Program Overview
This 18-credit hour Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching is designed for individuals who are interested in teaching adults as well as those who want to improve their skills and knowledge to better meet the needs of their student population. Candidates who complete this program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective teachers in higher education settings to pursue a variety of teaching positions in colleges and universities, such as non-tenure-track positions and teaching-focused faculty roles.
Program Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
- Apply the principles of adult learning in higher education classrooms;
- Design and deliver engaging and effective learning experiences;
- Use a variety of teaching methods and assessment techniques to meet the needs of all learners;
- Use the latest technology to enhance teaching and learning; and
- Reflect on their teaching practice and make improvements over time.
Admission Requirements
Academic Prerequisites
Applicants must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or its international equivalent. The master’s degree may be in any discipline, as the certificate is designed to serve faculty and staff across all academic fields.
Professional Experience
Candidates should have one of the following:
- Current employment in higher education as faculty, staff, or graduate teaching assistants
- Demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in higher education teaching
- Relevant teaching experience in formal or informal educational settings
Application Materials
Complete applications must include:
Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, demonstrating completion of a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Statement of Purpose: A 500-750 word essay addressing the applicant’s motivation for pursuing the certificate, relevant teaching experience or interests, and professional goals related to higher education pedagogy.
Professional Resume/CV: Current resume or curriculum vitae highlighting educational background, work experience, and any teaching-related activities.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation, preferably from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s potential for success in higher education teaching. These may include supervisors, colleagues, or former professors.
Additional Considerations
- International applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL (minimum score of 80 iBT) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5)
- Applicants may be required to participate in an informal interview or consultation with program faculty
- Rolling admissions with priority deadlines of March 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission
Conditional Admission
Applicants who do not meet all requirements but show strong potential may be considered for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis, subject to completion of specified prerequisites or maintenance of satisfactory academic progress during initial coursework.
Important Dates
Rolling Admission
Program Duration
Typical length of time required to complete the degree (e.g., part-time or full-time options). Program duration varies. Three of the above courses are offered each semester.
Transfer of Credits
Guidelines for the transfer of credits from other institutions, including eligibility and evaluation criteria. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution. Students who have completed courses as part of the EdD Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) program may apply those credits toward the Teaching in Higher Education Certificate Program, subject to the following conditions:
Currency Requirement
Only courses completed within the past ten (10) years from the date of application to the certificate program are eligible for credit transfer.
Course Relevance
Credits must be from courses that align with the learning objectives and requirements of the Teaching in Higher Education Certificate Program, as determined by the program director or designated faculty committee.
Culminating Assessment
Regardless of the number of transfer credits applied, all students pursuing the Teaching in Higher Education Certificate must complete the program’s culminating assessment to demonstrate mastery of certificate competencies.
Degree Requirements
The required 18 credit hours must be completed with a grade of B or better in all courses. In addition, students must successfully complete a lecture/lesson plan and implementation in a higher education or professional development setting. This serves as the program’s culminating assessment.
Accreditation Information
Please note that this certificate program is not accredited.
Career Opportunities
Candidates who complete this program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective teachers in higher education settings to pursue a variety of teaching positions in colleges and universities, such as non-tenure-track positions and teaching-focused faculty roles.
Faculty Credentials
Teaching & Learning Faculty credentials are at the link above.
Program Website
Program Coordinator/Contact Information
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