral work, and persons who simply love literature. It may be completed in as few as two years and is available on-campus or fully online.

The program offers two Routes—Traditional and 4+1. The traditional, self-contained program is for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. An accelerated 4+1 route allows undergraduate English students to complete the BA in English (Area) with the MA in as few as five years.

Murray State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Students will be prepared with a broad understanding of the various disciplines within business.

This is a 2+2 program offered 100% online with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). The Bachelor of Science in Business degree with an area in Computer Information Systems is available entirely online because of the transfer agreement between Murray State University and KCTCS. KCTCS offers all of the lower-level requirements for the degrees online. Students finish their degree online through Murray State. The emphasis of the Computer Information Systems degree is on business computing. Students take all the business core classes (marketing, management, accounting) and enhance that education with a variety of programming courses commonly used in a wide variety of businesses. Inter-personal and group communication is stressed in most of the upper level classes. Students in this discipline are analysts – they analyze Business requirements, evaluate alternative technologies and present optimal solutions to Business managers. Their strength lies in their ability to apply state of the art technologies to help people become more productive.

Murray State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Logistics & Supply Chain Management degree. Students will be prepared to manage and coordinate materials, information, and products within organizations.

The 15-hour certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain is designed to provide conceptual background and an introduction to analytical methods for making sound operational and strategic business decisions. The courses included in the certificate program place an emphasis on balancing the development and mastery of concepts with application through projects, simulations, and case studies.

Lead your organization as a data-driven decision-maker with an online Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics from Murray State University. Leverage an in-demand skill set when you develop your ability to use predictive and prescriptive analysis; develop, implement and maintain databases and software; and analyze projects from managerial and technical perspectives.

With our state-of-the-art, 100 percent online curriculum, you can strengthen your business analytics expertise while continuing to pursue your career goals as a full-time professional. Gain advanced business analytics knowledge and prepare for leading roles in a variety of settings when you design statistical data analysis, examine complex business data, use advanced spreadsheet functions and manage software for building databases.

Gain industry-specific knowledge and abilities with an online Graduate Certificate in Corporate Finance and Budgeting from Murray State University. Whether your background is in finance or you are seeking a new career path, optimize your résumé for your professional goals when you explore advanced topics in accounting, corporate finance and risk management.

Created specifically for working professionals, this 100 percent online program reinforces skills in managing resources, developing your organization’s financial structures and reducing financial risk for your company. Plus, learn about investment, capital structure, short-term financing and working capital management.

Included in our online corporate finance graduate certificate program is a free, self-paced module in accounting, which should be completed concurrently with core coursework. Regardless of your undergraduate background, this module empowers you with valuable insight in key areas that improve your business acumen.

Flourish in higher-level positions with an online Graduate Certificate in Corporate Leadership from Murray State University. With this leadership certificate, you can tailor your credentials to your professional goals while expanding your skill set in strategic communications, organizational management, corporate finance and more.

Designed for working professionals, this 100 percent online program enables you to specialize your expertise with essential coursework in corporate leadership. Our targeted curriculum will enhance your ability to disseminate information about corporate finances, develop communication strategies specific to your organization’s needs and maximize your firm’s value for stakeholders.

This online corporate leadership graduate certificate program is designed to help you succeed. At Murray State, we include free, self-paced modules in accounting and economics, which can be completed concurrently with core coursework. Regardless of your background, these optional modules empower you with valuable insight in key areas that improve your business acumen.

This 12-hour certificate program will is perfect for those working in the field of local and regional economic development. Upon successful completion of the following courses, students will be awarded a Certificate in Economic Development. Courses taken may be able to count towards a master's degree if used within 8 years. Contact the economics and finance department for more information.

Meet the rising demand for leaders in financial investigation when you complete your Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting online program from Murray State University. Dedicated faculty will develop your ability to audit advanced accounting systems, examine fiscal misconduct and analyze suspicious activity in financial statements. 

Gain the necessary skills to explore new career opportunities with industry-specific coursework in fraudulent behavior, forensic analysis, financial investigations, and other issues related to complex financial transactions. This 100 percent online certificate program features asynchronous coursework, so you can work full time while studying on your schedule.

This online certificate program is designed for your success. That’s why Murray State includes a free, self-paced prerequisite course in accounting, which can be completed concurrently with core coursework. Regardless of your background, this prerequisite course provides you with valuable insight that will improve your business acumen.

The online Graduate Certificate in Human Development and Leadership is designed for individuals working in positions such as administrative, program development, or direct services in a wide range of settings who want to move toward a greater leadership role. Courses focus on the self, working with diverse individuals and cultures, developing an understanding of and learning how to utilize assessments in non-clinical settings, and understanding the process of working in and with groups.

Prepare for leading roles in a broad range of settings with an online Graduate Certificate in Investment Management from Murray State University. Strengthen your expertise in high-demand areas, such as corporate finance and investment.

Stay at the forefront of your field and expand your current skill set with our innovative investment management curriculum. Our 100 percent online program — designed specifically for working professionals — develops your ability to use different investment strategies; manage stocks, bonds and derivative securities; gain advanced understanding of financial markets; and recognize trends in the global economy.

At Murray State, your success is our priority. With that in mind, the online Investment Management Certificate program includes free, self-paced modules in accounting and economics, which can be completed concurrently with core coursework. Regardless of your background, these optional modules empower you with valuable insight in key areas that improve your business acumen.

The youth and nonprofit field is growing rapidly with the number of nonprofits now over 2,000,000. This indicates a 30% growth in the last decade alone. With this growth, and in order to meet the demands of those interested in community service and non-profit work, it is imperative that leaders in the field have an avenue for additional preparation. Leaders in the youth and nonprofit field often have degrees representing a broad spectrum of disciplines, including but not limited to psychology, sociology, business, recreation, organizational communication and others. Too few have degrees that are focused on the specific competencies necessary for success in the youth and human service field. This certificate focuses on these competencies and will strengthen leadership skills and programs addressing many community needs in the region. This certificate can be completed 100% online.

The Certificate in Organizational Dynamics is designed to enhance a person’s ability to lead and be effective in an organizational setting. Emphasis is placed on recognizing and responding to internal and external issues to the organization that impact productivity, reputation, and success.

The Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Forensic Accounting online program prepares you to detect and deter fraudulent behavior and financial misconduct to prevent and prosecute financial crime. In this AACSB-accredited program, you will learn to identify fraud and financial anomalies through specialized forensic expertise and advanced data analysis knowledge.

Enhance your financial detective skills by analyzing financial statements, business valuation approaches and legal remedies for fraud and business crimes. Plus, career-relevant coursework helps fill required education hours and helps prepare you for the CPA Exam.

Prepare for dynamic leadership roles in the nonprofit sector with the Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership online program from Murray State University.

Empower less-advantaged communities with mission-driven businesses when you develop your management expertise in philanthropy, social entrepreneurship and community development Plus, gain a comprehensive background in accounting, managerial economics, corporate finance and more with our broad-based core business curriculum.

Become a catalyst for municipal development and build vital private-public partnerships that spur economic growth in your community with the Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Economic Development online program from Murray State University. You will learn skills to help stimulate job creation, create tax revenue and nurture economic prosperity.

In this program, you will learn about restructuring market incentives to leverage private investment, developing community-based businesses, affordable housing, and financial institutions in order to improve community life. Our relevant core coursework gives you a background in key areas of public administration, including policy analysis, budgeting and finance, organizational theory, human resource management and more. A choice of electives enables you to shape your degree to meet your career goals.

Murray State University’s online MPA in Accounting Forensics prepares professionals to investigate financial crimes, analyze complex transactions, and lead fraud prevention efforts in public and nonprofit sectors. Offered fully online, the program combines core public administration coursework with specialized training in forensic accounting, financial auditing, and regulatory compliance.

