Graduate Certificate in Mind, Brain, and Teaching

The 15-credit graduate certificate in Mind, Brain, and Teaching is designed for PK-16 teachers, administrators, and student support personnel seeking to explore how research from the learning sciences has the potential to inform the field of education. Courses will promote integration of diverse disciplines that investigate human learning and development.

The certificate builds upon basic and applied research from the fields of cognitive science, psychology and brain science, neurology, neuroscience, and education. It will provide educators with knowledge of cognitive development and how emerging research in the brain sciences can inform educational practices and policies.

This program is offered in a fully online format. The timeframe for completion is one academic year plus one semester. Courses are offered in a sequential order in a cohort structure.

Program Goals:

The certificate builds upon basic and applied research from the fields of cognitive science, psychology and brain science, neurology, neuroscience, and education. The goal is to  provide educators with knowledge of cognitive development and how emerging research in the learning sciences can inform educational practices and policies.

This certificate expands participants’ knowledge and surveys theoretical and empirical work in the studies related to the science of learning. Topics include the brain structure and function, cognitive development, learning differences, research and practical application of topics such as emotions, attention, creativity, development of language, motivation, and intelligence, as well as the acquisition of skills and concepts related to mathematics, reading, writing, and problem-solving. Implications for education are considered.

During the program, students will:

• Identify areas in the learning sciences that have relevant application to teaching and learning in formal and informal learning settings. Examples include topics such as emotion and learning, memory, attention, cognitive development, learning differences, literacy, and numeracy.
• Identify basic brain structure and functions.
• Interpret findings from basic and applied research studies.
• Synthesize research findings and consider relevance to educational interventions.
• Apply content from courses to educational practices and policies.