Program Overview

Higher Education Teaching Certificate

The Higher Education Teaching certificate program provides graduate-level coursework and classroom experience to prepare current and future higher education instructors. This certificate program is aimed at developing postsecondary faculty's culturally-sustaining and responsive pedagogical knowledge grounded in social justice, equity, and inclusion.

Program Overview

• Format: Online during the summer, hybrid during the fall
• Units: 9 units / 3 courses
• Start term: Summer 2026
• Application window: November 1, 2025 to April 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
• Transcripts Deadline: April 1, 2026

Initial Eligibility and Requirements

• MA/MS Degree from a regionally accredited institution or currently enrolled in a MA/MS program
• Minimum GPA of 2.5, based on a 4.0 scale
• Candidates must also meet all SJSU admissions requirements
• TOEFL score of 600 and above (for international students only)

Course Schedule

Summer 2026 | 2 Courses (6 units)

• EDLD 212- Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in Higher Education
• EDLD 250- Emancipatory Pedagogy in Higher Education Fall 2026 | 1 Course (3 units)
• 15 week session EDLD 251- Higher Education Teaching Practicum

Program Details

The program offers a well-rounded experience that integrates theory and teaching practicum. It is designed for faculty teaching at higher education institutions and graduate students who are considering a teaching career at a higher education setting.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree or enrollment in a postgraduate program
• Official transcript showing a master's degree or enrollment in a postgraduate program
• TOEFL test (for international students)

Tuition and Fees

The cost per unit is $379 for Summer '26 and $397 for Fall '26. The total tuition cost for the certificate is approximately $3465.00.

Teaching Practicum

The teaching practicum is a key component of the EDLD 251 class and is required to obtain the certificate. Students can complete their teaching practicum at local community colleges with which the Department of Education Leadership has established MOUs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who should enroll in the higher education teaching certificate? This program was developed for faculty teaching at higher education institutions and graduate students who are considering a teaching career at a higher education setting.
• Do I need to have a master's degree to enroll in this program? You should have a master's degree or be enrolled in a postgraduate program to enroll in this certificate.
• Can this certificate be used for professional development? Yes, this certificate can count as professional development at community colleges.
• Are the courses in the certificate graduate level? Yes, the three required courses are graduate level.
• Are the courses letter grade only? Yes, these courses are letter grade only. No Pass/Fail option.