Students learn to uncover hidden assets, detect misrepresentation in financial statements, and apply data analytics to fiscal investigations. The curriculum supports career advancement in government agencies, law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and corporate compliance roles. Designed for flexibility, the program can be completed in as few as 12–18 months and includes two free, self-paced prerequisite courses in accounting and economics.

Accredited by AACSB, the program offers a rigorous, career-relevant pathway for professionals seeking leadership roles in financial oversight and public accountability.

Deepen your multifaceted knowledge of the many roles of healthcare within the private and public sectors in the Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration online program from Murray State. You will study healthcare planning, financial aspects of health services organizations, and health administration and management within a broader overview of the healthcare delivery system.

This 100 percent online healthcare administration program from Murray State’s College of Humanities and Fine Arts includes a capstone experience in which you will integrate theories and methods by proposing and executing a project involving a substantive management or analytic issue in the public sector.

Murray State University’s online MPA in Nonprofit Leadership equips professionals to lead mission-driven organizations with expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, policy development, and community empowerment. Offered 100% online, the program blends public administration fundamentals with specialized nonprofit management training.

Students explore legal compliance, financial stewardship, governance structures, and collaborative action strategies to support sustainable impact across sectors. The curriculum includes a capstone project addressing real-world challenges in nonprofit or public service contexts.

Graduates are prepared for roles such as Executive Director, Program Manager, Grant Proposal Specialist, and Community Development Leader, with a strong foundation in ethics, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.

Become a leader in creating policies and procedures that can shape the future of healthcare in your community with the Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Public and Community Health online program from Murray State University. Learn to analyze and investigate public health issues and implement appropriate interventions.

As part of this program, you will develop essential skills in policy-making and public communication. You will also focus on health counseling, environmental health and health behavior. Plus, our relevant core coursework gives you a background in key areas of public administration, including policy analysis, budgeting and finance, organizational theory, human resource management and more.

Hone and diversify your leadership skills to help advance your career as an administrator in all levels of government with the Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Public Management online program from Murray State University. You will gain credentials to broaden your career in the public service sector.

In this program, you will study intergovernmental relations, local and regional administration, law and ethics, labor relations, public planning and more. By choosing electives, you can shape your degree to match your professional goals. Plus, our relevant core coursework gives you a background in key areas of public administration, including policy analysis, budgeting and finance, organizational theory, human resource management and more.

The Master of Science in Economic Development will prepare students to work in the field of local and regional economic development. Students will gain both classroom and practical training in the methods of economic development. Students who graduate from the program should have the equivalent of two years of work experience in an economic development agency. In addition students should have the ability to lead a small economic development agency. It is our desire that students from this program pursue certification with the IEDC and become certified economic development professionals.

The Murray State Master of Science in Economic Development program can be completed either on Murray State’s campus, or in an online format. The degree is open to both full- and part-time students. Full time students should complete the degree in three semesters and one summer. 

Murray State University's Cybersecurity and Network Management Cybersecurity Program offers students a broad and rich foundation that keeps pace with growing information technology trends.

Formerly known as the Telecommunications System Management (TSM) program, the Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) degree at Murray State offers students the choice of obtaining a degree by attending classes on campus or through the CNM online degree program.

Students may complete the program with one of these tracks:

• Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
• Cloud and Systems Administration
• Wireless Communications

GIS and its affiliated technology is growing rapidly. You can broaden your career opportunities, with this undergraduate online Certificate in GIS from Murray State. Using industry-standards as a basis, you’ll learn data collection, analytics, visualization and interpretation in this program. You’ll also gain hands-on experience through projects and GIScience applications, with coursework like:

• Remote Sensing
• Biological Applications in GIS
• Decision Support Technologies

As a complement to your professional experience, this online Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Data Science can enhance your career. You’ll learn the latest methodologies for data manipulation, modeling and analysis based upon current industry standards and trends. Electives are a part of this online GIS curriculum, with offerings such as:

• Geospatial Tools in Business
• Manager’s Guide to Database
• Information System Security

The Master of Science in Information Systems with a concentration in Business Analytics online program from Murray State University is a pragmatic program centered on problem-solving; it combines modern information technology practices with business acumen.

