Graduate Certificate Programs
Take the next step in your career. Earn a grad certificate in just four courses.
A comprehensive list of certificate programs are listed alphabetically below. For more information about a program or obtaining a certificate, contact: graduateadmissions@memphis.edu
= offered online
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. Learn more >
Applied Economics Analytics
This certificate will help managers translate data into models to make forecasts and
to support decision making in a wide variety of fields, ranging from macroeconomics
to finance and marketing. It will provide tools to be a “tech” economist, using econometrics
and big data to analyze business problems.View the Course Catalog >
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. Learn more about the online program > | View the Course Catalog >
Arts Entrepreneurship
This graduate certificate in arts entrepreneurship situates the College of Communication
and Fine Arts at the intersection of creativity, artistic expression, and business
acumen to usher in the next stage of big thinkers, dreamers, and doers in the city
of Memphis. The certificate aims to support the development and articulation of arts startups,
incubators, and other forms of entrepreneurship in order to build a creative community.
View the Course Catalog >
Artist Diploma in Music
The Scheidt School of Music offers a graduate-level Artist Diploma in instrumental
performance, vocal performance, keyboard performance, and conducting. It is a one-year
program for very advanced performers seeking a highly specialized training for a professional
career. Admission for the Artist Diploma is highly competitive and limited to applicants
who have demonstrated exceptional skills in performance or conducting by audition.
Learn more >
Athletic Administration
This graduate certificate will focus on the administration of athletics across multiple
competitive levels (e.g., high school, college, etc.). Students must take 12 hours
in order to complete the program. A unique feature of this graduate certificate program
is that it has a flexible option whereby students can select from seven (7) classes
to complete the degree requirements. View the Course Catalog >
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Graduate Certificate
The purpose of the "Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)" certificate
is to provide training to practicing speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and teachers
on supporting the language development of children with significant language disabilities.
The certificate requires a firm background in typical language development as well
as language disorders and then moves on to applying this knowledge to the specialized
area of AAC. Once these prerequisites are complete, the certificate allows for an
elective in a related field. View the Course Catalog >
Autism Studies
The purpose of the Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies is to provide practical
educational training to individuals who are presently working within healthcare, adult
disability and/or educational settings. Individuals completing this post baccalaureate
certificate program will be able to provide evidence-based decisions specific to the
treatment and education of people with ASD, design and implement highly specialized
evidence based instructional programs for people with ASD, and design and implement
common behavior management strategies shown to be effective for people with ASD. Learn more about the certificate program > | Learn more about the online version >
Bioinformatics
The Certificate in Bioinformatics will provide training in genomics, statistics and
computer science to students with a background in other scientific disciplines. View the Course Catalog >
Business Information Assurance
The primary purpose of this certificate program is to prepare participants to be able
to make effective decisions regarding information assurance strategies. Students will
become familiar with various methodologies for maintaining business continuity in
case of an attack or disaster and will become knowledgeable about policy development,
implementation techniques, employee awareness and training, assessment of effectiveness
of security programs, as well as various other factors that result in long-term managerial
effectiveness. Learn more >
Business Project Management
This certificate satisfies a demand for business project management professionals
in our region without requiring addition resources. It also creates untapped research
opportunities and collaborations for our faculty with the project management community.
Learn more >
College and Career Counseling
The certificate in College and Career Counseling is an online and field based post-degree
program designed to address contemporary issues related to career and college counseling
in schools. The certificate focuses on developing technical skills and expertise to
effectively prepare students to transition from high school to college or from high
school to vocational programs. The program is committed to addressing contemporary
issues influencing the field, by building awareness of social justice issues in the
college going process and utilizing student achievement data as a lever to design
programs that strategically target the achievement gap. View the Course Catalog >
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University of Memphis' Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is intended
for individuals who are currently pursuing a Masters degree in school counseling at
The University of Memphis, or have obtained a Masters degree in school counseling,
rehabilitation counseling, or college counseling. The certificate will allow students
to complete Tennessee's Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) educational requirements
as well as the State's Mental Health Service Provider (MHSP) educational requirements.
