Learning and Development in Higher Education

Program Overview

Learn how to design, lead, and evaluate engaging learning experiences—both in and out of the classroom—in higher and post-secondary education.  

The University of Vermont’s Micro-Certificate of Graduate Study (mCGS) in Learning and Development in Higher Education is a 9-credit program made up of three courses. Explore theory and real-world practice of teaching and learning in higher education—focusing on curriculum design, effective instructional strategies, and the identity development and experiences of today’s diverse student populations.

This program is a great fit for graduate students in any discipline who are interested in roles as an educator, teacher, facilitator, or other positions that support learning in higher education or with post-secondary learners. The credits earned can also be applied toward various master’s or doctoral degree programs.

Core Faculty

The mCGS program is by nationally recognized faculty in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESA) graduate program with the input and support of renowned scholars in the College of Education and Social Services. 

• Melissa L. Rocco, Senior Lecturer and HESA Program Coordinator, HESA
• Brittany (Brit) K. Williams, Associate Professor, HESA
• Holly Buckland-Parker, Center for Teaching & Learning and HESA Faculty Affiliate
• Cee Carter, Assistant Professor, Advanced Specialties in Educational Practice
• Daniella Hall Sutherland, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Curriculum

Teaching and Learning Foundations:

• EDHI 6230* Teaching & Learning in Higher Education (3 cr) - Spring (required course)

Understanding Postsecondary Learners (choose 1)

• EDHI 6210 College Students and Contexts (3 cr) - Spring
• EDHI 6240* Facilitating Leadership Development** (3 cr) - Spring
• EDHI 6310 Student Development Theory (3 cr) - Fall

Curriculum & Pedagogy (choose 1)

• EDHI 6240* Facilitating Leadership Development** (3 cr) - Spring
• EDCI 6008 Curriculum Theory (3 cr) - Fall
• EDCI 6009 Critical Pedagogies (3 cr) - Spring
• EDLP 6360 Curriculum Management in Education & Social Services Organizations (3 cr) - Spring
• Discipline-specific pedagogy and praxis course for PhD students taken within a student’s home academic college. Could include teaching practice as needed and determined by each managing unit.

Outcomes

• Enhance professional preparation and credentialing of graduate students across disciplines and fields interested in serving in educator roles within higher education and post-secondary contexts.
• Create more accessible pathways for current graduate students, faculty, and staff to get the training needed to be successful educators in higher education, and to create an accessible entry point into UVM graduate programs for working professionals.
• Provide training and development requested by faculty colleagues aligned to graduate programs across campus.
• Capitalize on the existing, demonstrable interest of graduate programs and students across UVM for a graduate-level credential in teaching and learning in higher education.
• Enhance professional preparation and credentialing of current and future HESA graduate students.