PARIS — Most professionals require formal training to develop industry-standard skills and knowledge and to secure the best job opportunities. Online undergraduate certificate programs from the University of Maine System universities provide a convenient option for people wishing to supplement existing skills or prepare for a new career.

Certificate programs offer focused academic training in specific areas and can be completed more quickly than associate’s degrees. Earning a certificate can demonstrate to an employer that a person is dedicated to the job and wants to improve his or her skills through additional training.

The University System universities offer undergraduate certificates in Accounting, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Emergency Management, Gerontology, Human Resource Management, Information and Library Services, Paralegal Studies, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation and more. Students receive academic credit that may be applied toward a degree program later.

For people just getting started in online courses, the center offers instruction in all aspects of online learning, and students are welcome to use the center’s computer lab if they don’t have a high-speed internet connection at home.

Registration for the fall semester, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 2, is open and ongoing. For more information about programs and courses from Maine’s public universities, contact University College at 743-9322 or visit www.lean.maine.edu/southparis to view a course listing.