Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.'s)
- Is this a formal advanced degree program requiring a person to formally apply to one university for that degree?
- Why is it a certificate program rather than a graduate degree program?
- How many courses are required to earn the certificate?
- Who is offering this graduate level program?
- Is the TLGC an NDSU program?
- Which universities are participating?
- Can other universities participate?
- Who determines that participation and what criteria are used to do so?
- How do I enroll in a class?
- Can a satisfactorily completed course credits be transferred to a graduate degree program?
- What qualifications are required for individuals applying for the certificate?
- Are there exceptions to the minimum qualifications?
- How does a student apply to take an individual course?
- Who decides if a student is to be accepted into an individual course?
- Is it required that students take courses via distance learning?
- Can traditional classroom courses be taken and counted towards the certificate?
- Some colleges and universities use a trimester/quarter system, typically requiring 10 weeks for a student to complete a course for credit. Others use a two-semester system, typically requiring 15 weeks to complete a course for credit. How will this program deal with the possibility of those incompatible time schedules? Is there a way to establish some equivalent mechanism for doing so?
- What if a student misses a session? Will there be an opportunity for make-up sessions? How it is determined whether or not a student actually participates? What criteria are used to judge the degree of participation?
- Some students may be interested in “testing-the- water” by signing up for just one course from the required curriculum. Do students have to commit to taking the full four course requirement, or can they register for just one course at a time?
- Some universities may require a sequence of courses, such as completion of “Planning 1” before taking “Planning 2.” How is this situation addressed?
- Faculty who teach the certificate courses might also teach on-site (i.e., resident) students at the participating universities. Assuming such courses can be taught in a distance learning classroom, so that additional students can participate from locations around the country, how many off-site students will be or can be accepted by the instructor?
- Graduate students typically rely upon a faculty member to serve as an advisor. Who will do this, especially since students will be located at many places around the country and not necessarily close to a participating university?
- How was the curriculum composed of the set of seven core courses and seven electives all with topical outlines, established?
- Does the curriculum require that new courses be developed?
- Is the learning scheme intended to be “synchronous” or “asynchronous?”
- Can courses be applied to APA certification?
- Is the program for full-time or part-time students?
- What is the name of the certificate?
- Who will issue the certificate? How will one receive the certificate?
- Why is it considered to be “prestigious?”
- How does a person apply for the certificate?
- How will NDSU know that a person has satisfactorily completed the required courses?
- What is the process for receiving a certificate after course completion?
- Is there a fee for the certificate?
- How long will it take before I know if I have been admitted to the TLGC Program?