In the master's in information systems online program, you will examine the critical issues and challenges related to IT decision-making as well as the technological and human aspects of solutions. While studying for your MS in Information Systems, you will focus on the impact of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, how ERP software integrates business functions and how to make current business functions compatible with an ERP system. Additionally, you will learn software cycle, software process maturity and Agile modules as well as various software methodologies, such as object oriented, rapid development, software design, and verification and testing.

Our faculty are experts in the field of management information systems and committed to your success. Our coursework incorporates state-of-the-art tools such as R, Python™, IBM SPSS Data Modeler, SAP® Predictive Analytics, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). You will benefit from hands-on practice with analytics software while learning to develop applications for analytics through data management and analysis skills.

This 12-hour certificate program expands the knowledge of professionals in the cybersecurity field. Students in this program learn new tools and techniques they can use to analyze digital evidence. This undergraduate certificate program prepares students for careers in both cyber defense and operations.

Prepare to manage data security systems and IT professionals with an online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management from Murray State University. Help keep your organization safe when you boost your ability to organize secure data networks, monitor malicious intrusions and protect business information technology systems.

With our innovative and 100 percent online curriculum, you can expand your skill set while continuing to pursue your career goals as a full-time professional. Strengthen your understanding of the relationship between threat, vulnerability, impact and risk for information safety; risk assessment, analysis, response and other cybersecurity methodologies; quantitative and qualitative systems for measuring and tracking threats; and best practices for risk management frameworks.

This online cybersecurity graduate certificate is designed especially for working professionals. To help you with background business courses, Murray State offers free, self-paced modules in accounting and economics, which can be completed concurrently with core coursework. No matter your background, these optional modules empower you with valuable insight in key areas that improve your business acumen.

Gain the skills to become an in-demand professional in a rapidly growing industry with the unique Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management online program from Murray State University. Designed with the needs of various industries in mind, this STEM-designated degree provides you with the technical foundation to manage and secure contemporary data networks as well as an overview of security challenges and mitigation controls such as network intrusion, prevention and detection, incident response, malicious software, public key encryption, and message authentication. You will graduate equipped with skills in cybersecurity governance, policy and planning, risk management, business continuity, and more. This degree can complement your existing career by adding collaborative information technology and security expertise to your professional strengths.

Our innovative program was built to accommodate the educational needs of working professionals and does not require an extensive background in IT or cybersecurity. Murray State faculty follow the technology industry closely to continuously assess and determine how to best develop your abilities, beginning with the basics.

The Doctor of Education in P-20 and Community Leadership was developed to produce bold and innovative agents of change who will lead P-20 initiatives that will be beneficial to the schools, communities, businesses, and organizations they serve.

The program follows the executive-style, cohort model and is designed to be completed in three years. The cohort meets three to four weekends per semester using distance technology (i.e. Zoom).

The balance of the work is completed using the university's learning management system (i.e. Canvas). The program can be completed 100% via distance delivery.

The 60-hour program has four specializations: pK-12 Leadership, Postsecondary Leadership, STEM Leadership, and Agriculture Education. There is also an Ed.S to Ed.D bridge.

The student may also work with an academic advisor to customize a specialization.

Admission is granted on a competitive basis with cohorts starting in both the fall and spring semesters.

The Certificate in College Advising equips individuals with counseling-based advising skills and an organizational understanding for postsecondary education. Although the certificate program is open to individuals who meet the admissions criteria, ideal candidates are those who work or desire to work in the counseling or postsecondary education administration field, workforce development or career centers.

The Certificate in Higher Education Management equips individuals with administrative skill sets and an awareness for organizational constructs applicable to varying postsecondary institutional types. Topics related to assessment, accreditation, budgeting, finance, jurisprudence, organizational systems, and strategic planning are explore through the curriculum. Although the certificate program is open to individuals who meet the admissions criteria, ideal candidates are those who work or desire to work in the postsecondary education administration field.

