Graduate Certificate Programs

African American Literature
As we enter the opening decades of the twenty-first century, interest in African American literary studies continues to flourish. By preparing students to teach African American Literature and giving official recognition of preparation, the certificate program helps graduates qualify for jobs both within the United States and abroad.

Applied Lean Leadership
This graduate certificate provides students with competitive knowledge and skills for jobs in which Lean is practiced, and a cost-effective way to upgrade technical skills in Lean techniques.  The certificate is intended for the student who has a bachelor's degree and who is currently working full-time in a production or service industry, and is specifically interested in learning about Lean principles and practices.  Based on the Society of Manufacturing Engineers' "Lean Certification Body of Knowledge," a student who completes the certificate program will be expected to be able to pass the SME/AME/Shingo prize, Lean Certification Exam at the Bronze level.

College Teaching
There are many who are qualified to teach in colleges today. But only few can say they are quality teachers. A certificate in College Teaching equips Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) with the knowledge and skill in effective college teaching methods.

Community College Teaching & Leadership
Studies show that over 60 percent of the nation's community college professionals will reach retirement eligibility during the next 15 years. The Certificate in Community College Teaching and Leadership is designed to prepare the next generation of community college administrators and faculty.

Family Nurse Practitioner
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate program provides a formal program of study for students who already have the Master of Science in Nursing degree and are interested in taking the national certification exam to practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner without requiring them to complete a second masters degree.

Geographic Information Systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) manage, analyze, and display geographic knowledge. The GIS Certificate Program is for those with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and with an interest in using GIS as a problem-solving tool. The GIS Certificate gives students an interdisciplinary perspective that allows them to integrate GIS skills into their knowledge acquired in other disciplines; competitive skills and training for jobs in which GIS skills are essential.

Instructional Computing Applications
Computers are essential in today's classrooms. Teachers who know how to operate them are in the highest demand. Graduates completing this certificate learn to make the most effective use of technology in classrooms, K-12, as well as serve as consultants to faculty members and school administrators.

Museum Studies
Museums are a vibrant sector of our communities, with new and innovative ones opening every year. The Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate Program in Museum Studies is designed to give scholars enrolled in graduate study in art, anthropology, history, public administration, business, and education, or who hold graduate degrees in such disciplines, the skills to enter museum professions.

Teaching English as a Second Language
We live in a global community, where different languages and cultures interact on a daily basis. The TESL Certificate trains students how to teach English to speakers of different languages. And such training also helps students qualify for jobs within and outside the United States.

Women's Studies
Women's roles have changed remarkably over the past 50 years. The Certificate of Women's Studies gives students competitive skills and training for jobs in which the analysis of gender and race is essential, as well as education needed for entrance in selected Ph.D. programs.