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Undergraduate Certificates

As part of Penn State's top-ranked Workforce Education and Development program, we are offering four undergraduate certificate programs:

  • Supervisory Leadership
  • Operational Excellence 
  • Instructor Development 
  • Advanced Instructor Development

Each are designed to provide you with solid professional preparation and recognized credentials. If you have some college experience and at least two years of relevant work experience in either the public or private sector, these certificate programs may be right for you.

Each certificate program is aligned with U.S. Department of Labor sponsored competency models and focuses on skill sets and competencies that are essential to a globally competitive workforce.

You may apply the credits earned in these certificate programs toward an Associate Degree in Workforce Education and Development, WLP emphasis (60 credits) and a Bachelor of Science Degrees in Workforce Education and Development, WLP emphasis (124 credits) satisfying many of your required and elective courses.

Supervisory Leadership Certificate (9 credits)

This certificate program is designed primarily for you if you are engaged in a supervisory role in the workplace, to equip you with the contemporary supervisory leadership competencies that you need to function effectively in today's ever-changing and highly diverse workplace. This certificate can be earned by completing the courses below:

 - WFED 310 Leadership Competencies for Supervisors (3 credits): Designed to teach contemporary supervisory leadership competencies for mid-career learners with front-line supervisory responsibilities in the workplace.

 - WFED 411 Occupational Safety and Health for Workplace Professionals (3 credits): This course assists participants in creating and supporting workplaces and educational environments free of occupational safety and health hazards. The curriculum meets requirements for OSHA-30 General Industry Safety and CPR and AED Training, as well as the safety elements of the approved program evaluation (PA 339 review) facilitated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 

 - WFED 450 (US; IL) Cultural Diversity in the Workplace (3 credits): Provides opportunities for students to explore different cultures and mores that are changing the dynamics of the workplace.

Operational Excellence Certificate (9 credits)

If you have demonstrated high leadership potential, this certificate program can provide you with an introduction to the philosophies and practices of lean and six-sigma. More and more industries are adapting these quality methods and standards to their organizations to reduce waste, increase productivity, and solve problems effectively and efficiently. This certificate can be earned by completing the courses below:

 - WFED 405 Project Management for Professionals (3 credits): Covers the essential concepts and skills needed to make effective contributions on projects, on time and within budget.

 - WFED 410 Leadership Competencies for Professionals (3 credits): Designed to teach contemporary professional leadership competencies for workforce professionals who may not currently have supervisory responsibilities.

 - WFED 451 Lean-Sigma for Professionals (3 credits): This course focuses on essential lean and six sigma concepts to improve processes in any industry.

Instructor Development Certificate (9 credits)

This certificate program is ideal for a first-line supervisor, training specialist, or technical/occupational specialist who is responsible for training, supervision, and/or employee development. Human resource specialists, corporate trainers, and organization development practitioners can also benefit from this certificate. This certificate can be earned by completing the courses below:

 - WFED 105 Integrated Curriculum Implementation (3 credits): Occupational analysis for instructional planning; emphasis on instructional methods to deliver a competency- based program in an integrated learning environment.

 - WFED 106 Program and Facilities Management (3 credits): Organization and management of learning laboratory to facilitate the delivery of a competency-based program in a safe environment.

 - WFED 207W Assessment Techniques (3 credits): Assessment, recording, and reporting of learning in an integrated competency-based education system.

Advanced Instructor Development Certificate (9 credits)

This certificate program is a continuation of the Instructor Development Certificate, designed for you, if you have completed the Instructor Development Certificate and wish to step up into an associate or bachelor's degree program. This certificate can be earned by completing the courses below:

 - WFED 270 Introduction to Industrial Training (3 credits): Overview of training profession. Introduction to economic and psychological foundations.  Examination of relationship of industrial training to education.

 - WFED 413 Vocational Education for Special-Needs Learners (3 credits): Introduction to program modifications, supplementary services, and resources required for special-needs learners.

 - WFED 471 Training in Industry and Business (3 credits): Appraisal of training functions and development of competencies in work analysis, design, development, delivery, and evaluation of training.

 

For additional information, please contact:

Mark D. Threeton

Associate Professor of Education

411E Keller Building

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: (814) 863-5361

[email protected]