Certificate Programs (PBACC)

The Department of Kinesiology at the University of New Hampshire now offers a graduate certificate in Adapted Physical Education. The intent of this certificate is to better prepare teachers to enhance their overall knowledge of students with disabilities in general and adapted physical education settings. This is accomplished through coursework and guided practicum experiences that address the instructional and programmatic needs of students with disabilities.

Contact: Kinesiology Department
Website: Adapted Physical Education
Phone: 603-862-2071
Email: kinesiology.dept@unh.edu

Special Notes:  Please visit the website for complete details.

Applying:  In addition to the regular graduate school requirements the department has the following requirements: Students must hold a baccalaureate degree by an accredited college or university and have a valid New Hampshire physical education teaching license or be enrolled in the Masters in Education program at the University of New Hampshire. Contact department for complete details.

The purpose of the Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher, to provide assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities, at home, school, work or play; to work collaboratively with a team implementing recommended assistive technology solutions and to become leaders in Assistive Technology. This certificate programs applies to individuals pursuing or engaged in the following careers: occupational, speech, physical, recreation therapy, rehabilitation counseling, engineering, education, special education, or nursing.

Contact: Therese Willkomm, Ph.D. ATP
Website: Assistive Technology
Phone: 603-862-1056
Email:  theresew@unh.edu

Special Notes:  Please visit the website for complete details.

Applying:  No additional requirements other then the standard graduate school requirements.

The Department of Family Studies at the University of New Hampshire offers a one-year, 14 to 15-credit, multidisciplinary program of study leading to a graduate certificate in adolescent development.  The certificate program is intended for individuals who are working in the field but who lack specific knowledge about adolescent development, as well as those who are changing careers or who are already working in related fields.  The certificate program builds general competence in understanding and applying theory and research regarding adolescent development, with particular emphasis on the influences of families and communities. The program is grounded in an ecological approach that focuses on supporting the health and well-being of all adolescents, with special attention to using a developmental perspective to develop programs, policies, and other interventions that address contemporary risk and protective factors.

Contact: Corinna J. Tucker, Graduate Program Coordinator, Associate Professor

Website: Adolescent Development (certificate page under construction)

Phone: 603-862-2146

Email: cjtucker@cisunix.unh.edu

Application Deadlines:  This certificate has specific deadlines. November 1 for students who wish to start in the  spring semester; May 15 for student who wish to start in the fall semester.

Applying:  In addition to the standard graduate school requirements the additional requirements are required:

• Three letters of recommendation (letter of recommendation form)
• a personal interview may be required

This program will serve the professional development needs of a wide variety of individuals, including: 1) parents of children with ASD; 2) special and general education teachers and administrators; speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavioral consultants, recreation therapists; and 3) graduate students in other university majors such as sociology or psychology.

Contact: Dr. Vincent Connelly
Website: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Phone: Dr. Connelly 603-862-0595
Email: Dr. Connelly vincent.connelly@unh.edu

Application Deadlines:  This program has a rolling admissions process, please contact the department directly for specifics.

Applying:  No additional requirements other then the standard graduate school requirements.

The Department of Family Studies at the University of New Hampshire offers a one-year, 14 to 15-credit, multidisciplinary program of study leading to a graduate certificate in Child Advocacy and Family Policy (CAFP).  The certificate program is intended for individuals who are working in the field but who lack specific knowledge about child advocacy and family policy, as well as those who are changing careers or who are already working in related fields and need to meet continuing education requirements or desire additional academic preparation.  The certificate in CAFP develops general competence in understanding theory and research regarding advocacy and policy issues impacting children and families. Certificate students will develop competency in planning for, implementing, and evaluating family policies, as well as identifying barriers to effective advocacy and policy-making.

Contact: Corinna J. Tucker, Graduate Program Coordinator, Associate Professor

Website: Child Advocacy and Family Policy (certificate page under construction)

Phone: 603-862-2146

Email: cjtucker@cisunix.unh.edu

Application Deadlines:  This certificate has specific deadlines. November 1 for students who wish to start in the  spring semester; May 15 for student who wish to start in the fall semester.

Applying:  In addition to the standard graduate school requirements the additional requirements are required:

• Three letters of recommendation (letter of recommendation form)
• a personal interview may be required

The Graduate School, in conjunction with the Center for Teaching Excellencel offers a 12-credit graduate certificate in the area of College Teaching. The certificate program offers a series of core and elective courses to prepare individuals to teach at institutions of higher education. Admission is open to current faculty members, post-docs, doctoral students enrolled at institutions other than UNH, and with permission master’s students at UNH.

Website: College Teaching

Phone: 603-862-4872

Email: mjl@unh.edu

Special Notes: This certificate is offered online. Students must be formally admitted to the certificate program.

