Certificate/Diploma Programs in the USA

Although certificate/diploma programs are quickly gaining popularity as alternatives for professional training and development, many people still don't know exactly what they are and how they work. The following article will provide you with a brief description and tips on issues to be considered when selecting these kinds of programs.

What are Certificate/Diploma Programs?

Certificate/diploma programs are a series of classes focusing on both theory and practice in a particular field. They are not as broad as degree programs and they usually concentrate on a particular area. For example, in an undergraduate degree program in business, the student will study in depth a broad range of areas such as marketing, accounting, finance, human resources, organizational behavior, production, economics, and several others. Under a certificate program, on the other hand, he/she will concentrate his/her studies in a specific area. For example, in a marketing certificate/diploma program the curriculum will include topics such as consumer behavior, marketing research, marketing strategy, international marketing, internet marketing and others. These are all different topics related to one specific area. Some certificate programs also offer an overview of several different areas.

While some universities refer to their programs as certificate programs, others call them diploma programs. There is not a commonly adopted criterion to differentiate them. In general, a diploma program is required to provide a certain minimum number of instruction hours and are longer in duration. However, you may find two schools with similar programs in curriculum and duration, but one of them defining the program as a certificate program and the other calling it a diploma program.

Which department is responsible for offering the certificate/diploma program?

The certificate/diploma programs are offered in most cases by the Extension Department (sometimes also called the School of Continuing Education). At some institutions, however, the certificate/diploma programs are offered by the schools within a university (such as School of Business, School of Law, etc.). Still some certificate/diploma programs may be offered by the Extension Department in cooperation with one of the schools.

What kind of audiences attend these programs, and when are the classes being offered?

Some certificate/diploma programs are designed primarily for a local audience (Americans) but enrollments are also open to international participants. These programs are more likely to have a majority of local residents and the classes are offered in the evening (during the week) and on weekends (daytime).

Other certificate/diploma programs are designed primarily for an international audience. In this case, most of the participants are non-Americans and classes are scheduled during the daytime every day of the week. Because of that, the schedule tends to be more intense than the evening courses, and participants are able to learn a lot more within the same period of time. Some schools refer to this kind of schedule as "intensive format" or "accelerated programs."

How do certificate/diploma programs differ from degree programs?

The certificate/diploma programs are shorter and tend to focus more on practical aspects rather than theoretical concepts. In addition to the lectures, most programs make use of real case studies/discussion intensively, and many programs also include visits to sites of related interest. Some still offer optional internship opportunities to complement the curriculum.

What are the academic requirements to be accepted in the program?

Usually, the main requirement for admission is an advanced knowledge of the English language. Some schools use minimum TOEFL scores as a requirement. Others use the TOEFL as a reference, but still accept students who haven't taken the TOEFL exam. Other requirements may include basic knowledge of a specific field (such as computer skills, management concepts, etc.) and/or some previous work experience.

What are the main advantages of certificate/diploma programs?

These programs allow you to acquire new skills, international experience and even some work experience within a short period of time. Most programs vary from two weeks to a year in duration, depending on the topic and format of the program. Their curricula tend to be a lot more practical, providing ready-to-use skills upon your return. They are faster and cheaper than degree programs (bachelor's or master's). Their entrance requirements are also less strict than the degree programs' requirements. They provide a great opportunity to network with professionals from other countries. Some are offered several times a year, providing flexibility and convenience in terms of scheduling.

What are the main issues to look for when considering a certificate/diploma program?

• Look for the curriculum that most closely matches your needs. Professional visits and internship opportunities are attractive features.
• You should also check the total number of instruction hours. Do NOT look only at the duration of the program. For instance, a program with duration of 24 weeks and offering 12 hours of instruction per week will provide you a total of 288 hours of instruction. A program with duration of 10 weeks offering 30 hours of instruction per week will provide you 300 hours of instruction. The fact that a program has a longer duration does not necessarily mean that you will learn more.
• Pay attention when comparing costs. Do NOT compare tuition costs based only on the duration of the program. As mentioned above, take into consideration the total number of instruction hours. The tuition cost should be based on the total hours of instruction provided, and not on the period used to deliver them. And don't forget the living expenses. The longer the program, the more you will pay for housing, food, transportation and incidentals.
• Other factors to consider are the faculty, reputation of the school, support services offered, scheduling, location and opinions of former students.

Choosing a University English Language Program

University English language programs offer a variety of services, options and costs. How do you decide which one is the best for you?

First, consider what your ultimate goal is in studying in the U.S. Is it to obtain a university degree, improve your English for business reasons or
enhance your personal growth and intercultural experience? Almost every university in California offers English instruction to international
students. However, the English programs are as varied in what they offer students as the individual universities are themselves.

Some English programs are highly academic and prepare you for graduate school; others have business English and conversation partners. Some have academic counseling and immigration services; others have recreational activities and cultural field trips. Some offer university courses while
studying English; others offer a TOEFL waiver upon completion of the English program. Some offer lower prices and fewer hours; others offer a highly trained staff. Some have TOEFL, GMAT and GRE preparation; others offer conditional admission to the university.

Aside from the instructional aspects of a program, you should also consider more practical matters, such as the location of the school and its
surroundings. Is it in a metropolitan city, in a suburb, by the beach or in the mountains? What can you do in your free time? How safe is the area?
How close to the campus are clubs, restaurants, theaters, grocery stores and shopping malls? Does the English program arrange off-campus trips to visit museums, musicals, amusement parks and other places of interest? How much interaction do the English language students have with the university students on campus, and which campus facilities and services are available to them?

