With their open-access model and low tuition rates, nearly half of all undergraduates attend community college. To achieve their diverse missions, the more than 1,000 public, independent and tribal community colleges in the United States rely on a blend of full- and part-time faculty to offer the broadest array of courses to meet varying student curricular and scheduling demands. This certificate prepares current full- and part-time future faculty for the complex environment facing community colleges. Part-time faculty members, or adjuncts, have long been part of community college staff. Adjunct faculty members are typically hired because they possess technical skills and practical knowledge that are beneficial to students. Their expertise and workplace experiences will be supplemented through the knowledge gained in this certificate about community colleges as organizations, educational technology, curriculum design, and the characteristics of today's community college students.
Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 12 |
Purpose Statement
The Community College Teaching & Learning Certificate (CCTLC) is designed for individuals pursuing teaching opportunities at the community college/higher education level. It is geared to supplement students’ practical and technical skills for their fields of expertise with community college organizational knowledge, curriculum design, college teaching, and understanding the characteristics of today’s community college student.
This certificate prepares current full- and part-time future faculty for the complex environment facing community colleges. Part-time faculty members, or adjuncts, have long been part of community college staff. Adjunct faculty members are typically hired because they possess technical skills and practical knowledge that are beneficial to students. Their expertise and workplace experiences will be supplemented through the knowledge gained in this certificate about community colleges as organizations, educational technology, curriculum design, and the characteristics of today's community college students.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students achieving the Community College Teaching and Learning certificate will attain theoretical and practical understanding of concepts in the post-secondary framework of teaching and learning, and will be able to:
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Take the following 12 units with a minimum GPA of 3.0:
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Under both circumstances, federal financial aid can be used for this certificate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.