post secondary education certificate

Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education, Graduate Certificate

Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education

Graduate Certificate

Course Delivery

Total Credits

Credit Hour

Minimum Duration

• Program Details

Course Information

Admissions requirements.

• Tuition & Fees

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.

A Top-Ranked Education

• 1st Best in Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
• 4th Best Online Master's in Education Administration — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
• 5th Best Online Master's in Education/Instructional Media  — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
• 7th Best in Online Master's in Special Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
• 10th Best Online Master's in Education Programs for Veterans  — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
• 24th Best Online Master's in Education Programs  — U.S. News & World Report, 2022

Dr. Brad Cox

Associate professor.

Dr. Brad Cox is an Associate Professor of Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) at Michigan State University and Founder of the nonprofit College Autism Network (CAN). His most recent scholarship focuses on the ways personal characteristics and institutional environments affect college students with disabilities, particularly those on the autism spectrum. More broadly, Dr. Cox’s studies explore factors that shape college experiences and outcomes for student populations often overlooked within higher education, including racially minoritized students, transfer students, adults, students facing difficult life events, and first-generation college students. Alongside Dr. Brett Ranon Nachman, Dr. Cox directs the Postsecondary Education: Autistic Collegians’ Experiences of Success (PEACES) project.

EAD 861 - Adult Learning (3 Credits)

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.

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 [email protected] 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.

Application Deadline

Spring .

December 1st

Tuition & Fees per credit

Cost of attendance, the msu value promise.

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs for over 20 years. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

Continuing education  can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals.  With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.

Explore More Online Programs

FALL COURSE REGISTRATION  is open through August 29. Explore courses today.

Pursuing a Certificate

Certificates are the fastest-growing post-secondary credential in the United States because learning is a lifelong pursuit.

To stand out from the competition, you need to continue to update your skill set to land that next promotion or navigate a successful career change.

To support your aspirations, we offer several undergraduate certificates and 40+ graduate certificates in the most sought-after professional fields:

• Management and Finance
• Information Technology
• Sustainability
• Life Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Global Studies
• Arts and Literature

Our certificates prepare you for long-term career success by offering you critical technical skills and the theoretical context behind those skills, providing both breadth and depth. This is a winning combination with nearly 90 percent of our certificate earners reporting that they are confident their certificate has prepared them for their next step!

You don’t have to wait to complete the certificate to gain immediate benefits. What you learn in class today, you’ll apply on the job tomorrow. Indeed, many certificate students report receiving a promotion or a new job while pursuing their certificate.

Who are certificate students?

• Most — 78 percent — are working full-time while pursuing a certificate.
• The average age of a certificate student is 36.
• Fifty-three percent of certificate students have a master’s, PhD, or other advanced degree.
• Most pursue a certificate for professional reasons, but many are exploring personal interests or preparing for further studies.

Read on to learn how to get started , track your progress , and successfully earn a certificate from Harvard Extension School.

Getting Started

No formal application is required to pursue a certificate, but you can track your progress each semester by using our online Certificate Tracker (see below).

Follow these three steps to get started: 

• Find one of our  undergraduate  or graduate  certificates that interests you.
• Under Search Classes , scroll to Browse by Degree, Certificate, or Premedical Program .
• Select Undergraduate Certificates or select Graduate Certificates.  
• Choose the specific certificate to explore program courses.
• Register during one of our enrollment periods (fall, January, spring, or summer). When you register, be sure to select the appropriate credit status: undergraduate credit (UN) for our undergraduate certificates and graduate credit (GR) for graduate certificates.

NOTE: Graduate certificates are not available at the undergraduate level. You must take all your certificate courses for graduate credit to earn a graduate certificate.

Can I earn a certificate online? View More

Our certificates are designed to be completed online; a few certificates may have on campus course options.

I’m an international student. Can I take courses on campus? View More

Our certificates are designed to be earned completely online. However, if you would like to study on campus, you may request an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for full-time study in the summer at the Harvard Summer School.

See the  international student guidelines for Summer School  for more details.

Note:  I-20 Certificates of Eligibility for the F-1 student visa are not available for on-campus study during the fall and spring semesters, because of the part-time nature of the Harvard Extension School. If you obtain an I-20 from Harvard Summer School for an F-1 visa, it is not possible to continue studying on the F-1 at Harvard Extension School.

Grade Requirements

Students must earn a grade of B, B+, A-, or A in a certificate course in order to have it count toward the certificate. Courses in which a student has earned a grade of B- or below cannot be counted toward a certificate.

Repeat Courses

Repeat courses are identified by their subject and course number (for example, MGMT E-4000 Organizational Behavior and MGMT S-4000 Organizational Behavior are the same courses) and occasionally by a notation in the course description (for example, “Students may not take both ECON E-1600 and ECON S-1615 for degree or certificate credit”).

Because repeating course content has limited educational value, certificate credit is not awarded for the same Harvard course for which undergraduate or graduate credit has already been received.

Therefore, you must choose an alternative course to fulfill a certificate requirement if:

• You earned a grade below the minimum B required for your certificate,
• You completed a certificate course outside of your three-year certificate timeframe, or
• You completed a course at the undergraduate level with us here at Harvard, even if you earned a passing grade.

If you find yourself needing to fulfill a specific certificate requirement that has no alternative course options, please reach out to the Certificates Office to discuss your options: [email protected] or [email protected] .

If you choose to repeat a course, it will appear on your official transcript, but will not count toward the certificate.

If you are earning your certificate as part of your degree studies, please also pay attention to the degree-specific repeat policies for the ALM or ALB degrees.

Three-Year Requirement

Students must complete courses within three years from the first day they start taking applicable courses toward their certificate. See the chart below for specific start and completion semester information.

Medical Leave of Absence View More

If you have documented health or medical issues that require a modification of, or reasonable accommodation to, our three-year completion requirement, then you should proactively work with the Accessibility Services Office (ASO) to request a medical leave.

The ASO will help make appropriate arrangements for the duration of the leave as well as plans to return and ensure compliance with all academic rules. The ASO will engage in an individualized and interactive assessment, which may require consultation with others at the University, as appropriate. With prior permission, the ASO may also require consultation with your health care providers.

You should contact the ASO as soon as a health or medical issues arises, as HES does not ordinarily alter academic policies after the fact.

Extensions to the three-year requirement are not ordinarily granted beyond one additional year, as successful completion of courses within a certain period is a fundamental academic requirement.

Returning from a Medical Leave of Absence

To return from a medical leave of absence, the ASO will require documentation that the circumstances that led to your leave have been satisfactorily addressed and you are ready to resume your studies.

The ASO will engage in an individualized and interactive assessment, which may require consultation with others at the University, as appropriate. With prior permission, the ASO may also require consultation with your health care providers.

The ASO will make the decision whether to allow you to return and determine the conditions for your return based on (1) the best available objective medical evidence and (2) consultation with others at the University, which may include the Harvard University Health Services, the Dean of Student Policy and Governance, or the Administrative Board, as appropriate.

Medical Leave Registration Policies

If you request a medical leave while currently registered for courses, the Accessibility Services Office will work with the Registrar’s Office to determine a fair and equitable resolution to your registration status, which may include a drop for a refund, if early in the term, or late withdrawal grade, if later in the term.

Tracking Your Certificate Progress

The Certificate Tracker and Request Form — available through  online services — will help you keep track of the courses you have taken that are eligible to count towards your certificate of interest.

