Appendix A – Format for a Graduate Certificate Program Proposal

I. Program Identification

  • 1.1 Title of Proposed Graduate Certificate State proposed name as it would appear on a UWM student transcript. 
  • 1.2 Department(s) or Functional Equivalent(s) Sponsoring the Certificate List UWM units or external institutions that will have an active role in program administration beyond offering required or elective courses. 
  • 1.3 College(s), or Functional Equivalent(s) Sponsoring the Certificate List colleges with budgetary authority for certificate administration. 
  • 1.3.1 List lead College. If there are multiple internal sponsors at this level, one must serve as the administrative home. 
  • 1.4 Timetable for Initiation 

II. Rationale

Discuss reason(s) for establishing a new graduate certificate program in this area of study. 

III. Institutional Context

  • 3.1 Relationship to Mission of Institution 
  • 3.2 Relationship to/Impact on Other UWM Programs 

IV. Need

Discuss potential demand for the program, target population, estimated enrollment, and comparable programs offered at other institutions. 

V. Program Description and Evaluation

  • 5.1 Description: 
    • 5.1.1 Provide a brief narrative description of the program. 
    • 5.1.2 Define the nature of the program: For example, is it a disciplinary concentration where the goal is to achieve a measure of depth within a defined area? Is it multidisciplinary where the goal is to broaden one’s knowledge and/or perspective on a particular area of study? Is this a graduate/undergraduate certificate (i.e., one in which the courses are U/G and undergraduates and graduates both earn the certificate, but are differentiated by how they register for the courses)? Is this a multi-institutional program where the goal is to obtain expertise in an area that can only be met by combining offerings through two or more institutions? 
    • 5.1.3 List learning objectives and competencies that will be attained through this certificate.  If relevant, discuss professional or certification/licensing standards that are addressed in the proposed curriculum. 
    • 5.1.4 List the mode(s) of instruction (i.e. in-person, on-line, hybrid). 
    • 5.1.5 Discuss whether this certificate program prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.  If it does and is eligible for Title IV financial aid, supply the following information: 
      • Occupations the program prepares students to enter 
      • Occupational profiles 
      • Costs for books and supplies 
  • 5.2 Curriculum – Courses and Credits:  Indicate number of credits and the specific courses or choice of electives that make up the certificate program. For multi-institutional certificates, indicate which courses are taken at which institution and demonstrate that more than 50% of coursework is completed at UWM. Describe any capstone requirement. 
  • 5.3 Admission requirements and procedures:  Identify minimum grade point average (G.P.A.) from the undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate degree, any specific background preparation, and any other requirements for admission.  
  • 5.4 Allowance for transfer credit (if any): Transfer credit is subject to the rules stated above.  If the program has a more restrictive policy for transfer credit, that should be stated here. 
  • 5.4 Completion requirements: State minimum grades required in specific courses, if any, and cumulative G.P.A. required in certificate courses 
  • 5.5 Time limit:  Indicate length of time allowed to complete the requirements for the certificate (4 years for certificates that are independent of a graduate degree; matched to the timeline for the degree when the certificate is taken concurrently with a graduate degree). 
  • 5.6 Certificate conferral: State whether certificate will be awarded upon completion of certificate requirements or concurrently with completion of a specific degree program.   
  • 5.7 Program Administration: State the name and administrative title (e.g. Director, Coordinator) of the person who will serve as the Graduate School liaison for the certificate program (aka the Certificate Program Representative). Provide names and roles of others involved in program administration (e.g. curricular development and review, student advising).  Describe how program administrators or advisory bodies will be appointed.   
  • 5.8 Participating Faculty:  Please provide a list of participating faculty. For multi-institutional certificates, include faculty (rank/status) at the partner institution(s). 

VI. Resources

Address issues of cost to the university and any special charges or fees. 

VII. Bulletin Copy

Submit copy for the Graduate School Bulletin following the template provided by the Graduate School. 

Certificate Working Group 2013-15

  • Barbara Bales, GFC representative, Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction 
  • Sukanya Banerjee, GFC representative, Associate Professor, Department of English 
  • Naira Campbell-Kyureghyan, GFC representative, Department of Industrial Engineering 
  • Erin Fox, Director of Graduate Education, Graduate School 
  • Jenna Jazna, Graduation Specialist, Graduate School 
  • Jerry Kaster, GFC representative, Associate Professor, School of Freshwater Sciences 
  • Kathleen Koch, Director of Strategic Initiatives in Research, Education, and Scholarship, Graduate School and Office of Research 
  • Karen Morin, GFC representative, Professor, College of Nursing 
  • Ethan Munson, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 
  • Amanda Seligman, GFC representative, Associate Professor, Department of History 
  • Kristene Surerus, GFC Chair, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry 
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