Graduate Study > Graduate Certificates

The Center for Multidisciplinary Studies currently offers three graduate level certificates:

• Project Management
• Technical Design
• Strategic Training Design

A project is like a machine. In order to be successful, it needs to be well-oiled, maintained, and correctly assembled in order for it to perform up to its potential. Just as a mechanic meticulously tweaks and supervises the construction of a machine, a Project Manager must take this same approach when challenged with a project. From initiation to termination, a project must be well-oiled & managed in the areas of organization, control, personnel, and time-management. Without success in these crucial areas a project, like a machine, will falter. Encountering the challenges of cultural and social differences, along with dealing with an assortment of industrial focuses, the Project Manager must be aware of his or her goals of a project on a daily and even hourly basis. This certificate will give you the background that you need to become an effective project manager.

Core Courses

0681-710 Introduction to Project Management Addresses project management from a management perspective, covering the fundamental nature of managing all types of projects—public, business, engineering, and information systems—as well as specific techniques required to manage projects. It deals with phases of selecting, initiating, operating, controlling, and terminating projects. Addresses the unique and demanding role of the project manager, the challenges of cross-cultural projects, and the behavioral and quantitative facets of project management. Introduces the major areas of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) as defined by the Project Management Institute. Credit 4

0681-711 Advanced Project Management Course covers the advanced project management topics necessary for implementation of and excellence in project management. It deals with turning the principles and theory of project management into practice. Addresses the best practices for project management in the world; project portfolio management; the project office; project risk management; multinational cultures and cultural failures; integrated project teams; and virtual project teams. Incorporates aspects of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Credit 4

0688-712 International Project Management With globalization, mergers, and acquisitions, international projects are more frequent. This course addresses a wide range of international projects—based in different industries and multiple countries. It deals with cultural and social differences within firms; cultural and social differences among countries and within countries; languages and dialect variations; religious practices; legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements; technology differences in different areas; and time zone differences. Incorporates aspects of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Credit 4

Electives

Approved Elective Students may choose from a list of approved electives including 0688-732 Managing Technical & Scientific Communication, 0688-721 Creating Technical Proposals, 0626-710 Theory of Organizational Development, 0626-740 Group Leadership Skills, 0626-780 Human Resource Management, 0625-841 Benchmarking & Continuous Process Improvement, 0625-843 Empowered Teams, 0625-844 Breakthrough Thinking, 0102-740 Organizational Behavior, or 0625-849 Service Performance Metrics. All other electives must be approved by the Project Management program coordintor. Credit 4

Approved Elective Students may choose from a list of approved electives including 0688-732 Managing Technical & Scientific Communication, 0688-721 Creating Technical Proposals, 0626-710 Theory of Organizational Development, 0626-740 Group Leadership Skills, 0626-780 Human Resource Management, 0625-841 Benchmarking & Continuous Process Improvement, 0625-843 Empowered Teams, 0625-844 Breakthrough Thinking, 0102-740 Organizational Behavior, or 0625-849 Service Performance Metrics. All other electives must be approved by the Project Management program coordintor. Credit 4

Technical Information Design is a growing multidisciplinary communication field that requires understanding and skills in the development and use of text, graphic design, multimedia and other techniques to enhance contemporary technical communication. Success in this field demands that the practitioner have superior writing skills, adeptness at selecting and using available and emerging media and the ability to recognize excellence in the visual aspects of communication design. This program focuses on the information designer's use of technology to create documentation and to deliver information to the intended audience.

Core Courses

4004-741 Fundamentals of Web Based Multimedia This class provides an introduction to web based multimedia development and implementation. Topics covered include uses of web-based multimedia in business and historical contexts, differences between web-based and stand-alone multimedia, basic HTML and web page design, digital image creation and manipulation, and the incorporation of audio, video, and animated components in web-based multimedia. Students will learn to use computer-mediated communication and Internet utilities in support of multimedia development. Prerequisites: 4002-206 or computer literacy Credit 4

0688-711 Technical Information Design Intensive practice in the creation of content for online and multimedia documents with emphasis on the presentation of technical and scientific concepts, products, and processes. A survey of graphic methods for the display of complex technical relationships and ideas. Students will also explore contemporary topics international technical communication, the future of on-line documentation, ethical considerations in technical information design, etc.) and applications (legal, medical, electronics, environmental, etc.) in Technical Information Design. (0688-333 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Credit 4