Monitor your progress by logging in to  online services  and choosing the Certificate Tracker and Request Form. This form will confirm the courses that count toward the certificate, the courses for which you are currently registered, and the courses that you’ve completed.

Requesting Your Certificate

Once you have successfully completed all of the requirements for your certificate, you may log in to the Certificate Tracker and Request Form to request your certificate. You will confirm the courses that you will apply toward the certificate and submit your request.

After your request is reviewed, approved, and awarded you will receive information about how to access your electronic certificate through our certified electronic credentials  site .

Once you have applied courses toward one certificate, they can no longer count toward another certificate. No adjustments can be made after a certificate has been awarded.

Be sure to request your certificate within 30 days of the release of your final grade in your last certificate course (see  calendar  for dates). This will ensure that you receive your credential in a timely manner.

If you request your certificate after this 30-day deadline, but before the 6-month petition deadline (see below), it will be awarded as part of the next conferral cycle at the end of the subsequent semester. 

Requests submitted more than 6 months after completing the last course must be accompanied by a petition to the Harvard Extension School Administrative Board explaining the reason for the delay.

Will all the courses listed be offered every year? View More

Certificate required courses are offered each year, but the elective offerings do change slightly because of new offerings and instructor availability.

Can I substitute a course that is not listed on the certificate course search? View More

No. Only those courses specifically listed in the certificate course search can be counted toward the certificate. We do not accept course substitutions or transfer credit.

Continuing on to Earn a Bachelor’s View More

Undergraduate certificates are stand-alone academic credentials that allow you to broaden your knowledge, update your professional profile, and explore new fields of interest. Earning a certificate can be a great first step to exploring a new field of study. Undergraduate certificates stack to our Bachelor of Liberal Arts (ALB) degree—that is, your certificate courses may also meet degree requirements.

If you think you want to pursue this path, make sure to do your research. You will need to plan ahead to ensure your certificate courses count toward your specific degree requirements. If you know you would like to pursue an ALB degree, we encourage you to apply to the degree program first and earn your certificate along the way.

It’s important to keep the following in mind:

• ALB degree students must hold a high school diploma or equivalent earned at least five years prior to enrolling in any ALB degree-applicable courses. If you do not meet this requirement,  your undergraduate certificate coursework will not stack toward our bachelor’s degree.
• Prospective ALB students may not be enrolled as an undergraduate, degree-seeking student at another institution at the time of admission or during your Extension School degree candidacy.
• Use both the certificate course search and degree course search to see which requirements your courses meet for each credential.
• If you already possess a bachelor’s degree, you are not able to pursue another at Harvard Extension School.

For more information please see the  ALB degree requirements website .

Continuing on to Earn a Master’s View More

Graduate certificates are stand-alone academic credentials that allow you to broaden your knowledge, update your professional profile, and advance your career.

Earning a certificate can also be a great first step to exploring a new field of study. Most of our certificates stack toward at least one Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) degree. The courses you take to earn a certificate may count toward a graduate degree.

If you think you want to pursue this path, make sure to do your research. You will need to plan ahead to ensure your certificate courses count toward your specific degree requirements.

If you know you would like to pursue a degree program, we encourage you to apply to the degree program first and earn your certificate along the way.

• ALM degree students must hold a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a degree conferral date that precedes enrollment in graduate-level courses taken at Harvard Extension School. If you do not meet this requirement,  your graduate certificate coursework will  not  stack toward one of our master’s degrees .
• Not every certificate course counts toward a degree. Use both the certificate course search and degree course search to see which requirements are met through your courses.
• We recommend you complete the degree pre-admission courses, if they are part of your certificate.
• Have five-year completion deadlines
• Require a Harvard On-Campus Experience
• May require a certain number of courses to be taught by instructors with a current Harvard University teaching appointment
• Undergraduate certificates do  not  stack to our ALM Degrees.

For more information please see your specific degree requirements website.

How do certificates differ from degrees? View More

Certificates offer concentrated academic pathways — 3 to 5 courses to complete — for students looking to enhance a specific set of skills or fill a knowledge gap. Earning a certificate demonstrates to employers your proficiency in a topic, as well as your determination and discipline to succeed academically. You are awarded a certificate upon completion.

Our  ALB  and  graduate degrees  are a more comprehensive, long-term academic commitment. You must complete specific admissions requirements and application to pursue a degree.

How do certificates differ from certifications? View More

A graduate certificate is not a certification. Certification is usually awarded by an industry-recognized party or organization to recognize an individual’s specialized knowledge or skill. It indicates mastery as measured against industry standards and is usually listed as a credential on a business card. Harvard Extension School does not offer certification in any field.

In contrast, certificates are awarded by educational institutions for completion of coursework in a certain body of knowledge. This award is usually listed on one’s resume as part of their education.

Earning Multiple Certificates

If you plan to pursue multiple certificates, keep in mind that your courses can only count toward one certificate. Each certificate is carefully designed to include a distinct set of courses to ensure its academic and professional value.

Financing Your Certificate

You may be eligible for  scholarship funds , including Lowell Scholarships for Boston-area middle and high school teachers, community scholarships, and private student loans. Federal or state aid is only available to students who have been admitted to a degree program.

Resources for Certificate Students

As a certificate student you gain access to numerous resources to aid in your success.

Certificate Advising View More

When you have questions about the process of earning your graduate certificate, know we are here. We offer weekly  Open Virtual Office Hours  where students can drop in and ask questions. Visit the site for dates and more information, or email us at  [email protected]  for graduate certificate questions or  [email protected]  for undergraduate certificate questions.

Career Resources View More

We are here for you and your success. Certificate students have access to the  Career and Academic Resource Center (CARC) , where you can participate in online webinars on career planning and academic skills. CARC offers monthly call-in career counseling for all certificate students. You can also participate in our annual virtual Harvard Extension School Career Fair, held during the spring semester.

Library Access View More

As a certificate student, you are eligible for a class participant library card that allows you on-campus access and borrowing privileges at Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) libraries during the terms in which you are registered. Class participant library cards provide privileges only at FAS libraries; they do not provide access to other Harvard University facilities or resources.

Visit our  Library Resources page  for more information.

Additional Student Resources View More

Visit our  Support and Services page for additional resources such as computer labs, writing center, and the Math Question Center.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

What is a Post-Secondary Degree, and Do I Need One?

Quick Degree Finder

Part of the American dream has always been to send your children to college so they could obtain their degree. Despite a struggling economy, the last decade has seen record numbers of people seeking higher education. In 2019 alone, nearly 20 million Americans enrolled in colleges and universities to receive their degree, and experts are expecting this number to increase over the coming years .

And it’s not just wealthy families that are sending their kids to college. Recent surveys have found more low- and middle-income families are making higher education a priority.

If you have been wondering about getting a post-secondary degree – what it was exactly and if it was something that could help you earn more – be sure to read this entire article , because I’m going to share absolutely everything you need to know about post-secondary degrees.

Let’s get started!

What is a Post-Secondary Degree?

To keep things simple, a post-secondary degree is one that a person can obtain once they’ve received their high school diploma or GED. Post-secondary degrees may come from a community college, vocational school, an undergraduate college or a university.

These degrees show prospective employers that you have taken the time to receive specialized skills and knowledge. Beyond helping you stand out from other candidates come hiring time, post-secondary degrees can help you earn more – and in some cases – quite a bit more!

