SPECIALIZED SKILLS. RECOGNIZED ACHIEVEMENT
Unlock new possibilities for your career with a USF graduate certificate — a focused, flexible path to advanced expertise. Designed to deliver the latest research and real-world insights in your chosen field, these programs offer a powerful alternative to a full graduate degree, helping you level up without hitting pause on your life. Your certificate is more than a credential — it’s proof of your mastery, officially recorded on your transcript and celebrated with a USF certificate of completion. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your skills, boost your professional edge and be ready to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of your industry. Most programs can be completed in just one to two years, depending on your pace and course availability. In some cases, credits earned may count toward a related graduate degree, opening the door to further academic achievement. Please note: earning a certificate does not guarantee admission to a degree program.
New AI Certificate
Artificial Intelligence in Teaching & Learning
The AI in Teaching and Learning Graduate Certificate empowers educators, trainers, and instructional professionals to confidently integrate AI into their practice—ethically, creatively, and effectively. Whether you’re enhancing lesson plans, designing smarter assessments, or exploring AI tools that personalize learning, this certificate equips you with the skills to lead the future of education.
Fully Online
Academic Advising Graduate Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising prepares current and aspiring advisors with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to support diverse student populations. Through coursework focused on advising theories, equity and inclusion, policies, and student development, participants learn to promote student success and respond effectively to individual needs. Graduates are equipped to guide students using evidence-based approaches, make informed referrals, and navigate institutional and governmental policies that shape advising practice.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
The Autism Spectrum Disorder Graduate Certificate equips educators with specialized knowledge and skills to support students with ASD across diverse educational settings. Coursework emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, assistive and instructional technologies, and positive behavior support, all reinforced through meaningful, field-based experiences. Designed to meet Florida Department of Education endorsement requirements, this certificate enhances teachers’ capacity to deliver effective, evidence-based instruction for learners with autism.
Critical Global Literacies Graduate Certificate
The Critical Global Literacies Graduate Certificate explores how language and literacy practices shape identity, citizenship, and equity in a global society. Students engage with cross-cultural perspectives, anti-racist pedagogies, and decolonizing approaches to literacy for multilingual, immigrant, and racialized populations. This certificate benefits professionals across K–12, adult education, and global sectors who are committed to advancing literacy access and justice.
Digital & Transdisciplinary Literacies
The Graduate Certificate in Digital & Transdisciplinary Literacies prepares educators and professionals to use STEM-focused, research-based, and equity-driven approaches to digital and academic literacies. Designed for those working with K–12 schools, educator training programs, and community organizations, the certificate emphasizes solving complex global problems through integrated, transdisciplinary thinking. Students gain skills in digital tools, disciplinary genres, academic vocabulary, and reading strategies that support diverse learners and strengthen the STEM pipeline.
ESOL
The Professional Graduate Certificate in ESOL is designed for certified educators seeking specialized preparation to teach English language learners in K–12 settings. This certificate provides the coursework required for the Florida ESOL Endorsement and strengthens teachers’ understanding of linguistics, language acquisition, culturally responsive instruction, and assessment. Graduates gain the skills to create inclusive, effective learning environments that support multilingual learners’ academic and language development.
Evaluation
The Graduate Certificate in Evaluation equips students and working professionals with practical skills in contemporary evaluation theory, methods, and ethical practice. Through real-world, hands-on experiences, participants learn how to design, conduct, and apply evaluations that support meaningful decision-making in organizational settings. This certificate prepares graduates for evaluation roles in education, nonprofit organizations, business, and other professional sectors.
Exceptional Student Education
The Exceptional Student Education Graduate Certificate provides educators and related professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills to support learners with diverse exceptionalities. The program emphasizes effective instructional and assessment strategies, creating inclusive learning environments, and collaborating with families and service providers. Designed for individuals with prior coursework or credentials in education, this certificate strengthens professional expertise in special education across K–12 and community settings.
