Five new graduate gainful employment certificate programs at UCCS won unanimous approval from the University of Colorado Board of Regents at their meeting on campus Sept. 8 in a vote that clears the way for state support.
The board vote allows the new UCCS graduate certificate programs to be recorded by the state’s Colorado Commission on Higher Education. That in turn factors into state funding for UCCS.
The new certificate programs are:
- National Security Intelligence
- Homeland Security and Emergency Management Leadership
- Local Government Management
- Grant Writing, Management, and Program Evaluation
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Graduate certificates offer students a specific academic focus and typically require three to six classes. Certificates can be earned by non-degree-earning students, or those earning a degree, and appeal to those who may be moving into a new career, who need professional development in their field or need additional coursework for professional licensure.
“Certificates allow for a quick-moving way to meet the needs of a changing community,” said Kelli Klebe, associate vice chancellor, Research and Faculty Development. “These five meet that need.”
Thursday’s board action marked the first time regents have voted on certificate programs approved by UCCS that qualify for federal Gainful Employment tracking. That tracking means students who want to earn a certificate but are not seeking a degree can qualify for financial aid for their certificate. A recent CCHE rule change requires the board of regents to approve certain types of certificates for listing with CCHE.
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