Support Services for Online Students in Higher Education Graduate Certificate
Online education continues to grow, and higher education institutions are looking for professionals who know how to best educate, motivate and support online students.
This 15-credit certificate in Support Services for Online Students in Higher Education will provide you with a critical, reflective understanding of the research and theory behind online teaching, learning and student support.
Program Type
Program Format
Why Choose Our Program?
- Learn from faculty with deep knowledge and experience in online education and student support.
- Benefit from small class sizes and a completely online format.
- Gain important knowledge and skill sets to recruit and retain online students, the fastest-growing population in higher education.
- Discover rewarding career opportunities as an online advisor, academic success coach, tutoring coordinator, center manager, adult educator or other student services personnel.

The Graduate Certificate in Support Services for Online Students in Higher Education program is a 15-credit program that draws upon current coursework in Adult Education, Higher Education, Education Technology and Distance Education.
This certificate provides a unique opportunity for professionals interested in online student support in higher education to gain an understanding of teaching and learning and student support service theory, research and effective practice.
- Residence Life Coordinator
- Program Coordinator
- Academic Resources Specialist
- Career Development Specialist
- Instructional Designer
- Adult Educators & Trainers
- Admission Counselor
- Coordinator Academic Services
- Learning Designer
- Online Student Support Specialist
- Academic Advisor
- Administrators in Vocational and Technical Education
Stay in touch!
Program Requirements
The Graduate Certificate in Support Services for Online Students in Higher Education is a 15-credit program that consists of the following:
- Required Core Courses (6 credits)
- Elective Courses (6 credits)
- Required Practicum (3 credits)
- Program & Courses Overview (PDF)
The Graduate Certificate in Support Services for Online Students in Higher Education can be completed on its own or as part of the Master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership: Concentration in Adult, Continuing, and Higher Education Administration (ACHEA) through the 2-in-1 option.
At the UW-Milwaukee School of Education Department of Administrative Leadership, you can earn a Master’s degree and a certificate, individually or at the same time. These offerings are perfect for anyone looking to advance their career in higher education, adult and continuing education, and for educators in the healthcare field.
2 in 1: Earn Your Master’s Degree and Certificate Together
Admission Criteria
- You must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to admission, have a minimum 2.75 cumulative undergraduate grade point average and declare your intent to pursue the certificate before completing six credits in the certificate sequence.
- If you have a graduate degree, you must have a minimum 3.0 graduate grade point average.
- If you are not already admitted to the Graduate School, you must complete the UWM Graduate School Online Admission Application. Select “Graduate courses for personal/professional enrichment” as your reason for applying.
- Associate Professor, Administrative Leadership
- Department Chair, Administrative Leadership
- baldwic@uwm.edu
- 414-251-7620
- Enderis Hall 655
- Clinical Associate Professor, Administrative Leadership
- minal@uwm.edu
- 414-251-5381
- Enderis Hall 653
- Assistant Professor, Administrative Leadership
- salto@uwm.edu
- 414-251-5155
- Enderis Hall 621
- Associate Professor, Administrative Leadership
- Wm. Collins Kohler Chair, Institute for Systems Change and Peacebuilding
- sandym@uwm.edu
- 414-229-1173
- Enderis Hall 617