University of Southern Maine

Acting Techniques of Michael Chekhov

The graduate certificate in the acting techiques of Michael Chekhov, offered by the Department of Theatre, is designed to appeal to theatre and drama instructors, professional actors/directors, experienced community actors/directors, and advanced students. The courses provide an intensive overview of the acting techiques attributed to Michael Chekhov and the application of those techniques to performing, directing, auditioning, and teaching. Areas of focus will include image and body, preparing the part, characterization, and improvisation. The graduate certificate program introduces methods of teaching these techniques and provides opportunities for graduate students to teach back to the peer group and faculty, receiving feedback and guidance on their presentations. Candidates for the certificate must attend two summer institutes at USM, and complete a significant one-credit independent project approved by the instructors.

Applied Behavior Analysis (post-master's)

The Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (CABA) includes an 18-credit program of study related to the research foundations, methods, ethics, and applications of applied behavior analysis. The certificate provides the coursework that leads to the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential. The certificate does not automatically lead to obtaining the BCBA. BCBA requires 1,500 hours of supervised work experience in a behavior analytic environment under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The supervised work may be completed concurrent with the coursework, and must be supervised and documented. Visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Web site for detailed information concerning the BCBA credentialing, supervised work, and examination requirements. Upon completion of coursework and supervised work, students must also pass a national exam. Those who complete the required coursework, the supervised work, and pass the national exam will earn the BCBA. The supervised work is neither arranged nor administrated through the educational psychology program.

Admission Requirements
The Certificates of Graduate Study programs have additional admission requirements outlined in the Admission to Certificate of Graduate Study section of the catalog.

Special Admission Requirements
Since the Certificate of Applied Behavior Analysis is a post-master’s certificate program, applicants not currently matriculated in the M.S. or Psy.D. in school psychology programs must show evidence of a master’s degree.

Full instructions and links to application materials can be found at: www.usm.maine.edu/cehd/Educational-Psychology/apply.htm.

Transfer Credit
Students admitted to the school psychology program can request permission to transfer up to 6 graduate credits toward the Psy.D. in school psychology, M.S. in educational psychology, or Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (CABA). In order for credits to be eligible for transfer, they must meet the following criteria:

Transferred credits will be noted on the student’s USM transcript and counted toward the student’s degree or certificate program of study. To request transfer of credit(s), a student must submit the course syllabus/i and official transcript(s) showing the grade(s) for the course(s) to the school psychology program coordinator. The coordinator will consult with program faculty to determine if the credit transfer is approved. Once approved, the program will notify the USM Registrar to enter the official transfer onto the student’s record.

Students in the certificate program take the following courses:

In addition, certificate students must take one elective chosen from approved courses offered in the College of Education and Human Development.

Applied Research and Evaluation Methods

The certificate of graduate study in applied research and evaluation methods, offered by USM's Muskie School of Public Service, is designed for students and practitioners who want to learn to use data more effectively on the job and in the community. The certificate emphasizes data acquisition, data analysis and presentation, choosing and applying statistical techniques to real world problems, and practical application of analytical tools. There is no mathematics or statistics prerequisite. Students select four courses (12 credits) including one required course and three from a list of approved courses.

Required Course

Select an additional nine credits

Assistant Principal

The assistant principal certificate program is designed to meet the state requirements for assistant principal certification in Maine and to provide a foundation for graduate work in educational administration.

Admission Requirements
The Certificates of Graduate Study programs have additional admission requirements outlined in the Admission to Certificate of Graduate Study section of the catalog.

Full instructions and links to application materials can be found at: www.usm.maine.edu/cehd/Educational-Leadership/Apply.htm.

Please also refer to the transfer credit policies outlined in the educational leadership degree program.

Special Admission Requirements
Applicants to the assistant principal certificate are expected to have two years of teaching experience with the expectation of completing a third year of teaching during USM graduate study. The Maine Department of Education requires three years of teaching experience for administrative certification.

This 12-credit certificate consists of 4 courses:

Courses may be taken in any sequence. At the conclusion of the certificate program, students will not only have satisfied state requirements for a Maine assistant principal’s certificate but will have completed a significant part of the entry and foundation coursework for a master’s degree in educational leadership. In addition, they will receive USM certificates of program completion which can be cited on résumés and vitae. Although credits from the certificate program may be transferable to a master’s program, students who wish to matriculate into a master’s program must apply separately for admission.

Athletic Administrator

The athletic administrator certificate program is designed to prepare graduates for the responsibilities of the athletic administrator in middle and high schools in Maine. Students who complete the athletic administrator certificate program will not only have impressive graduate background in athletic administration, but will have satisfied the state course requirements for a Maine assistant principal’s certificate. In addition, graduates will have completed a significant part of the entry and foundation coursework for a master’s in educational leadership.