0688-731 Technical Procedures Development of task-oriented and process documentation. Procedures for complex physical and mental tasks including time-constrained activities, emergencies, diagnostics and troubleshooting,and multiple-path processes. Formats for print, electronic, and multi-media instructions. An introduction to the creation of online help including web-delivered and html help. (0688-333 or equivalent or permission of instructor) Credit 4

0688-741 Usability Design and Testing The elements of successful electronic and print document design. The use of design concepts and tools to increase usability. Introduction to information mapping. Design and usability test considerations for multi-media and user-centered media. (0688-333 or equivalent or permission of instructor) Credit 4

Electives

Approved Elective Please contact your advisor for a list of approved electives. Credit 4

Approved Elective Please contact your advisor for a list of approved electives. Credit 4

The Strategic Training Certificate provides professionals in fields such as Human Resource Development and Business Management with the competencies required to develop highly effective learning materials that drive strategic employee development and boost performance and manage the employee development efforts of an organization.
The master’s level certificate is designed for individuals who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, have at least two years of work experience, and are interested in a career in instructional design or employee development in a corporate setting.
The course offerings in this certificate allow individuals to focus on gaining competence in the design of strategic learning materials or in the management of employee development efforts.

Pre-Requisites (Do Count in Certificate)

0626-730 Strategic Employee Development This course provides individuals with a framework needed to successfully design learning interventions that drive performance improvements in their organizations. They examine adult learning principles and learning styles as well as best practices in organizational learning, employee development, and alternative delivery strategies. They identify how to link learning initiatives with corporate strategy and gain commitment to those initiatives from senior leaders. Individuals who have completed Theories of Human Resource Development need not take this course. Credit 4

0688-750 Performance Based Training Design This course provides individuals with the tools needed to develop performance-based, instructor-led learning programs. They learn techniques to assess performance needs, identify learning gaps, analyze job tasks, write performance-based learning objectives, design learning modules, benchmark content, and test learner comprehension. They examine delivery methods, including technology-based options. The course provides the opportunity to complete an actual work-related learning module as an alternative to a case-based module. Individuals who have completed Instructional Design Principles (0688-362) or Training Design and Delivery (0626-428) need not take this course. Credit 4

Core Courses (Choose 2 of 5)

0688-716 Design Non-Traditional Learning Programs High performance workplace is more than a buzzword in todays organizations; it is the key to viability in the global marketplace. Instructional design professionals must be able to help organizations improve performance without taking employees away from revenue generation activities. The four-credit course examines the development of non-traditional learning programs and tools that drive performance, such as special project assignments, job shadowing, and hiring criteria. Students in the course learn to identify effective non-training interventions and design useful tools and materials to support performance improvements. Pre-requisites: 0626-730 Strategic Employee Development (equivalent experience or courseware) and 0688-750 Performance-Based Training Design. Credit 4

0688-717 Design of Interactive Training As employers become more focused on the need to engage employees to order to improve retention and increase productivity, learning strategies for employee development must model engagement. Employers and employees are seeking well designed, engaging learning programs that link to corporate strategies. This four-credit course examines how to use games, simulations, cases, and other learning experiences to create an interactive, job-relevant training program. Students in the course practice developing learning activities that engage adults, drive learning objectives, and that can be effectively replicated by any number of trainers and across a variety of delivery mechanisms. Pre-requisites: 0626-730 Strategic Employee Development (or equivalent experience or courseware) and 0688-750 Performance Based Training Design. Credit 4

0688-718 Design On-The-Job Training Research has shown that adults learn best and retain the most when are actively engaged in the task they must master. Traditional approaches to training set up an environment where adults are shown and told what to do. An on-the-job approach to training shortens overall training time and helps new employees get productive sooner. This four-credit course focuses on creating training materials to support on-the-job training of technical tasks. Students in the course learn to write job aids and create training modules that any job expert can use to effectively train peers. They practice writing clear instructions and documenting critical job knowledge. Pre requisites: 0626-730 Strategic Employee Development (or equivalent experience or courseware) and 0688-750 Performance-Based Training Design. Credit 4

0688-721 Creating Technical Proposals The elements of proposal writing, including responsiveness, establishing credibility, and technical clarity. The proposal process as practiced in government and industry, including an understandiing of RFPs, RFIs, and the decision process. Specialized proposals including NDAs, on-line and multi-media proposals and technical marketing presentations. Credit 4

0688-732 Managing Technical and Scientific Communications Course covers the management of technical and scientific communication projects and organizations, including managerial roles, practices, and responsibilities as well as management strategies for content and audience evolution. Covers management of parallel (print and online) projects, single-sourcing, and documentation localization; technological factors in the production and distribution of technical documentation; and consideration of career options and independent contracting. Credit 4