Types of Post-Secondary Degrees

As I mentioned, a post-secondary degree lets prospective employers know you have obtained specialized skills and information. But there are different types – or levels – of post-secondary degrees, and each one connotes a different level of expertise.

Associates Degree

Associates degrees are typically obtained in two years at either a community college or vocational/technical school. These degrees offer students a higher understanding of different professional settings and prepares them for entry-level work.

An associates degree can also be counted as the first two years of a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Many students, particularly adult students, will obtain their associates degree in order to get their foot in the door of their chosen field. Later, they can use this degree to jumpstart their next leg of education and obtain their bachelor’s degree, which will provide further employment and earnings opportunities.

Recommended Schools

Bachelor’s Degree

When we hear the term “college degree,” most people think of the classic 4-year bachelor’s degree. This is the most popular post-secondary degree people earn.

Bachelor’s programs provide a more holistic educational experience because they not only teach employable skills, but also academic subjects that help sharpen the students’ critical thinking skills.

While it typically takes students four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, it can sometimes take six or even eight years to complete. This is usually due to financial reasons, however. If you’re interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree, be sure to read this article all the way to the end because I’m going to share how you can earn your bachelor’s degree for less money and even cut your time in half!

Master’s Degree

Once you have obtained your bachelor’s degree you may choose to go on and pursue a master’s degree. These programs allow students to gain even more expertise around a particular field of study. Depending on the program, master’s degrees typically take an additional two to three years to complete. Once obtained, these degrees can help you advance your career into management roles and earn much higher salaries.

Obtaining a doctorate degree is the highest academic achievement a person can attain. Holders of Ph.Ds. are usually in top positions in their field and earn much more. How much? Keep reading, I’m about to let you in on some salary secrets !

The Benefits of a Post-Secondary Education

At this point you hopefully understand what a post-secondary degree is. But you may still be wondering if obtaining one of these degrees is worth the time and cost.

The following are just some of the benefits of earning a post-secondary degree.

Higher income

I have been alluding to the fact that obtaining a higher degree usually leads to greater earning potential. According to a  new report  from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW), those who have obtained their post-secondary degree can expect to earn quite a bit more than those with only a high school diploma.

Of course, when it comes to earning potential, other factors come into play, such as field of study, occupation and location of your employment. So for instance, someone with a master’s of fine art degree may not earn as much as an engineer with only a bachelor’s degree.

Having said that, surveys taken over the years, including this recent one, have found certain generalized statements, such as those with even an associates degree can expect to earn 20% more than those with a high school diploma or GED.

Those with bachelor’s degrees can expect to earn between 35% and 85% more than those with only a high school diploma, while those with master’s degrees and Ph.Ds. can earn between 85% and 100% more than those with only a high school diploma.

So, if you are someone who is looking to advance your career and start earning more, getting a post-secondary degree makes a lot of sense!

Better Employee Benefits

You may not know this, but jobs that require you to have a bachelor’s degree or higher typically offer better job benefits. For instance, you may find your employer offers healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid time off and other awesome perks.

More Career Options

It’s simple really: the higher you go with your education, the more career opportunities are available to you. While someone with an associates degree will be able to seek entry-level employment, someone with a master’s degree or Ph. D. will fill the highest positions and earn the highest salary.

Having said that, I want to make it clear that master’s degrees and Ph. Ds. are not necessary to have a rewarding and lucrative career. Many people have the career of their dreams and earn a great salary by earning a bachelor’s degree.

Job Security

If you’ve been in the job market over the last decade, you know that when the economy struggles, employers need to make cuts. Without question, those employees who have the most skills and expertise offer the most value to their employers and therefor have greater job security.

Job Satisfaction

We spend eight hours a day (or more) five days a week (or more) at our jobs. That’s a lot of time dedicated to something you may not like doing. Life just feels better when we love our work. Often, the careers that bring those most meaning and purpose into our lives, such as those in healthcare, science or education, require a post-secondary degree.

This isn’t by any means an exhaustive list of benefits, but these give you an idea of why you may seriously want to consider obtaining your post-secondary degree.

Cons of a Post-Secondary Education

Of course, to decide if a post-secondary education is right for you, you’ll also want to take into consideration a couple of cons, namely:

• It’s Expensive!

Obtaining a college degree is a definite financial commitment. And when you hear about students graduating with a mountain of student loan debt, it can stop you from following your dreams.

There are other common ways to pay for college such as applying for grants and scholarships. Unfortunately, what many students don’t realize is, this endeavor often takes a lot of time with no real payoff. There are only so many grants and scholarships to go around, and so most people will waste hours applying and never see any financial help.

Fear not – there is a simple way to save money toward the cost of college tuition, and I’m about to share that with you in just a moment.

Traditional College Degrees are Hard to Obtain for Adult Students

If you’re a working adult with family responsibilities, it can be next to impossible for you to put your life on hold so that you can move to another state to attend college for four years! Even attempting to take evening classes at your local community college can be a challenge when you have a growing family.

Without question, these two cons are why so many adults give up their pursuit of higher education. And that’s too bad because as we’ve seen, earning a post-secondary degree can be life changing!

Well, the good news is, there is any easy fix for these two problems. Earn your post-secondary degree online!

Can I Really Earn My Post-Secondary Degree Online?

Yes, you really can. In fact, according to one recent article in US News, over 6 million students have found earning their college degree online to be the fastest and easiest way to do it!

Here are some of the main benefits of earning your post-secondary degree online:

It’s More Affordable

Traditional college tuition can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It’s getting harder and harder for the average person to be able to afford this.

An online education, on the other hand, costs just a fraction of a typical education. You see, a physical brick and mortar school has a lot of operating expenses, and those expenses get passed onto you, the student.

Online degrees don’t have these same operating expenses and so you can save a ton. In addition, OnlineDegree.com can help you find even better ways to save. We’ve partnered with accredited colleges and universities across the country that not only offer online courses, they also offer upfront tuition discounts.

And as if that isn’t incredible enough, OnlineDegrees.com offers our students FREE classes for credit. You read that right! Take as many FREE classes as you’d like, then apply those later toward your degree. We’ll connect you with those programs that will accept these credits, thereby saving you EVEN MORE money and helping you earn your degree in far less time!

Hey there win/win!

If you’re a working adult raising a young family, you’ll be happy to know that earning your degree online offers a lot of necessary flexibility. Real life can often get in the way of your evening or weekend classes. Your boss may ask you to stay late, or your kid may get sick.

When you earn your degree online, you study when and where is most convenient for YOU. Set your own schedule and never have to worry about missing work or an important family event ever again!

Adult Friendly

Many institutions that offer online degree programs go out of their way to be adult friendly . This means in addition to being more flexible and affordable, these programs also do things like waive the need to submit SAT or ACT scores and also have open admissions. With open admissions, you can sign up for a post-secondary degree 24/7 365. You DON’T have to try and get your application package in by a specific date like most traditional colleges require.

Are You Ready to Get Started with Your Post-Secondary Degree?

I hope this article has answered any questions you may have had about post-secondary degrees. Without question, earning a post-secondary degree can help you build a rewarding career that offers numerous opportunities and a great salary.

And now you know you can earn this degree online far faster and more affordably than you ever thought possible!

OnlineDegree.com is 100% free for you to use . We provide you the tools to meet your education goals so you can learn your way to a more satisfying and prosperous life. By using our Smartplan , you can easily find ways to save time and money in just a few mouse clicks.