Admission Requirements
The Certificates of Graduate Study programs have additional admission requirements outlined in the Admission to Certificate of Graduate Study section of the catalog.

Full instructions and links to application materials can be found at: www.usm.maine.edu/cehd/Educational-Leadership/Apply.htm.

Please also refer to the transfer credit policies outlined in the educational leadership degree program.

Special Admission Requirements
Applicants to the athletic administrator certificate are expected to have two years of teaching experience with the expectation of completing a third year of teaching during USM graduate study. The Maine Department of Education requires three years of teaching experience for administrative certification.

This 18-credit certificate consists of six courses:

Courses may be taken in any sequence. Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded USM certificates for both athletic administration and the assistant principalship, which can be included on résumés and job applications. Upon submission of the USM transcript, the state office of certification will issue a state of Maine assistant principal certificate to candidates with appropriate professional prerequisites established by the state of Maine.

* Although 12 of the 18 credit hours earned in this program can be transferred into a master’s program, students who wish to matriculate into the master’s program must apply separately for admission.

Child and Family Policy and Management

Today’s multifaceted social problems and an evolving definition of “family” need sound public policies, effective programs, and management strategies/skills to address the needs of children and families. The certificate of advanced study in child and family policy and management is a collaborative effort of the Muskie School’s nationally accredited public policy and management master’s degree program (PPM) and the School’s Institute for Child and Family Policy (ICFP).

The interdisciplinary curriculum gives students an opportunity to gain the knowledge and competencies needed to affect change, guide policy development and implementation, and manage programs serving children and families. The certificate is designed for child and family professionals, children’s advocates, teachers, justice system personnel, policy makers, and others wishing for a better understanding of children and family policy and management.

Students select four courses (12 credits) from among the following courses in the graduate programs at the Muskie School. Students are required to take PPM 526 Public Policy and Children, one course from each of the other groups listed below, and a fourth course from either group.

Required Course:

Select 3 credits of management coursework:

Select 3 credits of policy coursework:

Community Planning and Development

The certificate in community planning and development, offered by USM's Muskie School of Public Service, has two major objectives: to provide students with a grounding in land use and environmental planning, economic development, law and policy analysis, infrastructure programming, and growth management; and to develop an understanding of economic, social, legal, ethical, and political contexts within which decisions about land use, economic growth, and environmental protection are made. These objectives are met through course readings, class lectures and discussions, case analyses, and problem-solving exercises in various community-based settings.

Persons contemplating a career in local or state government or nonprofit organizations, and who are particularly interested in the fields of land use, economic development, and environmental planning are invited to discuss their goals with the coordinator of the certificate in community planning and development. Those who already practice in the field and wish to enhance their skills and understanding of the issues are also welcome.

The certificate requires the completion of 12 credit hours of coursework, at least one course must be selected from each of Groups A and B. Students may propose other courses from the CPD program in their certificate program. These must be approved by the chair.

Group A

Group B

Composing Together

Composing Together is a 9-credit certificate of graduate study in teaching music composition. The certificate requires the completion of three courses and may stand alone or may constitute a sub-concentration with the M.M. in music education. The courses within the certificate program, Composing Together: Level I (MUE621), II (MUE 622), and III (MUE 623), will develop the teacher as a composer and as a facilitator of children’s composition in K-12 music classrooms, private and group lessons, computer laboratories, and rehearsal settings. Teachers will learn to design, implement, and assess composition units that they will be able to teach within their own school systems. See course descriptions.

Admission
This certificate program is open to any student possessing an undergraduate degree in music. Applicants are required to submit an application and supporting documents. Please contact the USM Office of Graduate Admissions for an application and instructions.

Creative Leadership and Global Strategy

This unique post-baccalaureate certificate draws professionals interested in improving their understanding of the societal, cultural, historical, and philosophical aspects of creative leadership from a global perspective. Requiring 12 credit hours of specific graduate-level leadership courses offered in a mix of traditional and virtual classroom styles, it provides a solid, advanced-level grounding in leadership theory, the research and practice of deliberate creativity and innovation, and in working effectively in multicultural and multi-national environments.

Required courses include:

Culturally Responsive Practices in Education and Human Development

The 12-credit Certificate of Graduate Study in Culturally Responsive Practices is offered to accommodate individuals who wish to obtain a basic background in culturally responsive practices in education and human development, especially: teachers, educational technicians, counselors, and leaders in education.