Learn more >
Clinical Social Work
The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Social Work is designed for MSW or DSW students
who want to deepen their clinical skills. The graduate certificate will provide an
in-depth clinical curriculum in advanced skills and cutting-edge innovations necessary
for students who want to pursue licensure in clinical social work and work in clinical
practice settings. View the Course Catalog >
Cognitive Science
The primary objective of this certificate is to supply graduate students interested
in Cognitive Science with interdisciplinary training in the major fields of Cognitive
Science, Cognitive Psychology, Artificial Intelligence and Linguistics. The main focus
is to develop core competencies to support research in cognitive science as well as
applications in human-computer interaction, information systems, advertising and marketing,
and design. View the Course Catalog >
Communication Sciences and Disorders and Public Health
The purpose of the “Population Hearing Health” certificate is to provide training
to practicing audiologists (AuDs), audiology students, and other hearing healthcare
professionals on the frameworks of public health and how they can be applied to hearing
health initiatives, thus improving hearing health on a population level. The certificate
requires a firm foundation in public health concepts to apply this knowledge to the
specialized area of population hearing healthcare. The certificate allows for required
coursework and electives in related fields. View the Course Catalog >
Cyber Security and Information Assurance
This certificate program highlights important aspects of information security and
assurance technologies. The University of Memphis is designated by DHS and NSA as
a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance, and its IA courses
are accredited by the Committee for National Security Systems for Computer Security
standards 4011, 4012, and 4013. These security standards specify the minimum knowledge,
skills, and abilities required to fulfill the duties, respectively, of an Information
Systems Security Professional, Senior System Manager, and System Administrator. Learn more >
Data Analytics for Management
The field of data analytics is exploding. Tools and techniques of data mining, text
mining, web mining, and artificial intelligence, combined with the use of "big data"
are driving marketing, finance, economics, and virtually all other aspects of business
to new heights. People with the right skills in these areas are in high demand. Targeted
towards a broad audience like Business Analysts and Managers who need to learn the
language and fundamentals of mathematical modeling and data visualization techniques,
this certificate will allow the student to successfully lead analytics teams and projects.
Learn what AI (Artificial Intelligence) can and cannot do for you using business use
cases. Use engagement metrics from popular social media sites for effectiveness measurement
and evaluate data patterns detected from structured and unstructured data to determine
a successful business strategy. Learn more >
Data Analytics for Technology
The business analytics discipline has become very important in information systems
and industry, due to increased access to big data, unstructured and structured data,
and strategic business decision making. These increasingly complex decision making
capabilities lead directly to competitive advantage and increased profits. Thus, trained
business analysts with skills in addressing data management and business intelligence
and analytics are in high demand. The certificate program requires completion of 12
semester credit hours. Learn more >
Data Science
The goal of the Data Science certificate is to help train a workforce of future data
scientists able to tackle the challenges and reap the promising benefits of the vast
quantities of data available today in all parts of the economy, society, and government.
At the end of the program, students will exhibit a deep understanding of how to manage
large volumes of data, discover patterns and make inferences from the data, use models
to make predictions about potential solutions, and quantify the reliability and effectiveness
of the outcomes. Learn more >
Disabilities Studies
This certificate program provides training for professionals who have, or plan to
have, the opportunity to work with person who have disabilities. It will also provide
students with a comprehensive background on the physical, psychosocial, vocation and
legal issues that face persons with disabilities. View the Course Catalog >
Early Music
The Early Music Certificate recognizes students in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music
who have made a specialty or subspecialty in the study of historically-informed performance
of repertories before 1800. It has three components: coursework focusing on these
repertories, lessons on a historical instrument or voice, and a public performance.
The certificate may be earned concurrently with or independent of any degree(s) or
certificate program(s) in the School. View the Course Catalog >
Entrepreneurial Media
The Entrepreneurial Media Certificate program prepares students to start their own
media-related businesses or bring innovation to legacy media organizations. It will
emphasize knowledge of business fundamentals, marketing, advertising and public relations
strategies for new businesses, and creating digital, multimedia content for media
products or promotions. View the Course Catalog >
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. View the Course Catalog >
Financial Analysis and Planning
This graduate certificate program is designed for students interested in acquiring
the theoretical and practical financial knowledge and skills consistent with 21st
century organizational needs and financial industry careers.View the Course Catalog >
Freight Transportation
The transportation profession is facing a significant decline in its workforce due
to the increasing number of workers eligible for retirement. Studies indicate as much
as 50% of the public sector transportation workforce is now eligible for retirement.
