Strengths Certificate in Higher Education

Purpose

The Doctoral-Level Certificate in Strengths-Oriented Higher Education assists higher education leaders, practitioners, and faculty in creating, implementing, and assessing strengths-oriented programs on their campuses in order to enhance students’ success and persistence. The curriculum focuses on deepening participants’ knowledge of a strengths philosophy, its conceptual framework within positive psychology, and aspects of strengths-oriented programming that contribute to positive outcomes for students and to an empowering campus culture.

Doctoral Certificate Page

Target Audiences

  • Those with at least a master’s degree who wish to gain knowledge and expertise in a strengths-oriented approach to higher education.
  • Students enrolled in another doctoral program who would like to transfer 10 units back to that program.
  • Faculty and administrators who do not wish to pursue a doctoral degree in higher education but who would like to deepen their ability to teach and lead from a strengths-oriented perspective.

Description

The Doctoral-Level Certificate in Strengths-Oriented Higher Education is designed for educators and leaders who already have a master’s degree and wish to deepen their knowledge and application of a strengths development model to their work in higher education. The certificate consists of three courses, for a total of 10 doctoral units, and is offered as part of the intensive program on the Azusa campus.

The certificate program is offered for two weeks in January and two weeks in July on the APU campus in Azusa, where program participants join existing cohorts of doctoral students in their classes.

Course Requirements

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Program Requirements

Dates and Location

January and July, APU Azusa campus (Los Angeles vicinity)

Cost

$1,088 per unit for doctoral credit

Registration and Information

Apply online and complete all assignments with a B- or above. Email doctoralhighered@apu.edu for more information.

Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.