The Certificate in Student Affairs equips individuals with an organizational and theoretical overview applicable to varying institutional types. Topics related to program and service development, student development theory, international student support, and contemporary issues are explored through the curriculum. Although the certificate program is open to individuals who meet the admissions criteria, ideal candidates are those who work or desire to work in the postsecondary education administration field.

Interested in Healthcare Administration or Health Education and Promotion? The Public and Community Health Bachelor of Science degree option is available online! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, public and community health occupations are expected to generate as many as 2.3 million new jobs by 2024. This degree is interdisciplinary in nature and provides options that allow students to prepare for various careers in public and community health organizations, such as hospitals, governmental agencies, non-profits, and worksite wellness programs. The Public and Community Health program prepares students to sit for professional certifications/licensures as well as for graduate studies in related fields. There are two distinct tracks available online, each culminating with a semester long internship: Healthcare Administration and Health Education and Promotion.

The RRT to BSRT program is 100% online and designed for working RRTs who want to enhance their professional knowledge. This program will help you improve communication skills, learn more about research, management, patient assessment, management of cardiopulmonary diseases and more. You will also have the opportunity to earn additional certifications.

The Health Communication Certificate provides specialized knowledge of effective communication practices within healthcare settings. Courses and research are designed to encourage one’s understanding of a variety of communication concepts that are valuable in healthcare-related organizations.

The Certificate in Healthcare Administration is designed to enhance a person’s ability to lead and be effective in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding the healthcare delivery system, financial aspects of health service organizations, and healthcare quality management.

The Certificate in Public Health is designed to enhance a person’s ability to lead and be effective in public health contexts. Emphasis is placed on health behavior in communities, health policy, and assessment of community health.

The Master of Science in Nutrition Services prepares students to effectively compete in a growing job market in which five of ten dietitians nationally hold M.S. degrees. The 33-credit-hour master's program will enable graduates of the R.D. certificate program to pursue additional higher education in the areas of professional counseling, education, science, statistics, psychology, management, and nutrition research. Students may transfer up to 12-graduate-credit hours of coursework from other Kentucky institutions when meeting the requirements of the 33-credit-hour M.S. graduate program. Advances in nutrition and genetic research, aging demographics, and accelerating rates of nutrition-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes fuel the demand for highly trained nutrition professionals.

The Department of Occupational Safety and Health offers a Master of Science degree. The curriculum options available under this program are designed to provide the philosophical, scientific, and technical knowledge required of individuals seeking professional management and administrative positions in the field. The graduate program in occupational safety and health is designed to prepare students to become competent and demonstrate knowledge in the occupational safety and health program options; environmental health and safety, industrial hygiene, and safety management.

The graduate program in occupational safety and health (OSH) at Murray State University provides a comprehensive broad-based educational background to prepare practical-oriented and academically sound graduates advanced positions in the safety, health, and environmental profession. The program provides the technical and professional knowledge required by individuals pursuing careers in safety management, occupational health, industrial hygiene, loss/risk control management, ergonomics, emergency planning and response, and environmental health and safety. Our graduates are academically prepared to pursue advanced degrees in higher education.

The Veterinary Hospital Management Certificate is designed to complement the undergraduate and graduate professional degree programs. The Certificate program’s objectives are to provide students with opportunities to expand their knowledge in Veterinary Technology, to explore the business operation of a veterinary clinic, and to experience how the combination of their academic undergraduate and certificate course work can complement their job search. The Certificate program is offered through traditional classroom work and online through Murray State University.

Social work is a dynamic profession based on knowledge, practice skills, research and professional values. It has a code of ethics, practice standards and a national system of accreditation. The profession unites the commitment to help others with the skill and knowledge needed to provide that help.

The Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work offers a BSW where social workers display an informed passion to improve the quality of life for others, especially for vulnerable populations. The BSW degree program prepares students for professional entry level generalist practice in the social work profession, for entry level state licensure and for further education. The Council on Social Work Education has continuously accredited the social work program at Murray State University since 1974.