Mason Online

Degree: Graduate Certificate

Graduate Certificate

Geospatial Intelligence (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

As a designated Center of Academic Excellence in Geospatial Sciences, Mason is a leader in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) education. Accredited by USGIF, this program is ideal for those employed in geospatial intelligence applications. Those working for federal agencies or as corporate personnel, or those interested in entering the field, will benefit from coursework in this program. Students gain fundamental GEOINT knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to a wide range of geospatial intelligence situations.

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Through collecting, storing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting complex biological data, scientists in the field of bioinformatics and computational biology make critical contributions to disease detection, drug design, forensics, agriculture, and environmental sciences through the combination of biological analysis and high-performance computing. This program addresses the growing national and regional demand for trained computational biologists, combining a solid foundation in biotechnology with computational skills relevant to bioinformatics. Ideal candidates have a background in biological and computer sciences.

Nursing Education (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Nurse educators work in a variety of university and health care environments, providing continuing education, professional development, and other critical instruction in new clinical information and technology. This graduate certificate program in Nursing Education is ideal for nurse educators who desire to teach in schools of nursing, hospitals, and community health care agencies. Students explore the principles of teaching and learning, practice developing program curriculum and evaluation, and become confident in their roles as educators.

Literacy/Reading: Reading Specialist (K-12) (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Reading Specialist K-12 concentration of the Literacy/Reading Instruction graduate certificate is designed for teachers who already have a master’s degree and are interested in developing the expertise needed to serve as literacy leaders. Coursework helps teachers develop an in-depth understanding of literacy development across the lifespan, instructional and assessment strategies for individuals and groups of students, and provides preparation as Reading Specialist. Successful completion of this state-approved sequence of courses can lead to eligibility for the K-12 Reading Specialist license in Virginia.  Additional state requirements for the license include holding a master’s degree, having an initial teaching license, earning a satisfactory score on the Reading for Virginia Educators: Reading Specialist exam, and having at least three years of teaching experience under contract.

Systems Engineering, Architecture-Based Systems Integration (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

This program prepares systems engineers for new industry regulations relating to the acquisition of systems, with a focus on an architecture-based approach for integrating proposed systems with other existing or planned systems. Students learn about formulation of the system integration problem, definition of architecture frameworks, use of structured analysis and object-oriented methodologies for the design of architectures, modeling and simulation for evaluation of architectures, and approaches to integration. Both defense and industrial applications are considered.

Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

This certificate is ideal for those interested in policy, planning, security, and organizational and management issues related to emergency preparedness and homeland security. Private sector consultants will gain critical expertise and credibility; local fire and police department staff will put their first response duties into a larger context; and Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies and U.S. Military employees will gain essential knowledge and tools to minimize damage from natural disasters and prevent external attacks.

Digital Public Humanities (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Digital tools and resources are transforming the ways in which we research, interpret, and communicate. This graduate certificate trains students in a wide range of digital tools that are in increasingly high demand in humanities careers. Students will use these tools to develop digital projects and enhance their professional portfolios, and an internship will help students gain professional experience. Internships will be coordinated remotely, allowing students to work from any location.

Learning Technologies, Blended and Online Learning in Schools Concentration (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

This program is designed for K-12 educators who are interested in blending online and face-to-face instruction, teaching fully-online courses, or evaluating online educational options. This program adds a valuable dimension to professional teaching qualifications, signifying advanced knowledge and expertise to employers. Subject to your school division guidelines, students may be able to earn professional development credits for taking courses in this program. It is expected that applicants to this program have a valid K-12 state licensure, but exceptions can be made for those teaching in private schools or other contexts where state licensure is not required.

Assistive Technology (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Assistive technology (AT) refers to any device that provides greater independence for those with disabilities, including assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices. This certificate program helps develop professionals who can effectively implement, assess, and research applications of assistive technology. The program provides supplemental knowledge for general and special educators, related service personnel, adult service providers, and families and caregivers who need to apply assistive technology solutions within their specific school, work, home, or community setting.