Even as a senior at Oconomowoc High School in Wisconsin, Dana Schneck says she already knew that she wanted to pursue a degree in computer sciences at UW–Madison.
“But I’ve always enjoyed art classes,” says Schneck, who is on track to graduate in May with a BS in computer sciences. “I think it goes back to my parents wanting us to be creative and letting us pursue those interests. So I have this analytical side but also this really creative side — and the Graphic Design certificate is helping me pursue a future that combines by love of computing and design and art.”
Schneck is like a growing number of students from across campus who are pursuing certificate programs offered by the School of Education in fields across the arts, health, and education. At the undergraduate level, 563 students were enrolled in six different certificate programs offered by the School in the fall of 2017. Five years later, in the fall of 2022, that number more than doubled to 1,206 students across 17 certificate programs offered through the School.
A certificate is a series of courses in a related discipline that can be completed in addition to a major. Certificates at UW-Madison are similar to minors at many other universities, and allow students to add to, deepen, and provide a new perspective on their primary degrees. Such efforts can help students stand out in future job interviews or on graduate school applications.
Following is a glance at the five most popular certificate programs offered through the School of Education. For additional details visit: education.wisc.edu/academics/certificates/
Disability Rights and Services
A primary mission of the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education (RPSE) is to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. This certificate provides undergraduates from across campus with knowledge, skills, and disposition to contribute to the department’s mission. Students completing the certificate can become advocates for equity and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their future careers.
Students enrolled: 299
Quote: “This certificate allows our department to bring our mission to students outside the School of Education,” says Rebecca Bradbury, the undergraduate program manager with RPSE. “This program is so valuable because no matter what career path someone takes, you are going to interact with people with a range of abilities and in a range of different settings.”
Art Studio
This certificate allows students from across campus, regardless of their major, to engage in a structured, meaningful art studio experience. It was designed for students who may not have professional ambitions in the arts — but who still have an interest in a special discipline and want to develop their talents.
The program provides a course of study in four focus areas: 2D (painting, drawing and printmaking); 3D forms (such as ceramics, glass and neon, metals, sculpture, and wood); 4D new art genres (such as digital media and animation, or performance, video, or social practice); and photography (film and digital). Students select one of these options. For each one, students complete one course focusing on the historical context of art, one or two courses that provide a foundation for their chosen area, and two related electives that allow for the exploration and development of their skills specific to the area of focus.
Students enrolled: 201
Education and Educational Services
Education is a topic of widespread interest that is hotly contested in politics and society. This certificate provides a cohesive set of courses for student interested in the many aspects of education — but who choose not to major in education during their undergraduate years. Students interested in child development, neuroscience and the process of learning, or education-related policies, for example, often wish to complement their current major with this substantive program in education. This 15-credit certificate program offers a variety of course options that can be customized to each student’s area of interest.
Students enrolled: 150
Quote: “We’ve had students in this certificate program be biology majors and physics majors, for example, who start to realize that being a biology or physics teacher might appeal to them, and they start gaining an interest in how people learn,” says Edward Hubbard, an associate professor with the Department of Educational Psychology who leads the Educational Neuroscience Lab and is the coordinator of this certificate program. “This certificate allows students to dive into and learn more about the field of education — but without it being a huge footprint or significant burden on their major area of study.”
Graphic Design
This certificate allows students from across campus to engage in a meaningful, rigorous sequence of coursework introducing them to the field of graphic design. An inherently interdisciplinary practice, graphic design plays an important role at every level of contemporary culture. Graphic designers function as the “fusion” between art, business, engineering, research, and science fields.
Students enrolled: 142
Quote: “I think this is a naturally popular certificate on campus because we clearly live in a visual culture,” says Matthew Mauk, the academic program manager with the School of Education’s Art Department. “You’re seeing the results of graphic design every time you are on your smartphone or on a website or using apps. Students know that having graphic design on a resume adds to their marketability in the workforce. Being able to organize information in a visually appealing way is an extremely valuable skillset.”
Athletic Healthcare
This certificate within the Department of Kinesiology provides a structured undergraduate offering for students with an interest in healthcare for active populations. Students acquire specialized knowledge related to the fields of healthcare, sports medicine, and physically active populations. This program is intended to provide students with meaningful learning experiences that gives them an advantage in pursuing advanced or professional degrees in a variety of health-related fields.
Students enrolled: 140
Quote: “This program is perfect for me because I came to college knowing I wanted to be an athletic trainer,” says Maya Topin, who is a senior majoring in dance with the School of Education, and who plans to pursue a master’s in athletic training. Topin, who is also the president and co-founder of the Sports Medicine and Athletic Healthcare Club at UW–Madison, adds: “When I am done with dance, athletic training will allow me to remain involved with athletics and keep that important part of my life. This certificate program gives me access now to classes that interest me. I’m already learning about things I’ll be able to apply for the rest of my life.”