Admission Requirements
Please refer to “The Graduate Admissions Process” section for general graduate admission information. For full admission to the Graduate Certificate in Foundations in Higher Education, applicants are expected to provide or complete the following:
- Complete and submit the Graduate Application for Admission, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee. The application can be downloaded at www.wilmu.edu/admission/documents/paperapp.pdf.
- Provide an official transcript or transcripts from an accredited college, university, verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree. Transcripts and all application documents should be sent directly to Wilmington University Office of Graduate Admissions.
- Current resume.
- Program Planning Conference with your Program Chair or advisor is required for admission. This conference can be arranged by contacting Dr. Heather Horowitz (heather.l.horowitz@wilmu.edu or 302-327-6531).
After all of the above requirements have been completed, register for the appropriate course(s) in the certificate program.
Purpose
The Foundations in Higher Education certificate is designed for those interested in transitioning to or advancing their career in higher education. The candidate must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Candidates study research-based best practices and will develop the knowledge and skills to understand and navigate higher education environments.
Courses are available fully online.
Outcomes Assessment
Multiple assessments are used to determine candidate growth toward achievement of the knowledge and skills described in the Graduate Certificate and the university-wide graduation competencies. Performance-based assessments are used to evaluate projects, assignments, and research papers. Goals, learning outcomes and activities, external assignments, and assessment strategies are linked directly to program and graduation competencies as stated on each course syllabus.
Program Design
Candidates are expected to satisfactorily complete all requirements associated with the Graduate Certificate. The certificate includes 15-credits of content-specific courses related to content knowledge and skills in an interdisciplinary, applied approach.
Course Requirements
Content Specific Courses (15 credits)
| MED 6102 | E-Folio | 0 |
| MHE 7100 | History of American Higher Education | 3 |
| MHE 7001 | Academic Research and Writing | 3 |
| MHE 7101 | Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education | 3 |
| MHE 7102 | Leadership and Ethical Decision Making in Higher Education | 3 |
| MHE 7103 | Current Issues and Financial Trends in Higher Education | 3 |
Students interested in the Foundations in Higher Education Certificate may start classes at any time.
Qualifications for Certificate
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate, a candidate must successfully complete the five 3 credit courses listed above (15 credit hours) with a GPA of at least a 3.0. Because of rapid changes in the field, we recommend that the certificate
be completed within two years.
Candidates completing the five courses listed above with a GPA of 3.00 will, upon application to the Wilmington University Office of the Registrar, be issued a Wilmington University Graduate Certificate. Applications may be found on the Wilmington University Registrar’s webpage.
To encourage timely completion, make regular appointments with your Program Chair. In addition to needing a 3.0 overall GPA, students must earn a “C” or better in each course for it to count towards your degree requirements. Students should carefully monitor their academic progress to ensure their GPA is a 3.0 or better.
NOTE
Completion of this certificate does not qualify the recipient for a license or certification in Delaware, since there is no relevant Delaware license or certificate.