Program Overview
The Certificate in College Teaching equips faculty and post-docs with essential skills for effective teaching in learner-centered environments. Through a blend of theory, best practices, and practical strategies, the program enhances knowledge in college teaching scholarship and prepares graduates for careers in higher education, including faculty, instructional design, and academic administration.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Certificate in College Teaching offers a set of skills and understandings specific to effective teaching in a learner-centered environment. Courses focus on theories and research in the area of cognitive science that are relevant to understanding and promoting student learning in educational contexts; how to design courses to enhance that learning; how to interact effectively with students; and how to assess teaching and learning.
Objectives:
- To help faculty and post-docs learn and sharpen their teaching skills.
- To broaden their knowledge-base in the scholarship of college teaching.
Description:
All courses in the program are grounded in the latest research and scholarship in the field of college teaching. The curriculum offers a rich blend of teaching and learning theory, a comprehensive overview of the current best teaching practices in higher education, and practical strategies for applying what is learned.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Theories and research in cognitive science relevant to understanding and promoting student learning
- Course design for enhanced learning
- Effective student interaction
- Teaching and learning assessment
Program Structure:
- The program requires the satisfactory completion of 12 academic credits.
- Requirements include 8 credits in core courses and 4 credits in elective courses.
Course Schedule:
- Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including online, hybrid, and face-to-face.
- The program can be completed in one to two years of part-time study.
Individual Modules:
Core Courses:
- GRAD 950: Issues in College Teaching
- GRAD 951: Teaching with Writing
- GRAD 961: Cognition, Teaching, and Learning
- GRAD 965: Classroom Research and Assessment Methods
Elective Courses:
- GRAD 970: Special Topics in College Teaching
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Coursework
- Exams
- Presentations
- Teaching portfolios
Assessment Criteria:
- Knowledge of teaching and learning theory
- Ability to design and deliver effective instruction
- Ability to assess student learning
- Professionalism and ethical conduct
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Workshops
- Simulations
- Mentoring
Faculty:
- The program is taught by experienced faculty in the field of college teaching.
- Faculty members have a variety of backgrounds and expertise in different teaching disciplines.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in higher education, including:
- Faculty member
- Instructional designer
- Academic administrator
- Education consultant
Career Opportunities:
- Graduates of the program will have the skills and knowledge to:
- Develop and deliver effective instruction
- Assess student learning
- Work with students from diverse backgrounds
- Contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in higher education.
- Many graduates have become faculty members at colleges and universities across the country.
- Others have become instructional designers, academic administrators, and education consultants.