According to US DOT "employers will need to hire 4.6 million new workers with 417,000
of these positions created as a direct result to increased demand on our transportation
systems". In addition, the number of students pursuing degrees in the transportation
engineering area (primarily through civil engineering) continues to decline, and the
production of graduates is not keeping pace with the demand for skilled workers in
this area. The Graduate Certificate in Freight Transportation will enable individuals
with science or engineering bachelor's degrees to expand their analytical, practical,
and problem-solving skills in the area of freight transportation (e.g., supply chain
and logistics, maritime transportation, rail transportation). The certificate will
also enable them to transition and pursue advanced degrees (Master's or Ph.D.). View the Course Catalog >
General Business
This graduate certificate provides students with general knowledge about business
disciplines and concepts. Students learn the basics for understanding the relationships
among the different components of a business, how they interact with each other, and
how business in a global context, with an emphasis on supply chain operations and
business analytics. View the Course Catalog >
Geographic Information Systems
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. Learn more >
Graphic Design
This program will provide a Graphic Design curriculum that focuses on context/connections,
communication/methodology, collaboration/process, and technology/interaction. This
provides a demonstrable skill set that will stabilize and enhance opportunities for
students. View the Course Catalog >
Health Analytics
The Certificate in Health Analytics is designed to provide students with core training
in health analytics, including skills in biostatistics, predictive modeling, text
mining, and advanced programming/data skills demanded by community and health care
institutions today. Offered by the School of Public Health, this Certificate requires
5 courses (15 hours) of graduate coursework. Students completing this certificate
program will be competitive for a wide number of positions in the health care field.
Learn more >
Health Communication
This certificate is designed for professionals in healthcare or graduate students
in communication, healthcare, or related disciplines. The health communication certificate
program equips students with the foundational concepts and theories associated with
communication in a wide variety of healthcare contexts, including patient/provider
interactions, public health, health systems, and health advocacy. This series of courses
will provide students with the knowledge and skills to navigate communication in a
challenging healthcare environment, as well as prepare them for further graduate work
if they desire. View the Course Catalog >
Health Systems Leadership
The Health Systems Leadership graduate certificate, offered by the School of Public
Health, provides students with training in areas critical to 21st century healthcare,
public health, and community health leadership. Learn the skills you need to lead
the way forward in your organization, your city, and your world. The innovative curriculum
includes four courses and may be completed part-time and online over the course of
one calendar year. Case-based and team-driven learning help you apply what you are
learning to the real-world problems you encounter every day. Learn to lead change
and drive improvements and transformations across health systems. Learn more >
Higher Education Instruction
This graduate certificate program provides classes centered on quality higher education
course instruction for individuals employed in higher education institution as instructors/faculty.
The graduate certificate program courses focuses on quality course instruction, course
design and management, student centered learning practices, improved online course
delivery, practical learning theories, and real-world opportunities for engagement.View the Course Catalog >
Hospitality Management Specialist
The Hospitality Specialist Graduate Certificate is designed to addresses the increasing
complexity of operating in globalized hotel, food service or travel industries. Student
enrolled in this program will gain advanced knowledge and skills that will enhance
their professional qualifications in the discipline. By providing advanced knowledge
and skills in hospitality management to professional in the industry, practitioners
will gain the expertise in the use of tools that have the potential to increase revenues
and profits in the industry. Course material focuses on the core functional areas
necessary to work in the hotel industry, including operations, marketing, finance,
human resources, and strategic planning. View the Course Catalog >
Human Computer Interaction
The proposed certificate will provide learner's an understanding of the unique methodologies
and theories needed to understand how user's utilize technology (human-computer interaction).
As part of the certificate, participant's will apply theories towards design and end-user
research. View the Course Catalog >
Imaging and Signal Processing (Electrical and Computer Engineering)
The graduate certificate program in Imaging and Signal Processing is intended to provide
students and practicing professionals the graduate background material to further
their careers in this important area. The subject area is important to many application
areas, but biomedical, sensing and signaling for commercial and defense, and information
technology applications are of particular interest. The program combines traditional
signal processing topics with optics and imaging, as well as computer vision, pattern
recognition, and multimedia processing. Computer programming simulation and analysis
are emphasized. In addition, the courses in the program are core courses for the Masters
degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and thus, the certificate is also a
portal to that degree. Learn more >
Interprofesional Substance Abuse
The purpose of the Interprofessional Graduate Certificate in Substance Abuse is to
train student to work with populations impacted by substance use disorders (SUD) in
the Memphis and greater Midsouth region. View the Course Catalog >
Instructional Design and Technology
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. Learn more >
K-12 Educational Leadership
This certificate program provides graduate classes to individuals already possessing
a master’s degree in an education field but are interested in engaging in graduate-level
courses and practitioner experiences in order to attain assistant principle/school
principle state licensure. Courses focus on K-12 school legal and financial issues,
leadership strategies, problems of practice, and provide opportunities for significant
field experiences.View the Course Catalog >
Liberal Studies
The graduate certificate in Liberal Studies is intended to present graduate background
material for those seeking personal enrichment provided by liberal learning and the
development of those intellectual skills necessary to lifelong learning--critical
reading, scholarly writing, and the art of interpersonal communication. The certificate
requires 15 hours of graduate coursework. Learn more >
Literacy Leadership and Coaching
The goals of this certificate program are: 1) to offer literacy teachers education
beyond the state certified reading endorsement to prepare them to address the leadership
needs across the region and beyond, 2) to provide an accelerated cohort-driven program
of study that will enable students to receive a Certificate in Literacy Leadership
and Coaching in a timely and meaningful fashion, and 3) to give official recognition
of an expertise in literacy leadership to help students qualify for jobs both within
and outside the United States. Learn more >
Local Government Management
The objectives of the certificate program are: (1) Help working professionals upgrade
their knowledge and skills of local government and theory. (2) Empower graduates of
the program to succeed as effective and ethical leaders in local government administration.