Our Smartplan will help you find:

• FREE courses you can take for credit
• Available tuition discounts
• Schools that are “adult friendly” and offer flexible enrollments and course schedules
• Schools that don’t require SAT or ACT scores
• And much more!

It only takes two minutes to sign up and get started on your journey toward earning your post-secondary degree and a brighter future .

What are you waiting for? Get started today .

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Online Master of Education in Secondary Education – Teacher Certification

All students deserve access to high-quality, well-prepared teachers. The master's in secondary education online program leading to teacher certification gives aspiring educators the opportunity to earn a graduate degree from a top-ranked college of education.

Quick facts

Next start date: 08/22/2024

Total classes: 16

Weeks per class: 15

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered

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What is online teacher certification in secondary education?

What will i learn in an online teacher certification in secondary education program.

• Traditional certification : This route allows you to take courses online while conducting internships and residencies on-site in a local school.
• Alternative pathways certification : This route provides certification for individuals already working as a teacher of record on an Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate (or equivalent in other states). If you’re interested in this route, you must secure a full-time teaching position before starting the program, allowing you to immediately put coursework into practice.

Is it worth it to be certified in secondary education?

Professional licensure and certification.

ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the state of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check the professional licensure list for Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to determine if this program meets requirements in your state. Note that not all programs within Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College lead to professional licensure. Contact our enrollment team for more information: [email protected].

Secondary education online teacher certification courses

The secondary education curriculum combines core coursework aligned with teacher certification requirements. You’ll also take a range of elective courses and participate in professional experiences in middle and high school settings. These educational experiences will prepare you to teach grades 6–12. You’ll also complete a final applied research project in which you’ll have the opportunity to evaluate and identify an education challenge and design an intervention within your own classroom.

Additionally, you’ll select a subject area and take a related methods course. Approved subject areas include, but aren’t limited to: American Government and political science, biological science, chemistry, Earth and space sciences, economics, English, French, general science, geography, history, mathematics, physical education, physics and Spanish.

What jobs will I get with a secondary education teacher certification?

This secondary education master’s degree leading to teacher certification prepares students to start a career as a certified teacher across grades 6–12. The successful completion of this program can lead to a variety of educational positions, such as:

Study with award-winning educators

The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

Master’s in secondary education online admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Please note: This program has an earlier application deadline than other online degrees offered by Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Application requirements

International applicants are not eligible for teacher certification plans. Please consider the Master of Education in elementary education , Master of Education in secondary education  or Master of Education in special education .

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Provisional admission may be extended to applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75-2.99, provided the application is otherwise strong.

All applicants must submit:

• Graduate admission application and application fee.
• Official transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Personal statement.
• This program has its own English proficiency requirements in addition to the university's minimum standards. 
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): score of at least 90 on the internet-based test (iBT), with scores on the Speaking and Writing portions in the high “fair” - “Good” range (22-30). ASU’s institutional code is 4007. Only electronic copies of scores are accepted.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): overall band score of at least 6.5 with Speaking and Writing portions needing to be at least 6.5 (6 = Competent User, 7 = Good User). No institutional code is needed.

Additional application information

• The three letters of recommendation should be from individuals who’ve worked with you in professional or academic capacities, and who can attest to your aptitude in this field and your ability to succeed at graduate-level coursework.
• Describe the personal and professional goals that motivate you to apply for the MEd in Secondary Education.
• Explain what has led you to this career path and how you will excel as a secondary education teacher in the classroom.
• The admission committee pays particular attention to the quality of writing and ideas expressed in the personal statement.
• Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
• Are you now or have you ever been subject to any investigation regarding child abuse or neglect?
• Have you ever been arrested, charged, or convicted for any criminal offense involving a child?
• Have you ever previously enrolled in any program or courses that lead to teacher certification?
• Have you ever been subject to sanction, discipline or dismissal by any academic institution?
• Have you ever been employed by and/or terminated from an Arizona K-12 school or school district?
• Have you already submitted an application to DPS for your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card?
• Do you understand this program requires daytime internship and/or student teaching commitments?

State authorization: We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.

Note : Although not required for admission, students must provide a copy of their valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance card (or equivalent in their state if outside Arizona) prior to enrolling in the first term professional experience. Students who are unable to provide this documentation may be unable to start the program in the desired term/session.

Study at a top destination for learning and professional growth

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. According to U.S. News & World Report, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is the only U.S. college of education to rank in the top 15 for both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.

best online master’s in educational administration programs.

best online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs.

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Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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Certificates

Teacher Certification (Graduate Certificate)

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Elementary Education – Teacher Certification (MEd)

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Post-secondary education: What is the difference between college and university?

Posted July 31, 2019

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Are you going to college or university?

In Canada, college is different from university. College and university are the two types of post-secondary education programs taken after graduating from high school.

What is post-secondary education?

Studies beyond high school are called post-secondary education. Students take a program to earn:

• Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma (including ‘centres de formation professionelle’)
• College, or non-university certificate or diploma
• University or diploma below bachelor level
• University degree (bachelor’s degree, university certificate or diploma above bachelor level, degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry, etc.); master’s degree; earned doctorate

There are three types of post-secondary schools:

• Universities

These schools and the programs they offer must meet standards set by the government. Only then can they be officially recognized to grant degrees, diplomas, certificates and other qualifications. Manitoba Advanced Education is the government ministry in charge of post-secondary education in the province.

What is the difference between college and university?

The main difference between college and university is that universities focus on academic and professional programs, while colleges tend to be more career-oriented, offering career training and trades.

Colleges and institutes Colleges and institutes usually offer certificate programs which take one year or less, and diploma programs which can take two to three years. However, a growing number of colleges now also offer bachelor’s degrees, even master’s degrees. Aside from in class studies, college programs offer practical, hands-on training such as pre-trades and apprenticeship. Areas of study can range from business to health.

You will know these institutions as colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied arts and technology, and institutes of technology or science. Career colleges are institutes that are entirely private.

Colleges in MB:

• Red River College
• Assiniboine Community College
• Manitoba Institute of Technology . To know more about MITT, read ( Getting into the Trades )
• Université de Saint-Boniface – École Technique et Professionelle
• University of Manitoba’s International College of Manitoba

Universities Universities offer programs that grant degrees in a variety of subjects and fields. Most degrees take three to four years to complete for a full-time student. You can earn the following degrees: bachelor’s degree; university certificate or diploma above bachelor level; degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry; master’s degree; earned doctorate.

If you are an internationally educated immigrant of a regulated profession (ex: doctor, lawyer, teacher), you may need to complete a bridging program, internship, or pass standard exams before you can be licensed to work in Manitoba in your respective field. But before approaching universities or enrolling in courses, you should contact your association or specific regulatory body to know the requirements and procedures for qualifications recognition or licensure.

Universities in MB:

• University of Manitoba
• University of Winnipeg
• Brandon University
• Université de Saint-Boniface
• Providence University College
• Booth University
• Canadian Mennonite University
• University College of the North

The academic year for post-secondary education is typically composed of two semesters, Fall semester (from September to December), and Winter semester (January to April). There may be a Summer semester (May to August) for limited programs and courses.

Each institution will have its own academic calendar. Not all post secondary schools start and end on the same date.   Article updated August 12, 2024.   Sources: Post-secondary education , Government of Canada; The Canadian Centre Information Centre for International Credentials ; What is the difference between college and university in Canada? Settlement.org; and Education and Training , Manitoba.ca. Accessed July 23, 2019.