Applying:  No additional requirements other then the standard graduate school requirements.

The department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a graduate certificate in the area of Industrial Statistics. The certificate program provides a focused program in industrial statistics consisting of four 3-credit intermediate statistics courses.  The program is primarily designed to help professionals in the manufacturing and service industries to improve their expertise in statistical design of studies and statistical and analytical methodology for decision making, planning, and quality improvement.

Contact: Ernst Linder, Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Website: Industrial Satistics
Phone: 603-862-2687
Email: elinder@unh.edu

Special Notes: For further details on this program please contact Ernst Linder.

Applying:  No additional requirements other then the standard graduate school requirements.

This certificate is part of a partnership with the New Hampshire Lend Program and the Seacoast Child Development Clinic.  The websites listed is for the New Hampshire Lend Program and the Seacoast Child Development Clinic.

Contact: Kate Stimmell, OTR/L. LEND Project Coordinator, Clinical Associate Professor
Websites:

Seacoast Child Development Clinic
New Hampshire Lend Program 

Phone: New Hampshire Lend Program: 603-862-0561 
Email: kate.stimmell@unh.edu

Applying:  In addition to the standard graduate school requirements the program also requires a Letter of Intent (Personal Essay). Form more information please view the Certificate degree requirements.

The Teacher Education Program works with approximately 150 “cooperating teachers” and more than 25 supervisors each year in its full-year internship program. Mentoring is a crucial element in the preparation of effective teachers, as well as in the transition from teacher preparation programs to the first years of teaching. The NH Department of Education has also recognized the need for mentoring early-career public school teachers in its “Induction Through Mentoring Projects.” The UNH Education Department proposes to offer a Graduate Certificate Program in Mentoring Teachers to help advance the preparation of professionals in the field.

Who the certificate is designed to serve:

• Experienced teachers interesting in mentoring and the professional development of new teachers.
• Experienced teachers interested in preparing for leadership positions that require mentoring skills.
• Experience teachers interested in exploring a graduate program in education by first earning a graduate certificate

Contact: Cindy Glidden, Academic Counselor, Education
Website: Mentoring Teachers
Phone: 603-862-2371
Email: cindy.glidden@unh.edu

Special Notes:  Contact the department for further details.

Applying:  No additional requirements other then the standard graduate school requirements.

The certificate of advanced practice is designed for those individuals with a master’s degree in nursing who wish to expand their practice into the role of family nurse practitioner.

The family nurse practitioner specialty area prepares nurses to provide comprehensive care that includes health promotion, maintenance and restoration for persons across the life span. These practitioners will be able to provide the broad range of clinical preventive services to those who are health or at risk, as well as manage common episodic illnesses, injuries and chronic illnesses. Successful completion of the required curriculum qualifies the RN to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination.

Contact: Nursing Department
Website: Nursing: Family Practitioner
Phone: 603-862-2299
Email: nursing.department@unh.edu 

Application Deadlines:  Nursing has specific deadlines which are deadlines are November 1 (Spring) and April 1 (Fall).  They do not accept applications for Summer.

Applying:  In addition to the standard graduate school requirements the additional requirements are required:

• Student must hold unencumbered active RN license in the United States and have a master's degree in nursing.
• In addition the applicant should submit two letters of reference. References should be substantial with one academic, if available, and one current professional with graduate education background.
• The applicant should submit an updated resume
• A course description should be submitted for any course you request waived.
  

The program goal is to provide advanced graduate training to working professionals in the area of Ocean Mapping. These professionals will come from a variety of backgrounds ranging from Earth Science, Geology, Biology, to Engineering. To meet the demands of this broad audience the certificate program has two components.

The first component, a Graduate Certificate in Ocean Mapping (Basic) is awarded for completion of the four core courses. The second component, a Graduate Certificate in Ocean Mapping (Advanced) is awarded for successful completion of three additional electives (totaling at least 10 credits).

The advanced certificate is the component where students tailor their courses to meet their individual goals, hence the array of courses. It is possible to select courses for the Advanced Certificate, which would fulfill the Category A (professional) International Federation of Surveyors/International Hydrographic Organization (FIG/IHO) Standards of Competence for Hydrographics Surveyors.

Contact: Center for Coastal & Ocean Mapping Joint Hydrographic Center, Linda Prescott  (Senior Program Support Assistant)
Website: Ocean Mapping
Phone: 603-862-3438
Email: info@ccom.unh.edu 

Special Notes: Successful completion of, or concurrent enrollment in courses for the Basic Certificate is necessary to begin the Advanced Certificate.

Applying:  Fall admit only. No additional requirements other then the standard graduate school requirements.

