Certificate in Education Policy

Description

This Graduate Certificate in Education Policy is designed for educators and education professionals who are passionate about transforming schools, school systems, and education programs. This graduate-level credential prepares education personnel for careers in school system administration, school districts, non-profit education, or federal and state agencies. It provides students with a foundation in political systems, education law, and education policies needed to critique current standards, tackle complex educational problems, and implement education policies and programs to support teachers and impact the future of education.

Trinity has small class sizes for individualized attention and faculty teach foundational knowledge in an applied format, integrating students’ work and life experiences with the course information.

Gaining a certificate from an accredited university can advance your career and put you a step closer to earning a degree. All course can be transferred and applied towards a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction (Education Policy and Leadership concentration) at Trinity.

Courses are taught by faculty with extensive experience in education policy and are designed to provide you with the content knowledge and skills needed to take on leadership roles that include increased responsibilities in research, instructional design, and program evaluation.

Program Requirements

Core Requirements (15 credits)

EDCI 611 Role of Social, Economic, and Political Systems in EducationExplores the issues related to diversity and equality in education. Stereotypes, biases, and prejudices in relation to power will be examined. Cultural attitudes, values, customs, worldview, spirituality, and learning styles will be addressed. Concrete activities for developing an appreciation of self and sensitivity to others will be introduced. Curriculum and pedagogy for diverse groups will be addressed.
3 credits
EDCI 651 Education LeadershipThis course defines the diverse learner and world views and global perspectives about the teaching methods that might be utilized to meet the needs of student in urban schools. Explores the historical issues related to diversity and equity/equality in education. Stereotypes, biases, and prejudices in relation to power will be examined. Cultural attitudes, values, customs, worldview, spirituality, and learning styles will be addressed. Concrete activities for developing an appreciation of self and sensitivity to others will be introduced.
3 credits
EDCI 653 Current Issues in Urban EducationThis course serves as a culmination of the best practices examined for education for change. With the approval of their advisor students begin the review of the literature for their final capstone project.
3 credits
EDCI 657 Education Law & PolicyThis course examines the legal basis of education and public schools in the United States. Constitutional provisions and federal statutes that guide school law. It considers the legal factors that influence school policy. Practical school situations for legal implications, development of skills to research legal issues affecting schools, and preventive law measures will be studied.
3 credits
EDCI 658 Politics & Education PolicyThis course examines the politics of education in the United States. It considers the key institutions (e.g., school boards, state governments, Congress, executive branch agencies, and courts) and actors (e.g. elected officials, parents, teachers unions, and the general public) shaping the American K-12 education system in order to understand recent reform efforts and their consequences for students. Past conflicts over education governance, ongoing policy debates, and the forces shaping current reform efforts are studied.
3 credits

Program Policies

Transfer Credit Policy: Transfer credits may be accepted for a post-baccalaureate certificate program if they meet the student’s planned degree program just as they are for graduate degree programs.  Students may transfer up to six total credits in alignment with the certificate curriculum.  All other Trinity transfer credit policies apply.

Stackable Credential: Trinity certificate courses may be applied to degree programs depending on the graduate degree program.  Students enrolled in degree programs at Trinity may simultaneously pursue a certificate and these courses will count toward both credentials.

Academic Standing: Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the post-baccalaureate certificate program and may count no more than one course in which a “C” was earned toward the post-baccalaureate certificate. Courses in the certificate programs are repeatable.  Satisfactory academic progress is a criterion for the award of financial aid.  Students not making academic progress will be referred to their academic advisor for academic counseling.  All other Trinity academic policies and procedures apply to certificate courses.