Certificate programs are concentrated studies for career enhancement, often in response to increasing specialization and need for updating of job skills. Some institutions are developing creative and innovative curricula for evolving and emerging fields. (SK)

Presents a process for developing certificate programs based on components of Kemp's Instructional Design model: learning needs, job tasks, learner characteristics, task analysis, pretesting, learning objectives, teaching/learning activities, instructional resources, support services, learning evaluation, formative evaluation, summative…

A survey of 388 universities received 131 replies indicating (1) an increase in certificate programs; (2) 50 percent involved in cooperative efforts with external agencies; (3) a trend toward self-supporting units; and (4) wide variety in program activities and requirements for instructors and students. (SK)

A collaborative approach to program design, marketing, instruction, and evaluation can yield high quality interdisciplinary certificate programs. Evaluation issues include (1) quality of core knowledge; (2) input from beneficiaries; (3) appropriate methodology; (4) appropriate instructors; (5) measurement of learning gains; and (6) curriculum…

Interviews with graduates of certificate programs found that graduates derived career benefits from completion; valued practitioners as teachers but recognized their shortcomings; and felt that certificate programs have a low priority and marginal role in universities. (SK)

George Washington University's first career certificate program was for paralegals, originally established to help women in transition. Currently, 15 programs offer a variety of curricula especially attuned to the needs of the professional community in Washington, D.C. (SK)

When carefully designed, taught, and managed, certificate programs can provide access to new careers and social mobility for their graduates, while profiting the sponsoring institution. (SK)

Costs involved in certificate programs are examined in terms of direct expenses, staff, and institutional overhead. The discussion includes the income potential of such programs and start-up and maintenance expenses. (SK)