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Here’s a comprehensive website that can help you plan your studies in Canada: University Study.ca . Learn about universities in Canada, programs of study, how to choose a program, application and admission requirements, and financial planning information.

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Education in Canada: Post-secondary

Table of contents, on this page.

• Universities
• Colleges and institutes
• Educational credential recognition
• Financial help

Registered Education Savings Plans

Part-time and distance education.

• Government ministries in charge of post-secondary education by province and territory

Types of post-secondary schools

In Canada, there are 3 different types of post-secondary schools

• universities

At most post-secondary schools, the school year is divided into 2 main terms and an optional summer term.

• Term 1: September to December
• Term 2: January to April
• Optional summer term: May to August

Each province and territory makes sure each school and its programs meet a certain set of standards. Schools aren’t officially recognized until they’re certified.

A recognized school can grant

• certificates
• other qualifications

If you’re not sure if a school is officially recognized, contact your ministry or department of post-secondary education.

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) also maintains a directory of recognized schools in Canada.

Study at a university

Universities offer programs on a wide range of topics at different levels of difficulty and complexity. When you successfully complete a university program, you’re awarded with a university degree that reflects the type of program you completed. There are 3 types of degrees.

• Bachelor’s degree : This is the simplest degree offered by Canadian universities. It typically takes 3 to 4 years to complete.
• Master’s degree : This is a more advanced degree that usually takes 1 to 3 extra years of study after you get a bachelor’s degree.
• Doctoral degree : This is the most advanced degree offered by Canadian universities. It can take another 3 to 4 more years of study and research following a master’s degree.

In regulated professions, students must complete an internship or pass a standardized test (or series of tests) after getting the degree. You can’t work in these professions until you get the degree and pass the tests. Regulated professions include

Get help choosing a program

Universitystudy.ca can help you plan for your education. Learn about

• universities in Canada
• programs of study
• how to choose a program
• application and admission requirements
• financial planning information

Study at a college or institute

There are many types of colleges and institutes recognized by provinces and territories, including

• community colleges
• colleges of applied arts or applied technology
• institutes of technology or science
• collèges d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEPs) in Quebec
• career colleges

More about “career colleges”

These institutions are privately owned and run. They offer programs that focus on specific careers like

• personal support workers
• early childcare assistants
• estheticians

While they’re reviewed and recognized by the provinces and territories, they’re not publically funded. They’re entirely funded through tuition fees.

Learn more about regulated career colleges.

Colleges and institutes usually offer shorter programs than universities (1 to 3 years). Instead of degrees, they issue diplomas and certificates that qualify graduates to do specific jobs in different industries.

These industries can include

• computer and mechanical technologies
• health care
• social services
• agriculture
• trades (such as carpentry, electrical or plumbing)

Many colleges are also starting to offer bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in certain industries.

Find out more about the available degrees .

Get your educational credentials recognized

To study at post-secondary school in Canada, you need to have your existing level of education assessed. The assessment verifies your foreign degree, diploma or certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a Canadian one.

Contact the post-secondary schools you are interested in to find out what kind of educational assessment they accept.

The costs of post-secondary education

All post-secondary schools charge tuition fees for their programs. For Canadian citizens and permanent residents, tuition fees are between $2,500 and $11,400 a year, depending on the school and program you’ve chosen. Tuition fees can be much higher for international students.

Students will also have to pay for

• course materials, like textbooks and supplies
• transportation
• other expenses

Many students depend on financial support programs to help them cover these costs.

Get financial help

The federal and provincial/territorial governments all have programs that provide low-cost loans, grants and scholarships for students.

There are 2 main types of financial help for students:

• Student loans from a bank or the federal government: These need to be repaid according to the terms of the loan.
• Grants, scholarships or bursaries, which you don’t have to repay.

You can get information from

• National Student Loans Service Centre
• The university or college you plan to attend

Student financial help by province and territory

• British Columbia
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan

A  Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a tax-free education savings account that lets parents, family members and friends save money for a child’s post-secondary education.

When you open an RESP account, the Government of Canada will help you save by adding money to your RESP through special programs. This encourages people to save more money for their child’s education.

These programs include

• Canada Education Savings Grants (for children aged 17 or younger)
• Canada Learning Bonds  (for children aged 15 or younger)

Find out how to open an RESP account

Many post-secondary schools offer part-time programs and distance education . These programs can help you get an education if you have limited time or can’t attend the school in person.

Contact schools directly to learn about their part-time study and distance education options.

Ministries of post-secondary education

• Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education
• British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education
• Manitoba Advanced Education
• New Brunswick Ministry of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
• Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
• Northwest Territories Ministry of Education, Culture and Employment
• Nova Scotia Department of Education
• Nunavut Department of Education
• Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development
• Prince Edward Island Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning
• Quebec – Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur
• Saskatchewan—Ministry of Advanced Education
• Yukon Department of Education

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WES Credential Evaluations for Russian Students

The estimated population of Russia is 142 million. With a literacy rate of 98 percent, Russia is one of the most educated countries in Western Europe. In this post, we will review the structure of Russian education and how Russian students translate their education to North American education standards through a credential evaluation.

The official language of instruction in Russia is Russian. However, citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to receive basic general education in their native language.  Academic years in Russia run from September to June. The Ministry of Education and Science and the Federal Services for Supervision in Education and Science both administer education programs in Russia. This system consists of both compulsory general education and higher education.

General education in Russia has three distinct stages:

• Primary education: Lasts four years
• Basic general education: Lasts five years
• Secondary education: Lasts two to three years

Secondary Education

After completing 11 years of secondary general education and after passing the state final attestation (final examinations), students are awarded Certificate of General Secondary Education or Attestat ob Sredem Obshchem Obrazovanii. This certificate allows them to continue vocational education or both non-university and university level education.

The World Education Services (WES) U.S. equivalency for this credential is a high school diploma; the Canadian equivalency is a secondary school diploma. The major for both the U.S. and Canadian equivalency is general academic. Students benefit from having a high school WES evaluation report because they can use it to continue their education in the U.S. or Canada.

Higher Education (University)

These are the most common university higher education credentials evaluated at WES:

Diploma of Specialist ( Diplom )

• Bachelor’s degree ( Bakalavr )
• Master’s degree ( Magistr )  
• Candidate of science ( Kandidat Nauk )

Read below for more information on these degrees and their equivalency to U.S. and Canadian degrees:

This degree usually requires five years of full-time study or one to two years after the completion of a bakalavr degree . The admission requirement for a diploma of specialist is the diploma of completion of secondary school education. The professional diploma of specialist in medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry requires five to six years of study. This program allows students to access doctorate programs in Russia.

There are two facets of the diploma of specialist degree:

• Non-professional diploma of specialist: WES equates this degree that has a five-year program length with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the U.S. and Canada. This degree is granted in all disciplines and majors except medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry.
• Diploma of specialist: WES equates this degree that has a one- to two-year program length with a master’s degree in the U.S. and Canada. The professional diploma of specialist is equated to a first professional degree in medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry.

Bachelor’s Degree ( Bakalavr )

This degree is awarded after four years of full-time study and the diploma of completion of secondary school education is required for admission to this program. The award of the bakalavr program grants access to the magistr or diploma of specialist. The U.S. and Canadian WES equivalency for this program is a bachelor’s degree (four years of study). The bakalavr is awarded across all disciplines and majors except medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry.

