Program Overview

Program Overview

The Higher Education / Student Life & Development Certificate is a 12-credit-minimum program designed for working professionals with master's degrees seeking career-enhancing insights, skills, and credentials. The program focuses on the college transition and adjustment, as well as college environment elements that enhance academic achievement, personal development, and wellbeing.

Certificate Highlights

• Faculty are scholars and top administrators from the School of Education & Human Development and divisions of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
• Student Life & Development components explored include:
  • Student affairs
  • Residential college programming
  • Commuter student affairs
  • Orientation
  • Housing & dining
  • Campus clubs & organizations
  • Health center
  • Counseling center
  • Academic advising
  • Academic resources (disability, tutoring)
  • Student employment & career planning
  • International student services
  • Financial aid & scholarship
• A Student Life & Development core of 6 credits is required, with an additional 6 credits selected with faculty guidance to meet specific career goals.
• An additional course or courses may be needed to attain the certificate, depending on experience and prior coursework.
• Students earning a master's degree in the Higher Education Administration Program outside the SL&D track can also complete this certificate.

Program Details

The program is designed to provide versatile administrators with the skills and knowledge needed to work with students of diverse needs and backgrounds. Students learn how college ultimately affects students on psychosocial, cognitive, moral, and many other levels.

Program Contacts

• Program Director: Carol-Anne Phekoo, Clinical Associate Professor, Merrick Building 312-Y

Program Structure

• The program consists of a minimum of 12 credits, with a core of 6 credits in Student Life & Development and an additional 6 credits selected with faculty guidance.
• An additional course or courses may be needed to attain the certificate, depending on experience and prior coursework.

Research Areas

The program focuses on the college transition and adjustment, as well as college environment elements that enhance academic achievement, personal development, and wellbeing. Students learn how college ultimately affects students on psychosocial, cognitive, moral, and many other levels.