Are courses offered online or site-based at the OSU campus in Corvallis?

The GCCUT program is offered as a site-based (at the OSU campus in Corvallis) and online (via OSU Ecampus). Both versions of the program are aligned in terms of content and coursework. Students must complete the program's 12 credits of core course work in the version (site-based or online) to which they applied and were admitted. The six credits of elective course work may be completed either on-site or online, regardless of program version.

If you are a current OSU graduate student at the Corvallis campus pursuing a concurrent degree or if you reside near the Corvallis campus and are able to complete all of your coursework/attend classes in Corvallis, you are encouraged to apply for the site-based version of the program. Applications for the site-based version of the program are typically made available in January. Admitted students begin with other members of their cohort in September each year.

If you reside in a location where completing all of your coursework/attending classes in Corvallis is impractical, not feasible, or simply not preferred (this includes, perhaps, current OSU graduate students at campuses beyond Corvallis), you are encouraged to apply for the online version of the certificate. Applications for the online version of the certificate are accepting on a rolling basis and admitted students may begin their coursework during any term. For information specific to the online GCCUT, visit the Ecampus GCCUT website.

Can I enroll in the GCCUT at the same time as another degree?

Yes, you can complete the GCCUT concurrently with another degree at OSU. However, you may not begin GCCUT and another OSU graduate degree in the same term.

Can I enroll in the GCCUT as my only degree?

Yes, you can complete the GCCUT as a standalone credential at OSU or concurrently enroll with another degree at a different institution.

What if I don't want to teach in a higher education setting?

In the GCCUT curriculum, we approach the concept of teaching broadly, as we realize that not everyone who applies wishes to teach at a college or university. The program prepares you to facilitate learning with adults in a variety of contexts, and much of the coursework and assignments can be tailored to the type of teaching you envision doing in the future.

How long will it take me to complete the GCCUT program?

The program is designed to be completed in 1-2 years. The certificate requires 18 credits, which can be a significant time commitment in conjunction with a concurrent degree, employment, and other responsibilities. Applicants should be prepared to dedicate the appropriate amount of time and effort toward the certificate, especially if attempting to complete it in one year.

What if I’ve already taken some teaching-related coursework?

Students are permitted to transfer up to nine credits of coursework toward the GCCUT certificate. Transfer credits include coursework completed at another institution or OSU prior to admission to the GCCUT program.
Any transfer course must satisfy the requirements laid out by the Graduate School (see policy here). In addition, these courses must satisfy the GCCUT learning outcomes, and supporting evidence may be requested to this end. If these courses are not already listed on the pre-approved list of GCCUT electives (see the lists here), students may petition for them to do so. Petitions for transfer courses from other institutions will be considered only after a student has been admitted to the program. More information on transfer credits and petitions can be found in the GCCUT Student Handbook.

I missed the application deadline. What are my options?

The GCCUT program gives priority consideration to on-time applicants. In practice this means that all on-time applications are assessed first, admission decisions are made, and if space still allows late applications may be reviewed. For current information about the GCCUT application process and deadlines, please visit the How to Apply webpage.  

How much will it cost to complete GCCUT? 

The GCCUT consists of 18 credits of graduate coursework. As tuition can vary depending on the year (and other factors), you may use the tuition information provided by the university to estimate the cost for these credits. For those considering pursuing the online Ecampus version of the GCCUT consulting with these tuition comparison tables will be helpful.

If you are already an OSU graduate student on an assistantship or fellowship, you typically will not have to pay out of pocket for credits, although you will want to confirm this with the unit that funds you. As such, the GCCUT is an excellent opportunity to make the most of your time here at OSU, by gaining further credentials while working toward your primary degree.

What are the requirements for completing GCCUT? 

All students in the Graduate Certificate in College and University Teaching, whether onsite or online, are required to complete 18 credits of coursework. This includes 12 credits of core coursework and 6 elective credits. For more information about the GCCUT coursework, visit the Learning Outcomes and Curriculum webpage. 

What are the requirements of the GRAD 610 internship course?

All GCCUT students must register for and successfully complete GRAD 610: Internship in College and University Teaching. This course is intended to support students in their hands-on instructional experiences, where they are encouraged to hone their skills and reflect upon their teaching in thoughtful, purposeful ways under the guidance of a university faculty member.

Students must be engaged in the teaching related to the internship while enrolled in GRAD 610. Previous teaching experiences will not satisfy the experiential component of this course.

So that students may maximize their learning, and for course assignments to be relevant and beneficial to all learners, all internship experiences must involve (1) Significant involvement in the course curriculum (e.g. syllabus design, lesson plan design, authorship of lectures); (2) Planning and facilitation of at least three class sessions including the development of lesson plans and instructional materials for these sessions; (3) Evaluation of at least one major student assignment, preferably one that includes a written component; (4) Opportunity for others to observe your teaching.

Internship experiences may be located at Oregon State University, but may also occur at another college, university, community college, or approved higher education environment. Internships may include activities associated with a traditional paid GTA assignment on the OSU campus or with other paid employment opportunities and responsibilities.

GRAD 610 consists of assignments related to preparing for, participating in, and reflecting on this teaching experience with your peers and the course instructor.

Can my Graduate Teaching Assistantship at OSU count as my internship?

Given the varied duties of Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) at OSU and the four requirements listed above, a GTA appointment at OSU does not automatically satisfy the internship requirement of the course. Please refer to the course syllabus and communicate with the GRAD 610 instructor to confirm whether your GTA work can be used in fulfillment of the course requirements. If you do not already have a teaching opportunity associated with your work, several options exist that have been pre-approved as satisfying the internship requirement of GRAD 610. More information on the internship and pre-approved options can be found in the GCCUT Student Handbook.

Does this certificate license me to teach in higher education settings?

The GCCUT is not a license or certification to teach in higher education, as no such licensure exists for post-secondary education. Rather, the GCCUT is an 18-credit university credential. While not required to teach in higher education, earning this credential will provide transcript-visible evidence that you have studied and invested in your teaching in an official academic capacity.