Master’s Degree ( Magistr )

This is an academic degree for students who want to pursue a career in academia. Students can complete the program within two years or less. The admission requirement for this program is the bakalavr or diploma of specialist . The U.S. and Canadian WES equivalency for this program is a master’s degree (across all academic disciplines). Russian students are eligible to apply for a doctorate program after earning a magistr degree.

Candidate of Science ( Kandidat Nauk )

This is one of the highest university credentials in Russia. It takes a minimum of three years to complete this program. First, students need to complete their magistr or diploma of specialist degree; then, they might qualify to pursue the kandidat nauk . The U.S. and Canadian WES equivalency for this program is a doctorate (in any academic discipline).

For more information on U.S. and Canadian degree equivalencies, please use our degree equivalency tool . To calculate what your GPA will be worth, try our free iGPA Calculator .

WES Required Documents

Here are some required documents you will need for your evaluation:

• Secondary education: Secondary school transcript issued and sent by the institution attended (as of May 2021).
• Higher Education: Academic transcript issued and sent by the institution attended (as of May 2021).

For more information on which documents are acceptable for WES evaluation, please visit the required documents section of the WES website.

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In most cases, translation is not necessary for a WES credential evaluation. However, if you have been requested to provide translated documents, you might be an exception.   Keep reading to learn more about document translation requirements for a WES credential evaluation.  Why does WES require translated documents?  Translations support required documents and facilitate the evaluation process, ensuring the accuracy […]

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Levels of Post-Secondary Study in Canada

Choosing the right level and program of study is an important decision. this canadavisa page will help guide you through the options available to you..

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Table of Contents

Undergraduate studies in canada, graduate studies in canada, frequently asked questions, contact the cohen immigration law firm for assistance.

Canada's constitution allows each province and territory to deliver its education programs. Despite regional differences, however, Canada's colleges, universities, and polytechnics use similar terms to describe common pathways and credentials. The length and composition of these programs is an important decision for prospective international students, as it may have a direct effect on eligibility for employment and immigration opportunities in Canada.

Undergraduate education in Canada follows completion of senior secondary or high school. The full duration of a standard undergraduate education (culminating in a bachelor's degree) is three to five years. International students should budget a minimum of four years to complete a bachelor's (undergraduate) degree. With a completed bachelor's degree, and the right combination of language skills and experience, international students may become eligible for a number of provincial and federal immigration programs. They may also decide to pursue a Master's degree, which requires completion of a bachelor's degree. Canada also offers a number of certificates, diplomas, and Associate Degrees at the undergraduate level. While these do not qualify students to undertake Master's degree in Canada, they may be useful for immigration or employment purposes.

Certificate Programs

Less than one year, or one to two full-time semesters

A typical certificate in Canada involves three to eight academic months of post-secondary study in a single subject. Common subject areas include Business, IT, Health Care Administration, and other pre-diploma or pre-degree options. The aim of a certificate is to give post-secondary students the skills and knowledge for an entry-level vocation. All colleges and universities offer certificate programs of different lengths. A Canadian secondary school diploma or essential subject prerequisites are required for admission into a certificate program.

College or University Diploma

Two years minimum, or four to six full-time semesters

College diplomas in Canada most often comprise a minimum of two full-time academic years of specialized post-secondary study. Like certificate programs, diploma programs are mainly developed to meet specific demands of trades and technical or vocational careers, and – depending on the job required - may span upwards of three of four years. Diploma programs are also likely to have a co-op internship component or other apprenticeship options, and diplomas can be upgraded or transferred into a bachelor’s degree. Admission into a college diploma program requires a completed senior secondary program in Canada (or its equivalent).

Associate Degree

Usually two years, or four full-time semesters

An Associate Degree in Canada is a 60-credit, foundational undergraduate program in a classical area of study (such as Sciences or Arts). Unlike certificates and diplomas, Associate Degrees comprise a breadth of general academic subjects as well as a specialization in an area of interest (similar to a major).

Common examples include the Associate of Arts (Business) and Associate of Arts (Science). The Associate Degree allows students to begin their studies at one college or university and transfer into third-year coursework at a university, pending recognition by the receiving institution.

Bachelor's Degree

Approximately four to five years, or eight or more full-time semesters

A bachelor’s degree in Canada normally signifies completion of four years of full-time post-secondary education. Subject areas most often include traditional academic subjects in Business, General Sciences, Engineering, the Arts, or Humanities. In this arrangement, students are expected to gain general and foundational knowledge over their first one or two years, and then specialize in a concentration called a major. Some faculties offer a fifth professional year comprising a supervised practicum (for example, for teachers’ certifications).

Admission into a bachelor’s degree program requires a completed senior secondary diploma in Canada (or its equivalent).

Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates

Less than one year, or one or two full-time semesters

In Canada, a number of diplomas and certificates may be taken following the completion of a bachelor’s degree. These programs may comprise approximately two to three semesters of full-time study. Graduate diplomas and certificates can transfer into master’s degrees. Frequently, they may operate as an additional compliment to a bachelors degree, and show intense specialization in one subject area. Common subject areas include Business Administration, Sales and Marketing, and Resource Management, to name a few.

Master’s Degree

Approximately one to three years, or three to nine full-time semesters)

Master’s degrees comprise one to three years of highly-specialized post-graduate study, and may lead to professional practice. These degrees are conferred by universities and tend to build on previous study areas explored at the bachelor’s level. Programs often expect the student to propose and conduct significant original research culminating in a major project, thesis, and/or comprehensive examination. Master’s degree programs in Canada require completion of a bachelor’s degree.

Doctorate Degree

Approximately four to six years

In general, a doctorate in Canada comprises at least two to three years’ equivalent full-time study in comprehensive and analytical coursework, followed by an independent dissertation or thesis. PhDs and other doctorates are required for many professions such as university professor, doctor, or high-level administration jobs in government, health care, and education. The average timeframe to complete a Doctorate is four to six years.

Do colleges and universities in Canada offer the same credentials?

Generally speaking, career colleges and applied arts and technology colleges offer certificates and diplomas, while universities confer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Increasingly, however, accredited public colleges in Canada confer bachelor’s degrees and a limited number of graduate certificates and diplomas. Many universities also offer post-graduate certificate and diploma programs.

What are university transfer programs?

Many students go directly to university after finishing high school, while others decide on a college first. Many colleges collaborate with universities to allow students to transfer to university after one or two years of full time study at a college.

Can credits be transferred from a school, college, or university outside of Canada?

While overseas diploma and certificate programs are not nationally recognized towards completion of a Canadian bachelor’s degree, individual partner schools may have articulation agreements, allowing students some transfer standing for completed undergraduate study at the first or second year level. Certain high school programs outside of Canada, such as International Baccalaureate or A-Level certificates, may be applied towards a bachelor's degree, so that an international student may be able to enter directly into the second year of an undergraduate program.

However, the completion of equivalent overseas bachelors’ programs (i.e.: similar four-year programs) may be used as a prerequisite for admission to postgraduate programs in the country.

Do you need assistance studying in Canada? The Cohen Immigration Law Firm can help. Cohen Immigration Law offers over 45 years of Canadian immigration expertise.

Please contact us to schedule a free telephone consultation with one of our lawyers.

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Post-Secondary STEM Education

Propel your career forward with an accredited graduate certificate.

