The Fundamentals of Engineering and Computing Teaching in Higher Education Certificate provides training in education theory, research methods, and instructional design within the context of engineering education. The covered topics are especially relevant for students interested in pursuing academic engineering positions in higher education or industry positions where they will have responsibilities in the development of training materials for different audiences. The certificate requires the completion of four courses, which includes three required courses and one elective course.
After completion, students will come away with the following experiences, skills, and abilities:
- Gain exposure to a diverse set of educational theories applicable to learning in engineering contexts
- Write a research proposal for an education-based research project
- Evaluate the quality of existing engineering education research publications
- Develop effective, evidence-based teaching, learning, and mentoring practices
- Create learning-centered syllabi, activities, and assignments
- Identify research-based strategies to teach diverse populations
Who is this Certificate For?
Graduate students with a background in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, or education.
The certificate serves graduate students who are preparing to teach, currently teaching, or interested in applying teaching and learning principles in a non-academic career. The topics covered are especially relevant for students interested in pursuing academic engineering positions in higher education or industry positions where they will have responsibilities in the development of training materials for different audiences.
Coursework
The four course or 12-credit hour certificate program consists of 3 core classes on education theory, instruction, and education research methods and an elective class that lets you further explore a topic within education.
Core Required Courses (9 credit hours)
This course addresses foundational principles of engineering education through relevant theories of teaching and learning, curriculum development, assessment, and student development. Broad categories of engineering courses (laboratories, design courses, and lectures) are examined with respect to course design, learning objectives, instructional methods, and assessment and accreditation.
Credit hours: 3
Students will learn to apply research- and theory-based educational methods to develop course materials and assess learning consistent with engineering accreditation standards. This will include discussions of specific teaching methods, pedagogical content knowledge, and the assessment and evaluation of student learning. The course will use the human-centered design process as a mechanism to guide course development and continued improvement.
Credit hours: 3
Students will be introduced to a variety of methods and tools available for conducting strong engineering education research studies. The course will cover multiple qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Students will gain knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of the methods as well as the practical knowledge needed to use the methods in engineering education research.
Credit hours: 3
Electives
Choose from one of the following (3 credit hours total), or propose an equivalent course from the graduate catalog.
This course will guide students through the process of conducting their research project. Guidance will include implementation of planned data collection and data analysis as well as preparing for dissemination in an academic publication. This course is a combination of seminar topics and independent study to guide students towards a review-ready manuscript in engineering education.
Credit hours: 3
This course will guide students through the process of conducting their research project. Guidance will include implementation of planned data collection and data analysis as well as preparing for dissemination in an academic publication. This course is a combination of seminar topics and independent study to guide students towards a review-ready manuscript in engineering education.
Prerequisites: EF 501 and EF 504
Credit hours: 3
This course will guide students through the process of developing an engineering course that integrates research-based instructional strategies and modern assessment practices. Guidance will include the development of learning objectives, course activities, and assessment. This course is a combination of seminar topics and independent study to guide students towards a completed course design in their field of interest.
Prerequisites: EF 501 and EF 503
Credit hours: 3
Theory and research in adult development and change over lifespan and its implications for adult learning in formal and informal contexts.
Credit hours: 3
Introduction to theories of learning and related research from an applied educational psychology perspective. Includes evaluation of models and approaches that apply theory and research related to cognition, affect and emotions, motivation, behavioral perspectives, mediated/ situated/collaborative learning and cognitive education.
Prerequisites: EF 501 and EF 503
Credit hours: 3
Variable topics.
Credit hours: 3
How to Apply
The Engineering Education Graduate Certificate Program can be completed in parallel with a UT M.S. or Ph.D. (add-on program) or as a stand-alone certificate. To earn the certificate, all applicants (current UT or new to UT students) must apply to the program.
As part of the application, you must submit a one page description of 1) why you want to complete the program and 2) what you hope to gain from the program.
Cost
Visit OneStop for details about tuition costs.