(3) Enhance the analytical and management capabilities of individuals who are responsible
for the provision of varied services directly to citizens. Learn more >
Mathematics Education
View the Course Catalog >
Multimedia Storytelling
Update skills in multimedia with a focus on telling stories through various platforms
including photography, audio, video and data visualization. Learn more about the online program > | View information for on-grounds >
Multi-Tier Systems of Support
To address the mounting instructional challenges and concerns confronting general
and special educators, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) were developed. MTSS
use evidence-based techniques that provide varying levels of intensity in order to
increase the achievement of all students. Prospective teachers will have the opportunity
to take courses under the certificate as an elective working toward licensure within
a Masters of Art and Teaching program, a Special Education Endorsement, Special Education
Master's Degree or a concentration within a Doctoral Program. The principal goal of
the Graduate Multi-Tier Systems of Support Certificate is to provide practical training
to individuals who are presently teaching or are interested in working with students
learning and behavioral disorders in K-12 and alternative settings for school age
children. Learn more >
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. Learn more >
Nursing Education
The Nursing Education Certificate program provides a formal program of study for gradute
degree prepared nurses interested in obtaining a credential allowing them to teach
in Schools of Nursing. The program provides them with the content necessary to teach
nursing students in a specific area of nursing. Once students complete the certificate,
they are eligible to sit for the national certification exam in this area. This certificate
is the optimal way for those already holding a masters degree and desiring this specialization
to gain marketability without having to complete an entire second master's degree.
View Course Catalog >
Nursing Executive Leadership
The Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Executive Leadership provides a formal program
of study for students who hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree in another specialty.
The program prepares nurses for management and executive nursing roles in various
healthcare settings.View the Course Catalog >
Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
Every employee and volunteer in a nonprofit organization plays a role in meeting the
philanthropic goals and charitable purposes of the organization. The Certificate in
Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership is designed to meet the needs of these employees
and volunteers looking for advanced study in the theory and practice of nonprofit
administration. Ideal for nonprofit professionals, community volunteer leaders and
active philanthropists, the Certificate is offered by the Division of Public and Nonprofit
Administration. The Certificate requires 15 hours of graduate coursework, all available
in both on-campus and online formats. Learn more >
Population Health
This graduate Certificate in Population Health provides core competency in biostatistics,
epidemiology, environmental health, health policy, and social/behavioral sciences
necessary to improve health on a large scale. With the Affordable Care Act, hospitals
are incentivized to improve community health so as not to incur repeat hospitalizations,
and this certificate is particularly relevant for those in the fields of health care
and public health. The Certificate, offered by the School of Public Health, requires
5 courses (15 hours) of graduate coursework, all available in both on-campus and online
formats and may be completed in 2 semesters. All 5 courses will apply to the Master
of Public Health (MPH) degree should students wish to pursue a graduate degree. Learn more >
Qualitative Studies in Education
The Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Studies in Educational Research is intended
to prepare students enrolled in any Doctoral program in the College of Education and
throughout the University to design, conduct, publish, and teach rigorous qualitative
research. The current academic climate has seen a paradigm shift from a strict focus
on objectivist quantitative research to a broader focus on constructionist/subjectivist
qualitative research methodologies. Recognizing this shift, our program offers students
the appropriate coursework and mentorship to advance their knowledge and application
of qualitative research traditions/methodologies such as ethnography, case study,
narrative inquiry, post-structural approaches, and creative analytic practices. Learn more >
Quantitative Studies in Educational Research
The certificate program is designed to provide students with formalized training in
quantitative methods, including research design, univariate and multivariate statistical
analysis, and advanced training in statistical software and programming. Learn more >
School Counseling
The University of Memphis's certificate in school counseling is intended for those
individuals who are currently pursuing or have obtained a Graduate degree in clinical
mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling,
or college counseling to obtain Tennessee Licensure as a School Counselor. Learn more >
School Library Information Specialist
The purpose of the Graduate Certificate for School Library Information Specialists
is to provide preparation and practical training to individuals who are presently
teaching or are interested in obtaining teacher licensure with a specialization/endorsement
as a School Library Information Specialist (TN DOE endorsement for Library Information
Specialist PreK-12 - 473). Learn more >
School Social Work
The purpose of the graduate certificate in School Social Work is to allow Master of
Social Work (MSW) students or MSW graduates to complete a specialized course of study
in school social work. School social work is a specialization in the field of social
work with
a focus on providing behavioral health services in the school setting. As an academic
program, school social work trains students to collaborate with children/youth, families,
teachers, and communities to provide supports that contribute to academic success.