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Programs Offered

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Delivery Options

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• One–three semesters

Teach STEM and Build Your Hands-on Knowledge

Michigan Tech's graduate on-campus certificate in Post-secondary STEM Education prepares you for a career in the field of education and provides you with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to incorporate STEM into your classroom.

You'll get hands-on practical experience in STEM teaching, curriculum design, assessment, and/or research which makes you a more effective educator and researcher. Modeled after a “student teaching” experience, students will work closely with one or more faculty mentors to develop the skills necessary to engage in high-quality STEM education instruction or research

Who is This Certificate For?

This certificate is for qualified professionals who want to enhance their skill set and can be a foundation to continue toward a graduate degree. It is also valuable for degree-seeking students looking to develop a concentration that gives them an edge in their career path.

What You Need to Know

A graduate certificate in Post-secondary STEM Education provides you an overview of current research and issues in STEM teaching and learning. Gain knowledge of and practice in developing lessons that engage STEM students in inquiry and sense-making, and practical experience in STEM teaching, curriculum development, or research.

All students completing a practicum attend a faculty-led seminar promoting students’ reflection on the experience, focusing on connections between the work in the practicum, and research-based strategies to improve teaching and learning.

To enroll in this certificate program, a bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline is required. See complete admissions requirements .

Accelerated Option

Michigan Tech Bachelor's + 1 Semester = Accelerated Graduate Certificate

Current Michigan Tech undergraduates or recent alumni, get started right away. Our accelerated graduate certificates are a fast, affordable way to add graduate credentials to your bachelor's degree in as little as one semester . Be more marketable in your industry or prepare for your master's degree. Explore accelerated certificate options .

This graduate certificate requires a minimum of 13 total credits . Students may apply the credits earned for this certificate toward a graduate degree at Michigan Tech.

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Graduate Director

Shari Stockero

Program Mission Statement

Our mission is to prepare quality educators who enrich the lives of all learners through the application of pedagogical, content, and technological knowledge, as well as their dedication to lifelong learning, reflection, leadership, and collaboration.

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Applying to the Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts, test scores, or letters needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps.

See Admissions Steps

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

• have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
• be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements , including required materials:

• Official Transcripts

Program Specific

• Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
• GMAT/GRE: Not required
• Prerequisites: none

International Students

• TOEFL: Recommended Score of 95 iBT
• IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of 7.0

Michigan Tech requires a minimum  79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis. All students must fill out the departmental application: STEM Education Graduate Certificate Admission Application

Prospective Students

• Prospective students and non-degree seeking students interested in obtaining a graduate certificate must apply to the certificate program using the online application.
• Accelerated certificate options exist for current Michigan Tech undergraduate students in good standing and have achieved at least junior-level standing or recent bachelor’s graduates of Michigan Tech (less than two years).
• The number of credits earned prior to admission that can be counted are restricted .

Current Graduate Students

• Current Michigan Tech graduate students who are in a degree program do not need to formally apply. Current students must still submit the appropriate degree schedule in order to complete the certificate.

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

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Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secondary Education

The Post-Baccalaureate Secondary Education Certificate Program at ACU is an undergraduate certificate designed for individuals who already have a degree who want to become teachers.  This select combination of undergraduate courses train you in the art and science of teaching adolescents while leading to teacher certification.

Three key attributes of the program will prepare you for a successful career in education. First, the program emphasizes the integration of education principles across the teaching profession. You will learn that teaching is not compartmentalized but is a rich combination of research-based theories and hands-on practical experience. Second, the program emphasizes practicality. Through the lens of extensive experience, faculty provide you with timely and valuable glimpses into today’s classrooms. The final and most valuable attribute of the program is the emphasis on mentoring. Because of the small size of the university, you will be able to develop a strong mentoring relationship with their instructors. This mentoring begins in the classroom, continues through student teaching, and beyond.

Why a Post-Baccalaureate Secondary Education Undergraduate Certificate at ACU

In addition to a faculty to student ratio of 17:1 and a rigorous, biblically integrated curriculum, ACU’s Post-Baccalaureate Secondary Education Certificate offers several unique advantages:

• ACU’s College of Education graduates are in great demand locally and abroad.
• ACU’s Secondary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program is approved by the Arizona Department of Education.
• Faculty in the department have an average of 20 years of experience in the field, meaning you are taught by leaders in education who have extensive classroom experience.
• Small class sizes create an intimate, safe setting to practice your teaching and hone your skills.
• God’s Word and His Truths are foundational in all coursework at ACU.

What will I study?

Career-related focus areas will include:

• Curriculum and instruction methods for 6th grade through High School
• Research informed secondary education teaching methods
• Special education methods
• Classroom management
• Methods for teaching English language learners
• Proficiency of secondary education content is determined by the passing of the Arizona Subject Knowledge Secondary Education Exam.

Career Paths

Graduates who meet the requirements of the Post-Baccalaureate Secondary Education Certificate Program are prepared to

• Teach grades 6-12 at a charter, private, or public school in their content area.
• Obtain master’s degrees in leadership, curriculum and instruction, administration, special education, or in their content area.
• Work with youth in various church, parachurch, and nonprofit organizations.

Secondary Education

Shelly roden school of education.

Arizona Christian University Building 2000 1 W. Firestorm Way Glendale, AZ 85306

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosure Statement

In compliance with U.S. Federal Regulations (34 CFR § 668.50 and 34 CFR § 668.43) and as a participating member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), Arizona Christian University provides the following disclosures concerning its Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education program.

The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education may lead to Educator Certification in Arizona. All students who satisfactorily complete the Secondary Education certificate program at Arizona Christian University, will receive an Institutional Recommendation (IR) from the university. A program “audit” will be conducted upon completion of the last program requirement to ensure 3.0 GPA in required program coursework (including transfer coursework), a 2.5 GPA overall, tuition/fees paid in full, and materials checked out from library have been returned. The IR will be uploaded to the Arizona Department of Education. It is good for one year and cannot be reissued. The IR saves you time and money when you are applying for your teaching certificate. An informative chart on the benefits of completing the Education Program at ACU can be found at https://www.arizonachristian.edu/education-program-benefits/ . Information on Educator Certification in Arizona can be found at the Arizona Department of Education website ( https://www.azed.gov/educator-certification ).

Additionally, certificated graduates receive an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) teaching certificate that qualifies them to teach in Christian schools in the 180 U.S. and around the world. For information on how to apply for ACSI certification, please visit their website ( https://www.acsi.org/accreditation-certification/certification-for-teachers/certification ).

States vary in their certification requirements. ACU has made reasonable, good faith efforts to determine if its certi fied education programs meet the applicable education requirement for professional licensure or certification in all fifty states and several U.S.  territories. This information can be accessed here .

These disclosures do not guarantee that any jurisdiction will approve an application for certification, and ACU shall not be held liable for an unsuccessful professional certification application.

Updated 2/16/2022

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Courses

In order for a student to complete the program, they must complete a minimum of 33 credit hours.

A GPA of 3.0 in education and content classes is required with no grade lower than a C (A = 4.0). An overall GPA of 2.5 or higher is required.

WAEC releases 2024 WASSCE results

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Monday released the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results for school candidates.

WAEC confirmed this in a post on its X page.

It informed candidates who took the examination to log on to waecdirect.org to access their results.

“We are pleased to inform candidates who sat WASSCE for school candidates, 2024, that the result has officially been released today, Monday, August 12, 2024.

“To access the result, log on to waecdirect.org.”

