Institutions of higher learning require
specially trained management. Online certificate programs in higher
education leadership prepare candidates for college faculty supervision,
public speaking, facilities management, conflict resolution,
fund-raising and diplomacy. Many online post-graduate certificates in
higher education leadership are generalized programs, but a few
specialize in college administration.
Online Post-Graduate Certificate in College Leadership Overview
Certificate programs in higher
education leadership
are open to graduates of bachelor's or master's degree programs
(preferably those with a focus on education). Some programs also require
candidates to prove several years' experience in teaching or school
administration. Programs offer a mix of education and management courses
to prepare candidates for a variety of college leadership roles,
including setting and enforcing policy, supervising faculty and
administrative staff, establishing budgets and helping maintain
community relations.
There are several distance -learning post-graduate certificate
programs for higher education leadership. Most require 15-18 semester
credits, and can be completed in 1-2 years. In some cases, coursework
can be completed concurrently with other graduate degree work or applied
toward coursework requirements for a higher degree.
Students need a computer with multimedia capabilities and high-speed
access to the Internet. Courses may be live, requiring students to
participate electronically at set times, or pre-recorded for viewing
that suits the students' schedules. Assignments, exams and
communications with instructors and peers are handled online using
commercial applications, such as Blackboard.
Common Courses
All didactic coursework can be completed online. Some programs
include an internship, which can be arranged at a college near a
student's home. However, experienced college teachers and administrators
may be able to waive this requirement or substitute another course. At
the post-graduate level, certificate program classes can include:
Educational Leadership Course
This course presents an overview of theories and models for effective
organizational leadership,
specifically as they relate to institutes of higher learning. Concepts
studied include moral leadership, motivation, shared decision-making and
the ability to adapt to changes.
School Law Course
Students review legal matters relating to administrators, faculty and
students. Topics include special needs legislation, negligence,
litigation, contracts and collective bargaining.
Technology for School Administrators Course
A range of technological aids are available for college
administrators to gather and process information, conduct research and
aid the decision-making process. This course describes several areas of
recent technological advancements and how they might be used in the
higher education arena.
Conflict Management Course
Maintenance of a positive school environment is the best way to
minimize friction between separate interest groups--but differences of
opinion are bound to arise. This course presents several conflict
scenarios and discusses the possible outcomes of various management and
resolution strategies.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for education
administrators were projected to grow by eight percent from 2008-2018,
or at nearly the same rate as the average rate for all national jobs.
Positions for postsecondary administrators are expected to grow only two
percent during that same period. The median annual wage for
postsecondary education administrators was $82,000 as of 2009 (
www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education
It is common for upper-level college administrators to have a Ph.D.
or Ed.D. in administration, both of which are available as online
programs. In some cases, credits earned in a certificate program may be
applied toward a higher degree program. To practice, college
administrators are generally not required to obtain certificates, state
licensing or federal licensing.
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