Certification
Doctoral-Level
Doctoral-Level Certificate in Strengths-Oriented Higher Education
Description:
The Doctoral-Level Certificate in Strengths-Oriented Higher Education is designed for educators and leaders who already have a master’s degree and wish to deepen their knowledge and application of a strengths development model to their work in higher education. The certificate consists of four courses, for a total of 12 doctoral units, and is offered in two formats each year.
The certificate program is offered in two formats: (1) on the APU campus in Azusa, CA for two weeks in January and two weeks in July, where program participants would join existing cohorts of doctoral students in their classes; and (2) in a distributed learning format with other certificate participants, in 4 face-to-face workshops offered every 10 weeks over long weekends (Thursday evening through Saturday evening) in a central U.S. location, with online communication among participants and faculty in between.
Course Requirements:
Students will complete the following courses for certification:
- HED 701 Strengths-Based Leadership for Teaching and Learning (4 unit course)
- HED 737 Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (4 unit course)
- HED 708 College Impact on Student Success (2 unit course)
- HED 761 Strengths-Oriented Research and Programming (2 unit course)
Dates and Location:
July and January, APU Azusa campus (Los Angeles vicinity)
Cost: $800 per unit for doctoral credit
For more information and to register:
Students need to apply to be a non-degree-seeking student in the Doctoral Programs in Higher Education at Azusa Pacific University and complete all course assignments at a B- level or above. Please contact Beverley Hoffmeister at bhoffmeister@apu.edu for more information.
Difference in the Formats:
The difference between the two certificate formats is that the doctoral credits are transferable to other institutions, the courses receive a letter grade, and doctoral-level assignments are given. For the continuing education units, there is no letter grade, no transferable credit or transcript, and the assignments are not graded but rather are for the individual’s own enrichment and for class discussion.