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Nursing Education or Administration (Post-Master's)

Continue your nursing education with a graduate certificate in education or administration from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Add Worthwhile Skills and Knowledge to Your Resume

The program is designed for registered nurses who have completed a master’s degree in nursing and wish to obtain additional role preparation in education or nursing administration.

Upon completion of the program, you will will bring advanced skills and knowledge in nursing education or healthcare administration into your career. You will be equipped to step into leadership roles in the nursing field and make significant contributions for advancing the nursing profession.

Program Details

We understand that you may have other things to juggle in addition to your education, such as working full time or family obligations. This program is intentionally structured so that you can further your education while continuing to work with a schedule that makes sense for you.

This certificate will increase your nursing knowledge and skills that you've already gained an expertise in, while also allowing you to further specialize in education or administration. Students who complete this graduate certificate will be ready to take the next step in their careers, either via teaching future nurses or through taking on a leadership role in administration. Whichever path you choose, you will be prepared to seamlessly transition into high-demand roles and responsibilities in the nursing field.

Blugold Stories

Our curriculum is designed to expand your knowledge of the science of nursing, specifically through educational or administrative concepts. You can choose to explore managerial theories and learn nurse administrator role functions, or dig in to teaching/learning theory, curriculum development and education issues concerning personal values, research, and societal and healthcare trends.

Here are a few courses in Nursing Education or Administration (Post-Master's) at UW-Eau Claire.

Nursing Administration I

Exploration of administration and managerial theories and the nurse administrator role functions as applied to the organization and delivery of nursing care services.

Nursing Education I

Examination of education, the educator role, and teaching/learning theory. Curriculum development and education issues explored, considering personal values, research, and societal and healthcare trends.

Nursing Education II

Role of nurse educator as a learning facilitator, evaluator, and faculty member is examined. Research, theoretical foundations, and strategies are explored with application to class and clinical teaching.

Meet the Faculty

Related Programs

Thinking about studying nursing education or administration (post-master's)? You might also be interested in exploring these related programs.

What's Next?

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

105 Garfield Avenue  P.O. Box 4004  Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004 

715-836-4636

Training Industry

Professional certificates: increasing access to post-secondary education, closing skills gaps.

By 2020, 65% of all jobs in the economy will require post-secondary education and training and, at its current production rate, the U.S. will fall five million short of the credentialed workers that will be needed to fill those jobs, according to a report by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.

Thus, many Americans are faced with an impossible choice: either go into debt to earn a degree and have a chance at landing a decent-paying job or forgo post-secondary education altogether and likely struggle to find employment that offers a living wage. This reality has helped drive the student loan debt crisis, which has now reached around $1.5 trillion — but what if there were another option? What if there were a way that high school graduates could obtain the education and training they need to succeed in today’s workforce — quickly and without going into debt — all while holding down a part-time job (or two)?

Professional certificate programs offer an alternative to degree programs by making post-secondary education accessible to a broader range of learners, from recent high school graduates to single mothers. After becoming certified, these learners are better equipped with the industry-specific skills needed to advance their professional development.

Making Learning Accessible For Everyone

Ashish Rangnekar, co-founder and CEO of BenchPrep, founded the online learning platform to help learners have 24/7 access to the tools needed to succeed in any educational program, including certifications and certificates . “Our goal is to make it insanely easy to study for these professional certifications,” he says. To that end, BenchPrep is helping learners of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels access key tools (e.g., study guides, study plans and flash cards) to achieve a professional credential.

For low-income learners especially, professional certificate programs make it easier to advance their development, employability and earning potential in today’s job market — in far less time than it takes to complete a four-year degree. Amber Garrison Duncan, Ph.D., strategy director at Lumina Foundation, says, “I think the benefit of these credentials is often the shorter time to completion. If I’m low-income, I’m probably working one to three jobs.”

The affordability of earning a professional certification is game-changing in the post-secondary education space, especially when considering the increasing cost of college . “The cost of getting these certifications is roughly one-tenth of [the cost of] going through a four-year degree program,” Rangnekar explains. “That is substantial … You can cut through the student loan crisis if you go through a professional certification, which is much cheaper, for one, and the ROI is much more clear.”

Closing Skills Gaps

Overall, it is evident that alternate credentials are helping close barriers to employment by empowering learners with the skills and competencies needed to thrive in the workforce. However, learners aren’t the only ones that benefit from alternate avenues to education: Organizations directly benefit from hiring candidates with alternate credentials, as they are often already proficient in many of the skills needed to succeed on the job. This proficiency, in turn, can help close skills gaps and shorten the onboarding process .

These professional certifications are so laser-focused on a specific profession or job requirement that the alignment creates a much better candidate pipeline than hiring a standard four-year graduate,” Rangnekar says.

Learning and development (L&D) professionals should work to instill a culture of learning at their organization to ensure that these new employees have access to key opportunities for continued learning. In order to support employees’ professional development, Rangnekar says L&D leaders should focus on enabling learners as they pursue additional certifications relevant to their job. “Enablement means giving them the right tools [and] the right platform that fits their preferences,” he says. “It’s not about you. It’s about the learner.”

Lastly, Rangnekar says that L&D leaders should make the certification’s benefit clear to learners: How can it advance their careers? What industries value the certification? Addressing these questions from the start will help ensure learners are successful not only in earning additional certifications but also in using those credentials to advance their professional development.

Arming Learners With Relevant Skills

While four-year degree holders typically boast a wealth of knowledge, Rangnekar believes they sometimes don’t have the competencies and industry-specific skills needed to successfully perform on the job. “Employers need to make sure that the people they’re hiring are capable of doing something,” Rangnekar notes. “They don’t care if they know something or not … it’s more about mastering the competencies rather than just acquiring the knowledge.”

Thus, certified professionals have a competitive edge: proof that they have mastered the competencies needed to thrive in a certain industry. “Certificates are obviously industry-specific, and industry certifications are obviously co-designed with the employer in mind,” Garrison Duncan explains.

Many professional certificates are even more specific. Anthony Carnevale, Ph.D., research professor and director of Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, says, “There are hundreds of more specific certificates, because a certificate is something you might get not necessarily to do a whole job but to perform specific tasks and activities in a job. You could be a computer professional but might get a certificate to learn a new language.”

Assessing the Value of Certificates

With the overwhelming number of certificates circulating in the job market, it can be difficult for organizations to assess their individual value. One way to determine the value of a certificate is to consider the industry at hand, as there are certain industries that value certificates more than others. Carnevale credits certificates in industries such as aviation, technology, business, drafting, transportation, health care, construction trades, food services and cosmetology as offering the most value to both organizations and learners.

Another way organizations can assess the value of a certificate is by looking at current job ads . Carnevale says that certificates that are not valuable won’t be mentioned.

After assessing the value of a candidate’s professional certificate, organizations can better determine if he or she has successfully learned the skills needed to perform in a specific role. For L&D professionals, this process means new hires will be ready to jump into the training process headfirst, as they already hold many of the skills needed to be productive members of the organization.

All in all, with the help of L&D leaders in fostering a culture of continuous learning and supporting employees throughout the entire learning process, professional certificate programs are increasing access to post-secondary education and training. As a result, a diverse range of learners will be armed with the tools needed to succeed on the job, advance their professional development and explore newfound opportunities for growth.

• #certificates
• #Certification
• #higher education
• #skills gap

Sarah Gallo

Sarah Gallo is the associate editor at Training Industry, Inc.

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