Part of the M.P.H. Program’s Continuing Education Program, the Public Health Certificate Program provides a vehicle for individuals working in public or community health positions, with no formal academic background in public health, the opportunity to earn a graduate program in public health. To enter the Certificate Program, an applicant must have a baccalaureate degree.

Similar to the M.P.H. program, the Certificate Program is only offered at UNH Manchester campus through the Graduate School Manchester Campus. Classes are offered on weekday evenings. Students completing the Certificate Program can apply to enter the M.P.H. Program. If accepted, Certificate credits can be applied to the M.P.H. degree program.

Contact: M.P.H. Program Office
Website: Public Health  (Also a Brochure in PDF)
Phone: 603-862-2733
Email: chris.hamann@unh.edu

Special Notes: Only offered at UNH Manchester campus through the Graduate School Manchester Campus.

Applying:  In conjunction with graduate school requirements, the Public Health Certificate Program requires:

• Completed UNH Application for admission to a Graduate Certificate Program
• Answers to five essay questions (in lieu of completing the personal statement question on the Graduate School Application form. You can find the essay questions here).
• Current resume
• Official transcripts from previous undergraduate education (except UNH if post 1991 - just indicate on your application then you attended UNH, with dates, and we will request a copy for internal use).
• Three letters of recommendation

In addition, interviews with the Public Health Certificate administrator are encouraged. 

The Graduate Certificate in Special Education Administration (SEA) expands the department's already strong academic offerings in special education, which include a master of education in special education and state certification in general special education, learning disabilities, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is the department's third graduate certificate; the department also offers graduate certificates in mentoring teachers and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The Graduate Certificate in Special Education Administration is designed for experienced educators and prepares administrators who manage and lead special education programs.

Contact:Vincent Connelly, Academic Counselor, Education
Website: Education Certificate Programs
Phone: 603-862-2371
Email: vincent.connelly@unh.edu

Special Notes: Program has additional requirements for admission as follows: Master's Degree in special education, educational administration, or similar field; possess a current credential in special education; minimum of three years of successful teaching experience in special education

Applying:  No additional requirements other than the standard graduate school requirements.

Does your company rely upon the same few individuals to launch software products and shepherd them to deployment? Who makes the tough decisions in your company concerning architecture, performance, availability, security, or safety?

Engineers who are successful at this “big picture” work are rare, which is why we are launching a Graduate Certificate Program in Software Systems Engineering. Companies that take advantage of this program will be well-equipped to utilize the innate talents of promising software engineers. These invaluable senior technical leaders hold titles such as, software system engineer, software architect, chief engineer, technical director, and lead system engineer. Students are required to complete four courses to earn the Graduate Certificate in Software Systems Engineering.

Contact: Computer Science Department

Website: Software Systems Engineering

Email: Mike Deutsch at: Michael.Deutsch@unh.edu or Phil Hatcher at: Phil.Hatcher@unh.edu.

Special Notes: The program is only offered through the Graduate School Manchester Campus.  Please see the Software Systems Engineering for complete details.

Applying: The standard graduate application fee and official transcripts are the only supplemental items required.

Department of Political Science

Graduate Program

Certificate in Sustainability Politics and Policy

The Certificate in Sustainability Politics and Policy is administered by the Department of Political Science Graduate Program, though it can include coursework from a number of other graduate programs. The Certificate is designed to give current graduate students, alumni and others in the community training and analysis on issues connecting environmental and social sustainability, politics and policy making initiatives. Such training is increasingly valuable for careers in the public sector, in non-profit organizations and in the private sector for both smaller and larger companies.

Contact: Prof. Stacy D. VanDeveer, Graduate Program Director

Website: Political Science: Sustainability Politics and Policy

Phone: 603-862-0167

Email: Stacy.vandeveer@unh.edu

Special Notes: Only offered at UNH Durham campus. Must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to apply.

Applying: In conjunction with Graduate School requirements, the Certificate in Sustainability Politics and Policy requires:

• Completed UNH Application for admission to a Graduate Certificate Program
• $25 application fee
• Personal statement on applicant’s interest, and goals regarding sustainability
• Current resume
• Official transcripts from previous undergraduate education (except UNH if post 1991 - just indicate on your application then you attended UNH, with dates, and we will request a copy for internal use), and graduate education (if applicant has received graduate degree).
• Three letters of recommendation

Discussions with Prof. Stacy D. VanDeveer, Graduate Program Director, are encouraged.

Instructions

Before applying it is advised that you check with your department to confirm deadlines, open application periods, and any special requirements (resume, additional essay questions, etc) that may be needed. All certificate application material must be submitted directly to the UNH Graduate School office in Thompson Hall either by mail, or in person. Do not send any materials directly to the department.