Special Admission Process and Requirements
Applications to the certificate program will be reviewed periodically by an admissions committee during the academic year. This committee will include members from Multicultural Education Programs, including the diversity scholars, HRD coordinator, and members of the departments within the College of Education and Human Development. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Application materials and scholarship information may be obtained by contacting:

• Linda Evans, director
• Multicultural Education Programs
• University of Southern Maine
• 62 School Street, Gorham, ME 04038
• (207) 780-5564
• www.usm.maine.edu/cehd/Culturally_Responsive_Practices
  

Applications and materials need to be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions, 39 Exeter Street, Portland, ME 04104-9300.

Please also refer to the transfer credit policies outlined in the Intro section of the catalog.

Admission Requirements
The Certificates of Graduate Study programs have additional admission requirements outlined in the Admission to Certificate of Graduate Study section of the catalog.

Program Requirements
Students are required to select at least one College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) course from the list below to ground their understandings in pedagogical practices.

Other courses as approved by program advisor

Students may choose from the following USM courses, offered outside of the College of Education and Human Development.

American and New England Studies

Leadership Studies

Muskie School

Occupational Therapy

Social Work

Early Language and Literacy

The certificate of graduate study in early language and literacy is a four-course sequence that provides students with a thorough understanding of the development of early language and concepts that are foundational to understanding and using printed language. Those who complete the certificate program can design early care and preschool curricula to effectively implement strategies to foster this development in all children, ages 0-5, and can coach others in these strategies and practices. The program was developed in collaboration with the USM Muskie School’s Cutler Institute for Child and Family Policy.

Admission Requirements
The Certificates of Graduate Study programs have additional admission requirements outlined in the Admission to Certificate of Graduate Study section of the catalog.

This 12-credit program consists of four graduate-level courses.

The courses include:

Admission to the certificate program is based on successful completion of a bachelor’s degree and an interest in early language and literacy. For application instructions please refer to the College of Education and Human Development’s section on admission to certificate of graduate study programs.

Health Policy and Management

The certificate program in health policy and management , offered by USM's Muskie School of Public Service, provides the opportunity to learn about the broad social context of health service or health service policy and to develop both policy analysis and management skills appropriate to the field. The certificate program provides health professionals from diverse backgrounds with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in health policy and planning, as well as the fundamentals of health care management and community health.

Students take four courses (11 credits) from the graduate program in health policy and management. Courses are offered at the Muskie School in Portland, with several offered at University of Maine System campuses through UNET (the University’s Interactive Television Network). Students admitted to the master of science in health policy and management program will receive credit for courses taken in the certificate program in which they received a grade of B or better.

The certificate typically consists of the following courses:

Students may request substitution of one of the following courses for any one of the preceding four courses:

Leadership Studies

This graduate studies certificate provides a sound, advanced level grounding in leadership theory and research and the skill sets required to work effectively in multiple contexts. It requires 12 credit hours of specific graduate-level leadership courses offered in a mix of traditional and virtual classroom styles. This program draws professionals from nonprofit, corporate, and civic sectors. It is an attractive option for those seeking additional education in leadership skills, but who are unable to commit to a full degree program.

Required courses include:

Literacy

The certificate of graduate study in literacy program is offered to accommodate teachers and special education teachers, educational technicians, and other holders of baccalaureate degrees who do not want to complete all of the requirements for a master’s degree but who wish to obtain a basic background in literacy. Students who complete program requirements receive official transcript recognition of their work and a certificate from the literacy education program attesting to their completion of coursework in reading and writing instruction. Holders of the certificate have the competencies and proficiency levels needed to plan effective literacy instruction for their students. Although credits from the certificate program may be transferable to a master’s program, students who wish to matriculate into a master’s program must apply separately for admission.

This 12-credit program consists of four graduate-level courses in literacy education.

The courses include:

Admission to the literacy certificate program is based on successful completion of a bachelor’s degree and an interest in literacy-related issues. For application instructions please refer to the College of Education and Human Development's section on admission to certificate of graduate study programs.

Manufacturing Systems

The Certificate of Graduate Study, Manufacturing Systems, at USM includes 21 credits allocated as follows: 18 credits M.M.S. core and 3 credits of electives. Download the course descriptions for the Certificate of Graduate Study, Manufacturing Systems.

M.M.S. Core
The core includes the following courses (18 credits):

M.M.S. Electives
The elective courses include, but are not limited to, the following (3 credits):

Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician (MHRT)/Community

The MHRT/community certificate program is especially suited for practitioners who work in the mental health system and desire training in psychosocial rehabilitation, and persons with prior graduate training who need flexible coursework to update their skills and knowledge in the psychosocial rehabilitation approach. Persons with a bachelor’sdegree and one year direct experience in the mental health field may apply for the five-course sequence. Applications and materials need to be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions, 39 Exeter Street, PO Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300. For more information about the program and application materials, see the CEHD Web site at www.usm.maine.edu/cehd/counselor-education/mhrt.htm.