Instructional Technology: Web Design
The Web Design Graduate Certificate equips professionals with the skills to plan, design, and develop effective interactive and multimedia web applications. Offered fully online, the program is ideal for those working in education or private industry who want to elevate their digital design and production capabilities. Coursework may also be applied toward the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, providing a pathway for continued graduate study.
Reading Endorsement
The Reading Endorsement Graduate Certificate is a fully online, five-course sequence that provides a deep understanding of reading development, literacy theory, and evidence-based instructional practices. Designed for certified K–12 teachers, the program offers 15 credit hours of coursework that meet Florida’s requirements for earning the Reading Endorsement. It is also well-suited for professionals in other fields who want to strengthen their knowledge of literacy practices to better support learners in today’s global society.
Teacher Leadership for Student Learning
The Teacher Leadership for Student Learning Graduate Certificate equips educators with the skills to learn from their own practice and to guide the professional growth of colleagues in ways that improve student outcomes. Grounded in the Teacher Leader Model Standards and Learning Forward’s professional learning standards, the program blends theory, research, and hands-on leadership experiences. Participants engage in professional learning activities, generate and analyze data, and use evidence-based reflection to strengthen teaching and learning within their schools.
Big Data & Learning Analytics
The fully online Graduate Certificate in Big Data & Learning Analytics equips educators, administrators, and researchers with the skills to use data to improve learning outcomes and decision-making in educational settings. Through coursework focused on analytics, reporting, assessment, and accreditation, students learn how to collect, interpret, and apply data effectively. Designed for flexibility, the 12-credit program can be completed in less than one year and prepares graduates to apply learning analytics theory directly to practice.
Leadership in Higher Education
The fully online Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Higher Education equips professionals with essential skills for leadership roles in community colleges and higher education institutions. Designed for current and aspiring administrators, including faculty seeking leadership pathways, it provides foundational knowledge in organizational structures, governance, finance, and policy. This certificate is also ideal for professionals from other fields looking to transition into higher education leadership.
Hybrid
eLearning Design and Development
The eLearning Design and Development Graduate Certificate prepares professionals to design, develop, and apply multimedia-rich content for online and interactive learning environments. Students build practical skills in multimedia production, instructional design, and eLearning authoring tools to create engaging and effective digital learning experiences. All courses are offered in the evening or online, and certificate credits may be applied toward select graduate degree programs.
On Campus
College Teaching
The Graduate Certificate in College Teaching prepares current and aspiring higher education instructors with the essential skills needed for effective, research-based teaching at colleges and universities. Through focused coursework, participants learn evidence-based instructional strategies, curriculum design principles, and the professional expectations of faculty roles. This certificate is ideal for graduate students, new instructors, and professionals seeking to strengthen their teaching effectiveness and advance their careers in higher education.
Diversity in Education
The Graduate Certificate in Diversity in Education explores how social class, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality, and exceptionality shape educational experiences and outcomes. Through coursework focused on equity, policy, and practice, students examine the challenges faced by diverse learners in today’s pluralistic society. This certificate equips educators and professionals to create more inclusive, just, and responsive educational environments across K–12, higher education, and community settings.
Evaluation
The Graduate Certificate in Evaluation equips students and professionals with a strong foundation in modern evaluation theory, methods, and ethical practice. Participants learn to design, conduct, and apply high-quality evaluations using real-world projects that reflect their professional interests. Graduates are prepared for evaluation roles across business, nonprofit, education, and other sectors where data-driven decision making is essential.
Qualitative Research
The Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research equips students and professionals with broad, in-depth expertise in qualitative inquiry, focusing on the designs and methods used to study educational programs, policies, and learning environments. Through coursework that spans multiple disciplines, participants learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative data to address complex questions across educational, social science, health, and community settings. This certificate prepares graduates to apply rigorous qualitative research practices in roles involving program evaluation, research, policy analysis, and organizational decision-making.
