Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education

Program Overview

As a unique professional development program, the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education is designed for anyone who works in an educational capacity with adults. This completely online series of courses will deepen your understanding of learning in adulthood and prepare you to teach in a range of settings, such as postsecondary institutions, organizations, and corporate trainings. Our students have ranged from health services professionals, those working in the non-profit sector, to higher education administrators.

The certificate, consisting of one required and two elective courses, can be completed as a stand-alone credential or as part of a masters degree program.

Program Highlights

#2 in Higher Education Administration in U.S. News Ranking for 2023

Program Outcomes

By completing the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education, you will:

• Become a more reflective and effective teacher in postsecondary education
• Deepen your understanding of the values, beliefs and contexts that inform different approaches to adult learning and development
• Increase your knowledge of teaching and learning strategies that are most appropriate in various contexts
• Help articulate the values, beliefs, experiences and ideas that shape your approach to teaching and learning
• Improve your skills in systematic planning, designing and developing of educational and training programs for postsecondary education contexts

Career Outlook

Our certificate alumni tell us that they feel more prepared and effective as educators of adult learners in whatever context they work. Many have also gone on to administrative positions in faculty development, student affairs, and industry.

Course Information

Core

EAD 861 - Adult Learning (3 Credits)

Elective

EAD 860 - Concept of a Learning Society (3 Credits)
EAD 863 - Training and Professional Development (3 Credits)
EAD 866 - Teaching in Postsecondary Education (3 Credits)
EAD 871 - Collegiate Contexts for Teaching and Learning (3 Credits)
EAD 877 - Program Planning and Evaluation in Postsecondary Contexts (3 Credits)
EAD 878 - Education in the Digital Age (3 Credits)

*Although the EAD 861 class is “required” students may request a waiver to substitute one of the other listed courses in its place. To request such a waiver, you must select any one of the three intended courses to serve formally as the “substitute” course.

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a grade-point average of at least 3.0 in the final two years of undergraduate study. Applicants with grade-point average below 3.0 for the same time period, may be considered for admission on a provisional basis.
• CV/Résumé
• A personal statement/statement of purpose that describes your professional and educational experience in relation to your desire to pursue a graduate certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education and how the program relates to your career interests/plans. This statement is used to determine if the applicant's goals are consistent with those of the program and to assess the clarity and coherence of the applicant's writing. Statements should not exceed 500 words in length.
• No GRE required.
• Official transcripts from all previous schools

To apply to this program:

• Complete the university graduate certificate application for Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education and pay the application fee.
• Official transcripts should be sent directly by the institution via email to haleadm@msu.edu or by mail to:
• Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education (HALE) Program
  c/o HALE Admissions Assistant
  Department of Educational Administration
  Michigan State University
  Erickson Hall
  620 Farm Lane Rm 423
  East Lansing, MI 48824-1034
• Upload the following files (in PDF format): personal statement, and résumé to the application portal.
• The GRE or an academic interview are not required for admission. Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning is separate and distinct from other graduate programs within HALE and from all other graduate programs offered at MSU. Acceptance into the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning does not qualify an individual for admission into any of the graduate degree programs offered in HALE. Credits earned in the certificate program may be applied toward a degree program in HALE with faculty approval.

Currently enrolled students:

• Complete and submit an Intent to Enroll form.
• Students enrolled in degree programs have the option of requesting credits earned for the Certificate also be applied toward the completion of their graduate degree. If interested, students should consult the Requirements for a Second, Dual or Joint Degree section of the University Academic Programs Catalogue.