Certificates of Advanced Studies

If you would like to obtain additional knowledge for career advancement, or wanting more knowledge to assist in your career, consider a Certificate of Advanced Studies. These certificates are available to graduate-level students only. 

Courses cover advanced topics related to classroom behavior management, including the science behind behavior management for special education students and attachment theory. Considering the result of relevant research and exploring innovative strategies and processes to meet the various management challenges within today's classrooms will enhance your capabilities as an effective practitioner. The following courses are required to earn this certificate.

EDUC 510 - Current Issues in Education (3)
This course will provide participants with current information about a multitude of topics relating to educational programs and institutions. Issues include topics related to student and instructor rights and responsibilities, effective instructional and management strategies, legal aspects of providing an education, and employee accountability.

EDUC 533 - Classroom Management and Leadership (3)
This course encompasses the role of management and leadership in the classroom as a system that is inter-linked with the individual, class, school, community, state, etc. Research on key aspects of management and/or leadership styles will be analyzed.

SPED 540 - Behavior Management (3)
This course will focus on basic principles of behavior modification as well as survey practical applications of this approach. Course content will include theoretical implications, behavioral and functional analysis, targeting behaviors, collecting information, interventions, positive behavioral support, and monitoring for change.

Courses cover advanced topics related to inclusionary practices, including contemporary strategies and processes that support inclusion in the regular classroom setting. In addition, the content covers the legal aspects and policies that educators must be familiar with in order to comply with federal and state guidelines.  Considering the results of relevant research and exploring innovative strategies and processes to meet the needs of all learners within today’s classrooms will enhance your capabilities as an effective practitioner. The following courses are required to earn this certificate.

SPED 500 Inclusionary Practices for Special Education (3)
This course will provide an overview of the handicapping conditions served under the legislation of IDEA. A review of the law and the eligibility requirements for each identified handicapping condition will be examined. The purpose of the course will be to train general and special educators in practices conducive to creating inclusionary environments in which to teach both regular education and special education students. Best practices regarding the development of an inclusionary program will be presented. Methods of alternative instruction designed to meet individual needs within large group settings at the K-12 level will be discussed. Practice in collaborative techniques will be provided.

SPED 540 Behavior Management (3)
This course will focus on basic principles of behavior modification as well as survey practical applications of this approach. Course content will include theoretical implications, behavioral and functional analysis, targeting behaviors, collecting information, interventions, positive behavioral support, and monitoring for change.

SPED 574 Special Education Laws and Practices (3)
This course explores the legal aspects of special education and how those aspects affect the student, the classroom, the school, and families. Participants will analyze laws, court cases, and case hearings. Participants will also develop a better understanding of best practices within the school environment and with parents and families. Course topics include: the history of special education law, significant special education laws, important court cases, assessment, IEP planning, least restrictive environment, procedural safeguards, and other relevant legal issues.

Courses cover advanced topics related to instructional mastery, including contemporary instructional strategies and processes that support a collaborative learning environment. Considering the results of relevant research and exploring innovative strategies and processes to meet the needs of all learners within today's classrooms will enhance your capabilities as an effective practitioner. The following courses are required to earn this certificate.

EDUC 530 - Contemporary Instruction: Theory and Practice (3)
This course is designed to provide the professional educator with opportunities to test educational theory and apply best practices in actual classrooms. The course should enhance and further develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of effective teaching. The five propositions of accomplished teaching (as defined by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards - NPBTS) will be analyzed and their applications investigated within working classroom environments at the elementary and secondary levels.

EDUC 540 - The Master Teacher (3)
This is a course for classroom teachers who wish to analyze their teaching styles and methods to improve their repertoire with additional methods of teaching. Teachers will do more micro-teachings in their subject, participate in critiques of micro-teaching, and learn and practice new methods.

EDUC 569 - Teachers as Collaborative Leaders (3)
In this course, teachers will understand the phenomenon of teacher leadership that will help teachers develop skills required to act as leaders and learners to impact school improvement from within. By examining their personal and professional roles, teachers will learn to be more effective leaders in their professional communities. Students will better understand the new opportunities for leadership in schools through communication strategies, facilitation methods, and mentoring.

Definitely (and positively!) answer the question "Technology - Cure or Complication?" by pursuing this skill-oriented certificate. Develop application software, internet, and desktop publishing skills within the context of the role of technology in the learning process. The following courses are required to earn this certificate.

EDUC 552 - Introduction to Multimedia Authoring (3)
This course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills associated with the principles of multimedia, and the means whereby they can utilize their knowledge and skills effectively in an educational setting. Through a variety of project-based learning experiences, students will explore the hardware and software related to multimedia authoring.

EDUC 553 - Using the Internet (3)
The purpose of this course is to provide participants with a working knowledge of how to utilize the various components of the Internet and integrate that knowledge into their professional practice. As students study a variety of topics associated with the Internet and its uses in the classroom, they will have the opportunity to share experiences and data with their peers, examine web sites and develop curriculum for use in their own educational settings.

