A graduate certificate is a set of 4 to 5 courses that help you develop career competency in a specific area of study, and can be earned by individuals holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions concerning graduate certificates.

Why is the NEA Academy offering graduate certificate programs?

• Whether you have a bachelor’s degree or have also earned a master’s degree, a graduate certificate enables you to develop and document an area of specialized expertise to assist you in advancing your career and moving up the salary schedule.
• Graduate certificate programs each consist of 12 to 15 credits and can usually be completed within 12 to 18 months, less time than it typically takes to earn a graduate degree. And if you decide it’s time to earn a first or additional advanced degree, most of these certificates can be applied toward graduate degree programs at the same institution. Always check with the institution prior to starting any program to verify courses will apply toward a graduate degree.
• Professional development helps you update your skills and knowledge to make you a more effective educator and/or leader. Additionally, professional development is required to maintain your licensure as well as advance your career. Developing expertise in a specific area of study provides value-added benefits that are highly visible to your school or district.

Why should I consider a graduate certificate program?
These programs offer a directed course of study in a specific area. If you have a bachelor’s and aren’t ready to undertake a master’s degree program, the certificate program provides you graduate credit in a specific discipline. If you do have a master’s degree and aren’t ready or interested in embarking on another advanced degree, these programs allow you to develop additional skills and expertise in a specific area.

Is there an advantage to a graduate certificate program over a degree program?
There is no single answer regarding this decision, because it depends on the career path that you feel is right for you personally. Generally speaking, the advantages of a graduate certificate program are that it provides the opportunity for you to concentrate on and develop skills and expertise in a specific specialty area, and that it enables you to earn graduate credits in that specialty area. The programs are offered by accredited institutions in specific content areas where master’s degrees are also offered, and your graduate certificate(s) can be applied later toward an advanced degree. (Always verify with each institution – prior to registration – the admission rules and any time requirements that are applicable to your situation.)

Do graduate certificates lead to licensure?
No, but most can be applied toward a master’s degree at the same university. Check with the institution for additional questions about articulation with degree programs or additional licensures. Licensure is a state issue, so you should always check with your state’s department of education as well.

Which institutional partners of the Academy offer graduate certificates?
Graduate certificates are currently being offered by two of the reviewed and approved institutions that were selected as Academy partners – UMassOnline and Walden University.

Do NEA discounts still apply?
Yes. For specifics, please check with the institution offering the certificate program you are considering.

How do I get the member discount?
Log in to the NEA Academy website, click on the Master’s Degrees tab at the top of the page, and follow the link to Walden or UMassOnline to be sure to get the NEA discount.

Are scholarships applicable to the graduate certificate programs?
Walden University has NEA-specific scholarships available that would apply. For other options, check with the institutions.

What is the application process?
The process is outlined on the Web site for each institution. You must apply for admission to the institution to enroll in its graduate certificate programs.

Are there any programs for ESPs?
Yes. Several focus areas are more applicable to ESPs than classroom educators.

Is a bachelor’s degree required to enroll in these graduate certificate programs?
Yes.

What graduate certificates are available through the Academy’s institutional partners?
The available certificate programs are outlined below.

Walden University – 9 graduate certificates – 12 credits each

Graduate Certificate in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (12 credits)
Develop the necessary skills and tools to plan, develop, and implement standards-based curriculum and instruction to motivate students and promote academic success.

Graduate Certificate in Engaging Culturally Diverse Learners (12 credits)
Study the latest tools and technologies to create supportive and effective learning environments for culturally diverse learners.

Graduate Certificates in Instructional Design and Technology (12 credits each – 3 specialization areas)
Gain the experience you need to efficiently and effectively use technology and multimedia tools in a variety of educational environments.
Specializations Available

• Instructional Design
• Online Learning
• Training and Performance Improvement

Graduate Certificate in Integrating Technology in the Classroom (12 credits)
Become familiar with the most current knowledge, strategies, and skills for effectively using technology to enhance learning and support problem solving in the digital age.

Graduate Certificate in Professional Development (12 credits)
Based on the Five Core Propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the standards of Learning Forward (formerly National Staff Development Council), this certificate program can help you build your collaboration, facilitation, coaching, and mentoring skills so you can create effective professional development for teachers.

Graduate Certificate in Teacher Leadership (12 credits)
Discover your leadership strengths and learn to apply them to key educational challenges, including increasing student achievement and fostering parent involvement.

Graduate Certificate in Teaching K-12 Students Online (12 credits)
Develop the skills to analyze, select, and implement instructional strategies for multiple learning environments including blended, fully online, teacher-led, and self-paced.

UMassOnline – 7 Graduate Certificates – 12–15 credits each

Graduate Certificate in Educational Policy (12 credits)
Improve your understanding of major contemporary educational policy issues within an historical context.

Graduate Technology, Learning, and Leadership Certificate (15 credits)
Learn with and through technology while thinking deeply about how different technologies support and facilitate learning for your students. Through a consideration of technology and pedagogy together, course activities are aimed at helping you see the transformative potentials of classroom learning.

Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership (12 credits)
This certificate program is designed for professionals currently working in or aspiring to work in managerial positions in business, nonprofit, or governmental organizations.

Business Foundations Graduate Certificate (12 credits)
Designed for individuals who hold a non-business bachelor's degree, this program offers you the opportunity to meet the demands of new careers in management or advance your career toward other professional goals.

Graduate Certificate in International Business (12 credits)
This certificate is designed for professionals currently working in or aspiring to work in organizations that compete and collaborate globally.

Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy (12 credits)
Participants in this program will be introduced to environmental issues of local, state, regional, national, and global concern.

Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development (GCSD) (12 credits)
This practice-oriented certificate offers a multi-disciplinary path to become a scholar-practitioner and to understand sustainability practices, processes, methods, and measurements.

For more information, view the Web sites of our partner institutions – Walden University and UMassOnline. You may also call the Academy at 1-800-893-0396.