Educational Foundation Graduate Certificate

The Educational Foundation Graduate Certificate equips you with a strong understanding of teaching principles, how people learn and the stages of human development. Whether you're looking to enhance your current role in education or move into a related field, this certificate provides valuable skills in communication, technology for instruction, and cultural awareness – assets that can boost your career in many professions.

Who is the Educational Foundation Graduate Certificate for?

This certificate provides valuable knowledge and skills to professionals who

• Are interested in the field of education but may not be licensed educators
• Work in the field of education or an education-adjacent field

Curriculum (15 Credit Hours)

• EDFD 501: Introduction to Education - Explore the teaching profession through a historical and practical lens. Unpack the essential qualities of effective educators and dive into the fundamentals of planning, delivering, and assessing impactful, standards-aligned lessons. Includes hands-on experience with required field hours.
• EDFD 510: Advance Human Development - Journey through key theories of human growth, development, and learning from birth through adolescence. Through engaging activities like observations and media analysis, you'll develop keen observational skills and learn to apply developmental stages to lifelong learning. Explore the impact of family, culture, and environment on physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Includes required field experience in diverse settings.
• EDSP 505: Foundations of Special Education - Gain a comprehensive understanding of national and state special education policies, diverse exceptionalities, and effective assessment methods. Learn to collaborate on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to provide tailored support for students with disabilities (ages 3-22). Explore the historical context, research-backed practices, and the crucial role of collaboration in creating inclusive classrooms. Includes required field hours.
• EDFD 551: Instructional Technology - Master the art of seamlessly integrating technology into Pre-K – 12 classrooms. Learn to identify, evaluate, design, and utilize a variety of digital tools and resources to enhance instruction. Through hands-on exploration and practical assignments, you'll gain the confidence to effectively apply technology to enrich your curriculum.
• EDEL 652: Culturally Responsive Teaching - Develop the cultural competence and teaching strategies needed to effectively support English Language Learners. Through in-depth exploration and self-reflection, you'll learn to leverage students' diverse backgrounds and funds of knowledge to create inclusive and responsive learning environments. Prepare to confidently navigate the cultural nuances you'll encounter with students from around the world and within your own community.

Want to learn more?

Contact Jody Googins, program director, at googinsj@xavier.edu for more information.