EDUC 556 - Desktop Publishing for Teachers (3)
The course provides training in the production of quality documents and publications for use in educational settings. Students combine text and graphics to create a variety of documents including resumes, reports, flyers, brochures, etc. Application projects are integral to the course.

 

This certificate option is unique in its emphasis on the development of the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in various areas of economic development.  This certificate is designed to enable individuals to acquire training as change agents to facilitate growth in their organizations and communities. The certificate directly supports business growth and economic development. The course structure allow students to explore their own business and community enhancement projects.

MGMT 660 Theories of Entrepreneurship (3)
Individual and social perspectives regarding entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial activity are considered with an emphasis on understanding factors that facilitate entrepreneurship.

MGMT 661 New Venture Planning and Financing (3)
Various business planning and venture financing models are considered, as are resources available to facilitate these activities. Developing skills to evaluate the decisions made in these areas by others is emphasized.

MGMT 662 E-Commerce and Internet Communication (3)
E-commerce as a business model, particularly for new ventures, is considered. Sourcing support services and software for e-commerce and Internet marketing strategies are emphasized.

MGMT 663 Economic Development (3)
Economic development is considered from the perspective of a practical set of social policies, community strategies, and resources available at the local, state and federal level. Innovative regional and community approaches and planning for economic development are emphasized.

This certificate option is unique in its emphasis on the development of the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in various areas of the healthcare industry.  The certificate is designed to include courses that add to the tool kit of a healthcare administrator, such as understanding the complex and dynamic healthcare delivery systems, application of policies and laws in the workplace, financial and economic considerations, and the important aspects of informatics and use of data.

MGMT 623 Healthcare Law, Policy, and Compliance (3)
This course covers the legal aspect of healthcare and regulatory requirements. The security of data and patient information will be reviewed including risks and privacy. External trends and regulations that affect healthcare systems will be discussed. 

MGMT 630 Healthcare Delivery Systems (3)
This class gives an overview of the American and some foreign health care systems for comparison. It includes the study of the evolution and current state of health care services. Included in the overview of systems are insurance, healthcare organizations, health professionals, health policies, and healthcare financing topics. Current socioeconomic issues impacting health care delivery and services will be discussed. 

MGMT 641 Healthcare Economics and Finance (3)
This course will enable learners to apply the tools of economics, finance, and strategy to address challenges faced by healthcare providers. Strategies for payers, manufacturers, and providers will be examined. Topics will include the role of economics, cost-effectiveness, market analysis, and financial projection. Case studies and current events will be integrated throughout to encourage discussions about healthcare economics and finance.

MGMT 642 Healthcare Information Systems (3)
This course will concentrate on the systems and data used in health care organizations. It is important that leaders understand the technologies policy; data and analytics; health informatics; people and processes; and systems management in the healthcare environment. Leaders in healthcare must ensure that privacy and security of information are achieved and maintained. The business objective of the organization must be maintained through the use of healthcare information systems. Current health care trends will influence the planning, selection, and implementation of those systems necessary to support those trends. 

The certificate in Strategic Leadership and Communication supports and development of theoretical and practical problem-solving, culture building, analytical, and mentorship skills necessary for successful strategic leadership and communication within organizations. The course structure allows structure to explore their own business and community enhancement projects.

MGMT 631 Executive Coaching and Mentoring (3)
This course examines theoretical and practical coaching and mentorship techniques necessary for leaders to build a strong organizational culture and support the learning, development, performance, and motivation of individuals within their organization. Instruction will focus on the process, approaches, and benefits of coaching and mentoring. Various models will be discussed, and application of techniques will be focused upon in relation to adult learning theory.

MGMT 634 Strategic Communication in Leadership (3)
Students will learn how to communicate strategically, clearly, and persuasively across media in leadership roles. Students will learn about communication strategies and how to recognize stakeholder needs and effectively tailor communication to different audiences within and outside of the organization. Students will also learn how strategic communication impacts organizational culture, how to navigate crises and difficult conversations, and how to use data and information to effectively communicate. 

MGMT 665 Leadership Theory and Practice (3)
This course offers a theoretical view and practical approach to studying leadership. Conceptual-based aspects will include introducing various leadership styles, tactics, and theories. For practical application, students will also have the opportunity to learn more about their own tendencies in leadership scenarios and/or experiences based upon case study work and leadership assessments.

MGMT 693 Team Design and Performance (3)
This course examines the design and performance of work and decisional teams including team composition, authority, communication, roles, support, and leadership. This course will prepare the student to be a successful team member and leader by exploring team evolution, self-management, and conflict resolution. 

Contact our Graduate Programs Office with any questions at 402-872-2314 or GraduatePrograms@peru.edu.