The Graduate Certificate in College Teaching is designed to prepare students for a faculty teaching career in post-secondary education. The 15-credit hour certificate is intended for graduate students who desire preparation and training in the area of college teaching. Courses will be selected in conjunction with the student's advisor. Credits successfully earned with the certificate program can be used toward the MA in Higher Education Administration, the Ed.S. in General Educational Administration, or the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Admission is through the College of Graduate Studies. Students pursuing this certificate program may come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds. Courses eligible for the certificate program include an assortment of topics relevant to teaching in higher education such as student background (adult learners and traditionally-aged students), classroom teaching theory and strategies, distance education, the faculty role, and an internship in college teaching. Students may utilize certificate courses to meet program requirements for other degrees within the department, allowing for a concurrent awarding of both a degree and an earned certificate. Students must be accepted into both a degree program and the certificate option to obtain both options. Students may also enroll in the certificate option alone. Courses already applied to an earned degree, however, will not count toward the certificate credits.

Students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in College Teaching will take 15 credit hours, selected with their advisor from the courses listed below. Students with little or no teaching experience will be highly encouraged to complete an internship in college teaching (EDL 699). Courses do not have to be taken in sequential order.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies.

2. Applicants must send a current resume identifying training, experience, and professional accomplishments to the Department of Educational Leadership. A cover page should indicate this is intended for the Graduate Certificate for College Teaching. Send to edlead@cmich.edu or fax to 989-774-4374.

It is advantageous for the applicant to submit the admission portfolio as early as possible. Applicants must submit a complete admission's packet, and it must be approved before a student is granted regular admission.

Required Courses (15 Hours)