Certificate Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Cognition and Education provides an advanced understanding of current theories and principles of academic learning and motivation, as well as strategies that instructors can use to foster students’ learning and motivation. Students who complete the certificate will have documentation that they have developed the intellectual and practical tools necessary to design effective instruction.

The Certificate in Cognition and Education is appropriate for graduate students who are considering careers as teachers, higher education professors, educational researchers, educational program administrators, educational leaders, instructional designers, sports coaches, and others interested in designing effective instruction.

How to Apply:
Fill out the online application for participation in the certificate program.

Upon processing of the application, you will be contacted
with information about the submission of additional
required materials. Thank you for your interest.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the certificate, students must have completed an undergraduate degree.

Course Requirements

Students must complete 3 of these 4 courses (for a total of 9 credit hours of coursework) with a grade of B or better:

EDEP 5114 Learning and Cognition,
EDEP 6114 Cognitive Processes and Educational Practice,
EDEP 6224 Constructivism and Cognition, or
EDEP 6444 Motivation and Cognition.

Students may complete the three courses in any order; however, it is recommended that students complete EDEP 5114 before enrolling in EDEP 6114 because some of the foundational learning concepts are provided in EDEP 5114.

NO SUBSTITUTIONS for these courses are allowed because this certificate has already been approved and these are the courses that are acceptable for this certificate.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed as they are received during the fall and spring semesters; there are no deadlines for applications.

1. To apply for the certificate, students need to complete the Application to Graduate Certificate Program (in the Admissions section of https://graduateschool.vt.edu/forms.html) and email it to Brett Jones (brettjones@vt.edu), who will provide the “Certificate Program Approval Signature.” Dr. Jones will then forward the form to the Graduate School for their signature. This form starts the process by designating the courses that will be taken for the certificate.

2. During the semester in which the certificate requirements are completed, students should complete the Degree or Certificate Conferral Request (in the Graduation section of https://graduateschool.vt.edu/forms.html) and give it to Kathy Tickle (ktickle@vt.edu).