Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Graduate Certificate
The Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (TLHE) graduate certificate equips program participants with the necessary skills and competencies for promoting student learning in higher education. The TLHE program explores teaching strategies, learning theory, and assessment, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application.
This certificate is not a credential for teacher certification or licensure.
Why Teaching and Learning in Higher Education?
College teaching is usually learned on the job as new junior faculty members try to adjust to their new role. Those interested or invested in teaching at the college or university level rarely have the opportunity to investigate how people learn, explore different teaching methods, or practice their pedagogical skills. The TLHE program addresses these issues and provide a way, through courses and a required practicum, to ensure participants develop the necessary tools to improve teaching skills and build confidence in supporting student learning. Additionally, the TLHE graduate certificate is designed to be interdisciplinary, offering support for teaching that is not specific to any particular discipline or learning environment.
Who Will Benefit from TLHE courses?
Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff interested in enhancing or developing their teaching skills, supporting student learning and creating inclusive learning environments.
Questions?
- Contact: Dr. Heather Ammons, heammons@uab.edu or igps@uab.edu
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Course Details
Course Details
The TLHE graduate certificate can be completed within five semesters when students complete one, 3-credit hour course per semester.
Required (12 credit hours)
Name
Credit Hours
Offered
TLHE 600
Theory of Learning
3 CH
Fall & Spring
TLHE 610
Interdisciplinary Teaching
3 CH
Fall & Summer
TLHE 620
Assessment of Teaching and Learning
3 CH
Spring & Summer
TLHE 640*
Teaching Practicum
3 CH
Fall, Spring, & Summer
Electives (3 credit hours)
Name
Credit Hours
Offered
TLHE 630
Seminar in Teaching and Learning
3 CH
Fall (Odd Years)
TLHE 631
Online Learning and Educational Technology
3 CH
Summer
TLHE 632*
Teaching and Learning Research
3 CH
Fall (Even Years)
TLHE 633
Teaching Portfolio
3 CH
Spring
Total Credit Hours:
15 CH
Course Planning Term Fall Start Spring Start Summer Start Fall TLHE 600 Spring TLHE 620 TLHE 600 Summer TLHE 610 TLHE 620 TLHE 610 Fall TLHE 630/632 TLHE 610 TLHE 600 Spring TLHE 640 TLHE 633 TLHE 620 Summer TLHE 640 TLHE 631 Fall TLHE 640 Schedules subject to change. Please check with program director for options during a specific semester. *TLHE 632 prerequisites: TLHE 600 and TLHE 610.
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Credit Toward Master’s Degrees
Credit Toward Master’s Degrees
This graduate certificate may be incorporated into the MS or MA in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS). Learn more about IGS.
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Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
- IGPS certificates are open to any graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or UAB employee with a bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited institution).
- Current graduate students or postdoctoral fellows in good academic standing may enroll in IGPS courses without prior approval.
- Current undergraduate UAB students must have at least 60 earned hours with a 3.0 GPA to enroll in IGPS courses.
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Application Checklist
Application Checklist
Admission to the Teaching and Learning in Higher Education graduate certificate (TLHE) is based on previous academic work and your personal statement. To apply, you will need:
- An updated resume and/or CV.
- A personal statement (300-500 words) that outlines your interest in the certificate. For TLHE, discuss how this program will contribute to achieving your professional, academic, and personal goals, and elaborate on your passion for teaching and learning in higher education. Use the personal statement to explain your motivations and aspirations for pursuing this certificate.
- Official copies of academic transcripts to include in your application; you may submit copies with your application and submit official transcript at a later date.
- Completed online application and the required fee.
Existing graduate students pursuing a master's degree or higher may add the certificate to their program using the Change/Update Program Form.
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You’re Admitted – Next Steps
You’re Admitted – Next Steps
- New students: Visit the New Students to UAB page.
- Current students: Reach out to your program director to determine which classes to take and upcoming orientation.
- Questions: Email igps@uab.edu or the program contact.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admissions requirements for TLHE?
An earned bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA) from a regionally accredited college or university, a resume/CV, personal statement, and transcripts. See the Application Checklist for full details of requirements.
Students currently enrolled in a master’s degree or above may add the certificate to their current degree program.
Is the TLHE certificate an academic credential?
Yes. The certificate is an academic credential that will appear on your academic transcript. Courses can be used for the IGS Master’s degree.
Can undergraduate students take TLHE courses?
Yes, with permission of the program director and your academic advisor.
Can a student take TLHE courses if not enrolled in the TLHE certificate program?
Yes. You do not need to be admitted to the certificate to take courses. Anyone in the following groups may enroll:
- Undergraduate Jr. & Sr.
- Non-degree seeking, postbaccalaureate
- Graduate students enrolled in other programs
- Postdoctoral fellows
- UAB employees
- UAB faculty
- Community members
If you are not a current degree-seeking student, you will need to apply to as a non-degree seeking graduate student to enroll in courses.
Can UAB employees use the tuition benefit to pay for TLHE courses?
Yes. Current UAB employees may use the tuition benefits to take courses. Current UAB employees may take individual classes based on their interest and professional goals. They may also apply to complete the certificate.Contact benefits@uab.edu for more information on educational benefits.