<p>I know that Stanford offers online grad courses for both MS and graduate certificate in engineering. The certificate usually consists of 3-4 courses.</p>
<p>If I just want to get a certificate, do I need to go through the entire grad application process as those who would like to apply for master / phD? What are the criteria that they look for? any info would be helpful, Thanks!</p>
<p>If you just want a certificate, you take 3-4 courses under as a Non-Degree Option (NDO) student. This means that you don't have to go through the grad application process. You just fill out a form, send in transcripts, and pay the tuition. Each department has to approve your courses individually per quarter, but I believe they more or less take everyone, since NDO students are a cash cow for the university.</p>