Program Description

The College Teaching Certificate is primarily intended for doctoral students who are preparing for college-level teaching careers, regardless of the discipline in which they plan to teach. This program provides students with teaching experience and with an opportunity to discuss and analyze their experience. In addition, it provides information regarding the nature of the adult learner, instructional strategies that can be utilized in a variety of teaching situations, and an understanding of the college environment and the nature of the professoriate in American higher education.

Participants in this program must complete four designated graduate-level courses in Education (12 credit hours). One of these courses is a practicum experience in which the student undertakes a supervised college teaching experience within the student’s academic department. This practicuum ensures that each participant has a college level teaching experience, similar to student teaching for those preparing to teach in a K-12 environment. The one other required course focuses on instructional strategies designed specifically for adult learners. The two final courses are chosen from a distributive list addressing the needs of the adult learner, college environment, on-line teaching, etc. Students may complete the program at their own pace.

This program is open to all university students, including those involved in STEM training. As a result of this program, participants are more comfortable working in the college environment and are better prepared for their teaching responsibilities.

Program Implementation

This program utilizes resources currently available within the College of Education . It required an initial investment of administrative time to assess the need for the program and determine the curricular content. Once implemented, the program requires only minimal time to monitor administrative documentation. The major challenge within this program is convincing graduate faculty throughout the University of its value such that they advise their students to participate.