College teaching

University of Missouri-Columbia
Graduate certificate
College teacher standing at the front of class.
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Graduate certificate

Picture the typical college classroom. The instructor lectures about a topic, perhaps using visual aids and periodically answering questions or engaging students in debate. Meanwhile, students take notes and complete assignments with a common goal in mind: to translate what they’re learning into a career. Whether you’re an existing or aspiring higher education professional, the University of Missouri’s (Mizzou) online graduate certificate in college teaching helps refine your instructional skills.

Through 12 credit hours, you explore higher education best practices and learn to develop more meaningful lesson plans. In the process, you tailor your knowledge to your audience, including students attending two- or four-year schools, virtual classrooms and adult learners, with the goal of graduating thoughtful, analytical problem solvers ready to enter the workforce.

About the online graduate certificate in college teaching

From community college to the traditional four-year university experience to accelerated tracks for working professionals, higher education environments share key characteristics. One, students aspire to similar outcomes regardless of major — from earning a degree that prepares them to pursue a specific career to a credential that qualifies them for graduate or professional school. 

Two, independence, a faster pace and an emphasis on critical, analytical thinking shape the learning environment. Students are expected to review their notes ahead of exams, conduct their own research and seek out experience-building opportunities.

Within this format, faculty serve as mentors, drive students’ curiosity and connect theories to real-world applications. Their lectures, meanwhile, inspire and complement the information presented in texts.

Mizzou’s online graduate certificate in college teaching delves into higher education pedagogy, helping you pair lessons and assignments to academic outcomes and students’ long-term success:

  • Grow your knowledge of different higher education institutions and their students, from two- and four-year schools to online learning
  • Develop or update your teaching foundation to improve lecture delivery and connect topics and assignments to academic or experiential goals
  • Complement your content area knowledge with higher education pedagogy and an understanding of your role within a school’s structure
  • Prepare to create more engaging learning environments for your students and incorporate technology into the classroom

Quick facts

Official name

Graduate certificate in college teaching

Campus

University of Missouri-Columbia

Program type

Graduate certificate

Academic home

College of Education & Human Development | Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

Delivery mode

100% online

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

Credit hours

12

Estimated cost

$6,741.60

*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.

College teacher standing at the front of class.

Career prospects

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8% greater demand for postsecondary teachers through 2032. Helping you take advantage of this trend, Mizzou’s online graduate certificate enriches your foundational knowledge and gives you the tools to improve retention, graduation and career placement rates.

Consider this online certificate if you currently teach in higher education or seek a position as an:

  • Academic administrator
  • Curriculum coordinator
  • Postsecondary teacher
  • Student advisor

Additionally, as you pursue a doctorate in education, this program provides more detailed insight into the structures, students and pedagogical methods of colleges and universities.

Burning Glass Technologies. 2021. Salary numbers and employment growth numbers are based on models that consider advertised job posting salary, Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other proprietary and public sources of information for multiple occupations.
11.54%
Employment growth
Burning Glass Technologies. 2021. Salary numbers and employment growth numbers are based on models that consider advertised job posting salary, Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other proprietary and public sources of information for multiple occupations.
$69,000
Median salary

Program structure

For this 12-credit hour program, students begin with two required courses: college teaching and the professoriate. The remaining two courses are selected from a list of specialized subject areas.

The online graduate certificate in college teaching is 100 percent online: no campus visits are required. Classes follow the same schedule as on campus. Students typically take two classes each semester and finish the program in just one year.

Course work covers

Prepare to explore:

  • Theories and practices of higher education instruction
  • Faculty roles in U.S. colleges and universities
  • Trends and theories for developing postsecondary curricula
  • The organization, structure and roles of community colleges
  • Higher education teaching, learning and evaluation strategies
  • Online instruction and classroom management strategies

Review all requirements for the online graduate certificate in college teaching.

Delivery

100% online

Calendar system

Semester-based

Typical program length

1 year

Typical course load

2 classes per semester

Accreditation

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The College of Education and Human Development is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Learn more about this program

This program is administered by the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis