Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Student Development in Higher Education
The Student Development in Higher Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate is designed for higher education professionals (or aspiring professionals) who are looking to expand their knowledge about the various developmental needs of the diverse students studying at higher education institutions. This certificate is designed to offer pointed expertise in the area of student development within higher education.
A program sheet, which provides a required coursework sequence, is available for download in the Courses tab below.
This certificate helps you understand how college students grow, learn, and thrive. You'll dive into key questions like: (1) The history and philosophical underpinnings of student development in the United States. (2) What is the compositional diversity of students participating in higher education? (3) How do students change as a result of participating in higher education? and (4) How might student development differ across varied student identities?
The four courses in the certificate (HEDA 6170, 6172, 7145, and 6178) all count toward the 30-credit-hour master's in Higher Education Administration, if a student were to choose to apply and be admitted into the M.Ed.
Program Location
Online
Method of Delivery
100% Online
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 12
Graduate students may be able to reduce their cost through prior learning, previous degrees earned at UWG, or transfer credits. We have created a tool to help students estimate their tuition costs.
This program is offered entirely online. Though a student may choose to sign-up for a face-to-face elective or core course, one can earn this degree completely online.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
Coursework
This program is 100% online, and can be completed in as few as three semesters (fall, spring, summer).
Individuals who wish to continue their post-certification study are eligible to transfer their coursework into the 30-credit-hour Higher Education Administration M.Ed.
Downloads
General
This course offers a holistic exploration of the dynamic field of student affairs, emphasizing its pivotal role within the intricate landscape of American higher education. Through a nuanced examination of philosophical, historical, and theoretical foundations, students will gain profound insights into the multifaceted dimensions of the profession. This course seeks to cultivate a comprehensive understanding that prepares students for meaningful engagement in the field by delving into the cultural and organizational contexts of student affairs work.
Social Theory in Higher Education delves into the intricate intersections of social, cultural, economic, and political factors, unveiling their profound influence on the dynamics of higher education institutions. Through an exploration of various social theories, this course equips students with analytical tools to critically examine and contribute to the evolving landscape of higher education.
This graduate-level course comprehensively explores the experiences, challenges, and diversity within student populations in American higher education. Aligned with ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies, it equips students with essential knowledge and skills for understanding and actively supporting student success in the dynamic landscape of American higher education. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse experiences and needs of student populations, empowering them to actively support student success in American higher education.
HEDA 7145 empowers students with actionable insights and skills in diversity leadership within the higher education environment. This course strategically blends theory and practice, guiding learners to develop a nuanced understanding of their leadership potential and cultivate advocacy proficiency in the dynamic landscape of higher education. HEDA 7145 focuses on personal leadership development and the cultivation of values, knowledge, and skills essential for effective advocacy and collaboration in higher education, and places special emphasis on honing skills in planning, organizing, coordinating, and delivering programs that drive systematic change. Students engage in using data to identify needs, dismantle barriers, and mobilize resources, ultimately aiming to instigate transformative change within higher education.
Jesse Brock
Assistant Professor
Ryan Bronkema, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Guidelines for Admittance
- All graduate applicants must complete the online Graduate Application. A current application fee of $55 is required.
- Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
- International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
Program Specific Admittance Guidelines
- Individuals must have completed a bachelor's degree in any subject with greater than a 2.7 cumulative GPA, and
- Work at a higher education institution, or
- have expressed interest in transitioning into higher education as a career.
Application Deadlines
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
* Application, app fee, and document deadline
See The Scoop for more specific deadlines.
Admission Process Checklist
The Graduate Studies Application Process checklist is available here
Contact
Graduate Admissions
graduate@westga.edu
678-839-1394
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
* Application, app fee, and document deadline
See The Scoop for more specific deadlines.
- Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of the major historical and philosophical foundations of higher education that inform practice.
- Candidates will demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the impact of student characteristics on student learning.
- Candidates will demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the impact of the collegiate environment on student learning.
- Candidates will demonstrate an ability to apply social theories essential to the higher education setting.