Content Area Instruction Certificate

Master’s Level Certificate

Certificate Description

Designed for those teaching at the secondary or college level content areas or disciplines, this certificate examines the major tenets for understanding fields of study. Using intellectual processes to encourage lifelong learning, the courses are crafted to build patterns of thought fostered by delivery methods, cultural perspectives, and changes of time which influence and support the integration of ideas and concepts. Learners investigate different perspectives by utilizing evidence-based research to encourage real-world applications, effective problem solving, and building relationships through communication. This approach establishes fundamental constructs which influences the understanding of underlying concepts essential in content areas.

Certificate Outcomes

Develop ways to apply integrative thinking to evidenced-based learning related to emerging issues and concerns which foster deeper understanding of discipline-related content while supporting the use of theories, standards, and frameworks appropriate for the field.
Establish relationships between theoretical perspectives and professional application to create opportunities for reflective practices which engage students in appreciating and using principles in practice.
Analyze approaches to understanding traditional modes of communication, including writing and speaking, within a media-driven culture.
Build a collaborative community to engage in experiential learning which applies principles of engagement to generate cultural perspectives and the pursuit of intellectual understanding of concepts presented in various mode of communication.
Design learning environments conducive for a field of study which utilize research to support changing conditions, requiring strategic thinking, and critical problem solving in relation to human endeavors.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Certificate in Content Area Instruction is to help those students that are wanting to teach at the secondary or college level meet education requirements. Over 10 majors are available for students, which allows them to obtain 18-credit hours in the content are of their choosing.

Major Options

Cognitive Science

Learning how to learn is crucial in a society which continues to change as technology changes. This ability to adapt is an aspect of critical thinking within a situation, whether this is a learning environment or found within an organization. By understanding how the brain processes incoming stimuli, this coursework investigates ways to improve performance, enhance the ability to make quality decisions, and design environments to accomplish their designated purpose.

English

Designed for those teaching at the secondary or college level in the field of English studies, this coursework examines the crossovers of literature, comprehension, and communication within traditional modes and emerging devices. Using intellectual processes, the courses are crafted to build patterns of thought fostered by delivery methods, cultural perspectives, and changes of time which influence how individuals communicate.

History

Designed for those teaching at the secondary or college level in the field of history, this coursework examines the major tenets of understanding historical traditions of thought by examining perspectives across time, people groups, and geographical locations. Utilizing critical thinking, the rationale and emerging patterns driving issues are traced to their roots in political, cultural, social, and ideological perspectives.

Integrated Biology

Designed for those teaching at the secondary or college level in the field of science, this coursework promotes the development of integrated thinking and ways science can be taught through different perspectives which encourage real-world applications, effective problem solving, and builds relationships through communication. Individuals consider ways to investigate scientific thought as an approach for examining the forces acting upon living organisms from the basic cellular construction to ways life is sustained through energy transformation and other processes.

Integrated Chemistry

Designed for those teaching at the secondary or college level in the field of science, this coursework promotes the development of integrated thinking and ways science can be taught through different perspectives which encourage real-world applications, effective problem solving, and builds relationships through communication. Individuals consider ways to investigate scientific thought as an approach for examining the forces acting matter, from the properties at the atomic level to how molecules interact and combine to release energy or form new substances.

Integrated Science

Designed for those teaching at the secondary or college level in the field of science, this coursework promotes the development of integrated thinking and ways science can be taught through different perspectives which encourage real-world applications, effective problem solving, and builds relationships through communication. Individuals consider ways to investigate scientific thought as an approach for examining the forces acting upon the earth and beyond. Biology, chemistry, physics, geology, environmental science, ecology, and astronomy are disciplines addressed.

Mathematics

Designed for those teaching at the secondary or college level in the field of mathematics, this set of coursework uses a discovery model in mathematics to help instructors identify problems in their curricula and adapt these by adding or subtracting information, critiquing scenarios, providing overarching data, and allowing students to create predictive models to test against the gathered data to determine accuracy. Designed to support integrative ideas, from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus, events and influential mathematicians bring the human factor into the discovery of fundamental constructs which influence a broader understanding of underlying concepts.

Social Science

Designed for those teaching at the secondary or college level in the field of social science, this coursework explores the range of issues related to human interaction and learning within a societal context, exploring sociology, psychology, human development, and human relationships. Utilizing evidence-based research, learners investigate historical contexts, theories, standards, and frameworks which have shaped current understanding of human engagement as a foundation for creating learning environments, assessment options, and developing intellectual processes for lifelong learning.

Course List (18 Total Semester Credits)