School social work licensure requires an accredited degree in social work at the undergraduate
or graduate level. Licensure boards will not recognize the certificate coursework
unless it accompanies a degree in social work. View Course Catalog >
Social Media Analysis and Strategy
Learn tools in audience analysis and segmentation, analytics and evaluation and community
engagement to build and maintain a social media presence for brands and organizations.
Earn certifications in various analytic software and programs. Learn more about the online program > | View information for on-grounds >
Sport Nutrition and Dietary Supplementation
The topics of sport nutrition and dietary supplementation continue to gain momentum
in both the research world, as well as in clinical practice. Multiple peer-reviewed
scientific journals are now dedicated to presenting literature specific to the area
of sport nutrition. The same is true for the study of dietary supplementation. The
certificate is particularly useful for registered dietitians, strength and conditioning
coaches, personal trainers, and healthcare providers (e.g., nurses, pharmacists) who
may receive questions from athletes and/or patients specific to the topics of sport
nutrition and dietary supplementation. Consisting of 12 credit hours, students complete
three required courses, with an option for the completion of the final three credit
hours. All courses are delivered online and can be completed in any sequence. Learn more >
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Teacher Leadership
The goal of the certificate program in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) Teacher Leadership is to develop the knowledge and skills of secondary
mathematics, science, and engineering teachers who are currently teaching in local
area schools. The coursework is designed to promote in-depth understanding of current
standards and instructional practices with a particular focus on building teacher
leaders in STEM education. Learn more >
Strategic Leadership
The Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership is a 12-hour program (four courses)
designed to provide theoretical and practical knowledge to enhance leadership skills.
The program is specifically designed for the working professional. Learn more >
Supply Chain Management
The focus of this graduate certificate is to provide students with a foundation in
the concepts, tools, and practices of Supply Chain Management. View the Course Catalog >
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
We live in a global community, where different languages and cultures interact on
a daily basis. The TESOL 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. Learn more > | View the Course Catalog >
Teaching of Mathematics
Program objective is to provide content knowledge training required for teaching lower
division college mathematics courses. This training will help high school teachers
meet the content knowledge requirements for the teaching of dual enrollment courses,
and help satisfy the demand created by the Tennessee Promise program, for individuals
qualified to teach mathematics in community colleges. View Course Catalog >
Urban Education
The 12 credit-hour Graduate Certificate in Urban Education offers an advanced program
of study in the expansive and distinct historical and contemporary knowledge, scholarship,
and practical issues related to instruction and curriculum leadership in an urban
educational context that has a diverse population, is geographically bounded, and
is unique in its political, economic and cultural history, relationships, and interactions.
The program of study includes a 3 credit-hour workshop that allows the student to
explore an issue individually through independent study, online engagement, and engaged
scholarship. Learn more >
Vocology
This certificate bridges the gap between the vocal offerings of the School of Music
and the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The purpose of the Graduate
Certificate in Vocology is to provide the basic and applied science of voice production
in the context of aesthetic and professional voice use to individuals seeking to teach
voice technique to singers, actors, and professional voice users. It is designed for
vocal teachers who want to combine the science of voice production with professional
application. View the Course Catalog >
Women's and Gender Studies
Women's roles have changed remarkably over the past 50 years. The Certificate of Women's
and Gender 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 PhD programs. View Course Catalog >