College of Education and Human Services
School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration
www.kent.edu/ehhs/fla

About This Program

The College Teaching graduate certificate is designed for graduate students and professionals already possessing an advanced disciplinary degree who wish to improve their teaching skills or those looking to transition to a teaching career in higher education. The program is designed to enhance teaching effectiveness through an internship and courses focused on diversity, assessment and curriculum. Read more...

Contact Information

• Erica Eckert, Ph.D. | eeckert@kent.edu | 330-672-2012

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university (starting with spring 2027 admission term, a bachelor's degree will be required)
• Minimum 2.750 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

¹

Internship may be waived pending faculty approval. Students will complete the minimum credit hours toward certificate completion by taking more elective courses.

Graduation Requirements

• Students declared in a doctoral degree should enroll in the doctoral level version of these courses, if offered.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Describe important issues facing institutions of higher education in differing contexts (e.g., private colleges, community colleges, public universities).
2. Analyze the unique challenges faced by faculty in the college or university environment related to creating and delivering academic programs.
3. Plan and deliver effective instruction in the college or university environment.

Graduate Certificate Policy for the College of Education, Health and Human Services

• Students seeking a graduate certificate must maintain a minimum 3.000 grade point average. A graduate certificate student who receives a combination of more than 8 credit hours of B- or lower grades, or more than 4 credit hours of grades lower than C is subject to dismissal. Students who are unable to maintain academic standards of the College are subject to dismissal for academic reasons. Grades of C- or below are not counted toward completion of the certificate.
• Certificates must be completed within six years after the first graduate enrollment.
• No more than 2 credit hours of workshop may be used toward a certificate.
• Before being eligible to be awarded a Certificate, students must be admitted to the Certificate program.
• Students currently in a graduate degree program may also apply to a certificate program. Their degree seeking coursework may be applied to the certificate coursework with advisor approval. The courses must be completed within six years and satisfy certificate course requirements.
• Students who have a previous graduate degree and are not currently seeking another graduate degree may transfer a maximum 6 credit hours with advisor approval. These credits may include hours from another KSU program, or from another accredited institution, if the following conditions are met: (1) courses were at the graduate level; (2) a grade of "A" or "B" was earned; (3) credit will be less than six years old at the time the certificate is conferred at Kent; and (4) student was admitted as a graduate student at the time the course was taken.
• Some program areas may be more restrictive. Students are advised to consult their program.

Full Description

The College Teaching graduate certificate enhances teaching competencies at the post-secondary level. It is particularly appropriate for graduate students from any discipline interested in a career in college teaching, but also for adjunct and full-time faculty who are currently engaged in a career in academia.

Students may select from a variety of courses that emphasize the knowledge and practice of college teaching and the organizational culture of post-secondary education institutions. The certificate includes an internship in college teaching.

Additionally, students in the certificate program are encouraged to take effective teaching courses offered within their discipline specialty as part of the certificate requirements. This certificate program is grounded in the latest educational research of best practices in college teaching, and is designed to offer and/or enhance teaching and learning experiences.