Another important factor to consider is which housing options are available at the English program. Is this your first time away from home? If so,
then you probably don't want homestay. You want to be around other students your age, attend weekend parties, and practice English with fellow students at the university. A campus dormitory may be the place for you. However, if you value your privacy and would like a quieter atmosphere, then an apartment is the right choice. Homestay is for students who want to experience American culture from the inside. You will learn expressions, vocabulary, and various nuances of American life that you will never experience in a dormitory or apartment.

If you are planning to obtain a university degree, you may consider studying English at the same university. While studying English you will acquaint
yourself with the campus, make friends with fellow students, join a student club, and adjust somewhat to life in California, before you start the heavy
academic load of a modern university student.

Friends and relatives who live or have studied in California can be very helpful in choosing an English program. Many students attend a program
based, not on all of the information above, but on their friend's or relative's recommendation. If your friend or relative is studying in
California, ask him or her for details about the school they are attending and about the surrounding area.

Whether you are looking for an intensive academic experience, TOEFL preparation or conversation and business writing, you can find such a
program at a university in California.

Quality Programs in US Engineering

For today’s engineering student, as with many students, a wide range of educational offerings exist. A decision on which engineering program to choose can involve issues of educational quality, institutional size, program mission, faculty, placement services and educational costs. With so many factors involved, students need a gauge for decision making. Accreditation can serve as that gauge.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation in the U.S. is a non-governmental process of peer review that educational institutions or programs voluntarily undertake. Educational institutions may be accredited by multiple accreditation agencies. Two forms of accreditation exist: institutional and specialized. Institutional accreditation looks at the broader educational components of an institution.

Students can get additional benefits from accreditation that looks at specific programs. Specialized accreditation involves evaluating a single program in a specific educational discipline, using specific criteria for that discipline. In the United States, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is responsible for accrediting over 2300 engineering, engineering technology and engineering-related programs at some 500 institutions.

Engineering programs accredited by ABET prepare students for a profession in which a knowledge of mathematical and natural sciences gained by study and practice is applied to the materials and forces of nature to benefit mankind. Engineering technology programs prepare students for a technologist or technician position that requires the application of scientific and engineering knowledge combined with technical skills that support engineering activities. However, it is important to note that four-year engineering technology programs prepare graduates to become technologists, not engineers.

Accreditation is a process of external review in which an educational institution and its educational programs are evaluated against a set of criteria. Most important to the ABET accreditation program is the fact that the profession determines the required criteria. This allows an accredited program to truly meet the demands of today’s engineering profession, ultimately preparing students for greater success.

The accreditation process

In the U.S. institutions choose which level of a program will be considered for accreditation. Most often, the institution selects its engineering programs at the baccalaureate level for accreditation review. The actual accreditation process examines the program’s students, curriculum, faculty, administration, facilities and institutional support. This information is gathered by the program as part of the self-study process. This is followed by a campus visit during which the program is reviewed against its self-study and the established criteria. The information gathered from the self-study and campus evaluation report then become the determining factors for accreditation. More importantly, this self-study and evaluation report can be used to improve a program’s delivery of engineering knowledge in the future.

Programs either receive accreditation or are denied accreditation. Accreditation does not provide a ranking of educational programs. ABET accreditation is for a maximum of six years, after which a program must again be reviewed.

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes ABET for the type of specialized accreditation it provides. ABET seeks recognition by the Department of Education voluntarily, not as a requirement. The U.S. Department of Education also provides students with information on the various types of recognized accreditation and the organizations responsible for different types of accreditation. For more information on this and other educational issues, visit the web site for the U.S. Department of Education at www.ed.gov or telephone 1-800-USA-LEARN. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) also recognizes ABET for its accreditation of engineering, engineering technology and engineering-related programs. The CHEA web site can be accessed at www.chea.org or telephone (202) 955-6126.

Selecting an engineering program

When selecting an engineering program, students should look at the demands of the profession as well as the needs of potential employers. As a result, students selecting an educational institution should fully understand the benefits of accreditation.

Accreditation at the institutional level ensures that an institution meets the basic criteria for overall educational components. Specialized accreditation, such as that provided by ABET, tells students that a program has been evaluated against criteria specific to that discipline.

ABET accreditation signifies that these programs have met specific criteria that is determined by engineering professionals working in industry and education. Accreditation then becomes a tool students can use to determine a program’s responsiveness to the needs of the profession. It is with this assurance that students can make well-informed decisions when choosing to pursue an engineering degree in the U.S.

Accreditation and leisure

The importance of accreditation goes far beyond the quality of a student’s educational program. In the U.S., many states require licensure of engineers for professional practice. State licensing boards view graduation from an ABET-accredited engineering program as the first step in the licensure process. Along with work experience, the state board for engineering registration also requires passing a series of tests on professional knowledge. Graduation from an ABET-accredited program is often required of engineers who have studied in the U.S. and plan to practice back in their home countries.

To an even greater degree, accreditation, and all of the professional benefits that accompany it, are an integral part of what industry in the U.S. seeks in young engineers. Employers, as well as ABET, recognize that well-educated students become valuable employees.

Today’s engineering graduates face a new era in the profession of engineering. Engineers are now faced with issues of community and infrastructure development at a time of increasing technological advancement. With this shift comes an even greater need for young engineers who work well in a team environment, address the needs of society at large and take into consideration the political, economic and social implications of their work. This has become not only the challenge of the profession, but engineering education as well.