Be sure to include your name on all documents submitted. All application materials become the property of the University of New Hampshire and will not be returned, duplicated, or forwarded to a third party. When submitting an application you should collect all supporting documents yourself and then submit them, with your application, to the Graduate School office as one complete package. No application will be processed until it is complete.

Requirements

1. A completed online certificate application (if you are unable to apply online you can email us for a paper copy).

2. The application fee: Once you have submitted your application you will immediately be required to pay the non-refundable $25 certificate application fee by credit card. If you have problems paying after submitting you can go to this fee payment link to pay it later.  However, applications submitted without the fee will NOT be processed until the fee is received.  This applies to both US and International applicants. Note: If unable to pay by credit card you can mail (or drop off) a check or money order, drawn on a US bank, to our office made out to "UNH". 

3. Transcripts: Request one official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended for at least one year (except for UNH transcripts - see below). International transcripts must be translated into English.

   • UNH Transcripts: If you attended UNH after September 1st, 1991 then you do not need to submit a UNH transcript. As long as you indicate you attended UNH on your application (along with dates and degrees, if any) our office will generate a copy of your academic records for internal review purposes. This includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester and UNH Non-Degree work. However if you attended GSC, Keene or Plymouth then you must submit those transcripts yourself.

4. All applicants are required to have completed a bachelor's degree or higher (Note: that for the nursing certificate a master's degree in nursing is required). 

5. If you wish to claim in-state residency then you need to submit a completed proof of residency form.
6. Personal Statement:  We encourage applicants to submit their personal statement online, to speed up processing. We recommend that you write it in a word processing program (with no special formatting) and then cut and paste it into the online web application essay field. Should you prefer to not use the online form you will need to send in a hard copy - either by the postal service or through our special email account.
   1. Your personal statement should be a brief but careful statement outlining the reasons you wish to earn a graduate certificate.
   2. Note that some programs require a special personal statement - see below for those special requirements.

Special Requirements

The following programs require additional material(s) with each application:

• Leadership in Children's health and Disability
  • Submit a letter of intent (Personal Essay)
• Nursing
  • Two letters of reference*.  References should be substantial with one academic, if available, and one current professional with graduate education background.
  • Student must hold unencumbered active RN license in the United States
  • Student must have a master's degree in nursing.
  • A course description should be submitted for any course you request waived.
• Public Health
  • Each applicant to submit a typed, well-written personal statement that answers five essay questions.
  • A copy of your current resume.
  • Three letters of reference*.

* Letters of Recommendation: Photocopied, faxed, or emailed letters are not acceptable as we need official INK signatures. Letters from relatives/friends are also NOT acceptable. Non-Graduate School issued envelopes are acceptable as long as the referee signs across the back.

Letters of Admission

All letters of admission will come from the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School. Letters of admission will include a link that should be used to respond to the offer of admission. Statements about admission - verbal or written - from other sources, including the department, are NOT official. You can monitor the status of your certificate application online through the MyUNH (Blackboard) website - for details on how to do this please see our instructions for monitoring your application status.

Electronic Submission of Personal Documents: Personal documents, such as writing samples, personal statements, essays, and resumes can be emailed, as MS Word or PDF attachments, to grad.docs@unh.edu with the subject line indicating the type of document you are sending and the applicants name.

1. In the body of the email include your full name, the program and semester you are applying to, and either the year of your birth or the last four digits of your UNH assigned ID.  This information is used to identify your application records. Documents without proper identification will not be processed.
2. This email account (grad.docs@unh.edu) is only used for sending us attached files.  If you have questions for our office use our general account (grad.school@unh.edu)
3. Important: If you email us your documents DO NOT send a duplicate copy by the post office. We only need one copy - either electronically or by post but not both.

Instructions

If you are already in a degree program, and are applying to a certificate program as a secondary program, then please use the secondary program application form (because this will be a secondary program you must use the proper paper form, do not apply online). Submit it to our office, Attention: Academic Counselor, along with the required documents and signatures from your current department. If you plan on graduating in your primary program, before starting the PBACC program, then you can apply online using the primary certificate program application.

Submit the above items directly to the Graduate School Office as a complete package. We will not accept incomplete applications. After we get your completed application we will forward it to the program you are applying to for review. Once we have a final decision you will be notified in writing of the decision. Any questions should be directed to office

Requirements

The following items are required when applying to a secondary certificate program:

1. Completed Secondary Application Form - Signed and Dated
2. Personal Statement (Outline the reasons you wish to earn a grad certificate)
3. Your curriculum vitae (Public Health only)
4. Statement of support from your Advisor, Graduate Program Coordinator or Department Chair
5. NO application fee is required

It is also recommonded that you contact your department in advance to see if there are any additional documents required.