Admission Requirements
The Certificates of Graduate Study programs have additional admission requirements outlined in the Admission to Certificate of Graduate Study section of the catalog.

Please refer to the transfer credit policies outlined in the counseling degree program.

The five-course program described below leads to the MHRT/community certificate and can also lead to the new state employment specialist certificate.

Middle Level Education

The middle level education certificate program is designed to meet the professional knowledge certificate requirements for the middle level teacher endorsement in Maine and to provide a foundation for graduate work in middle level education. (Students seeking middle-level endorsement are also required to meet the academic content area requirements as established by the State.)

Admission Requirements
The Certificates of Graduate Study programs have additional admission requirements outlined in the Admission to Certificate of Graduate Study section of the catalog.

Full instructions and links to application materials can be found at: www.usm.maine.edu/cehd/Educational-Psychology/apply.htm.

Please also refer to the transfer credit policies outlined in the educational leadership degree program.

This 12-credit program consists of 4 courses:

Courses may be taken in any sequence. At the conclusion of the certificate program, students will not only have satisfied the professional knowledge area state requirements for middle level teacher endorsement but will have completed a significant part of the coursework for the master’s degree in educational leadership. In addition, they will receive USM certificates of program completion which can be cited on résumés and vitae. Although credits from the certificate program may be transferrable to a master’s program, students who wish to matriculate into a master’s program must apply separately for admission.

Nonprofit Management

The certificate program in nonprofit management, offered by USM's Muskie School of Public Service, provides traditional students, working professionals, and volunteers in the nonprofit sector with the knowledge, managerial skills, and techniques to respond to the challenges of this important and rapidly changing sector of society.

Students gain valuable expertise in critical areas such as managing human and financial resources, using technology to further organizational goals, and successfully mastering the system of performance contracting being introduced in Maine. Other topics examined include grant writing, fundraising, volunteer recruitment and management, board development, and interagency collaboration.

Many certificate courses are offered through the Education Network of Maine at locations throughout the state. Students may request to transfer certificate courses to the School’s master’s degree program in public policy and management upon matriculation.

Students select four courses (12 credits) including one required course and three from a list of approved courses from the graduate program in public policy and management.

Required Course

Select three of the following courses:

Nursing Education

This 9-credit certificate program, offered by the USM College of Nursing and Health Professions, prepares students to teach in entry- and master’s-level nursing programs in both didactic and clinical courses and engage in other professional roles such as staff development. Three required courses (3 credits each) for this certificate provide a foundation in theories of nursing education, external factors that influence nursing education, curricular models, teaching methodologies and strategies, and critical analysis of theories of learning and teaching. All courses will be offered as on-line courses. The third course may have a low-residency requirement as it entails a clinical practicum with supervision by faculty and an identified preceptor for either a didactic and/or clinical experiential component.

Curriculum

Admission Requirements

Performance Management and Measurement

The certificate program in performance management and measurement is designed to equip managers with the knowledge and skills needed to monitor and report on organizational performance, to present results-oriented information in alternative formats to diverse, nontechnical audiences, and to contribute to improving performance in public organizations. The certificate in performance management and measurement is a collaborative effort of the Muskie School’s accredited public policy and management master’s degree program (PPM) and a research center known nationally for leading edge evaluation and technical assistance, the Institute for Public Sector Innovation. Students select four courses (12 credits) including one required course and three from a list of approved courses.

Required Core Course

Select an additional 9 credits

Practice Management

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Practice Management provides comprehensive training in strategic and operational management of physician and other professional health care practices. Upon completion of this certificate program, students will (i) understand the broad health care market and environment, (ii) acquire management and strategic skills necessary to provide leadership to a professional practice, and (iii) acquire sufficient knowledge of administrative processes to effectively manage a staffin day to day activities that advance short-term financial and operational objectives of a professional practice.

The practice management certificate is awarded upon successful completion of five courses (14 credit hours) from the health policy and management curriculum.

Public Health

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Public Health provides individuals from diverse backgrounds with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in public health, health policy, community health, and epidemiology as well as offering students an opportunity to pursue interests in evaluation, planning, or quality.

The public health certificate can serve to augment a student’s previous academic training and facilitate advancement in a variety of private health and service organizations as well as public agencies. Alternatively, the certificate can serve as a strong introduction and preview to the field of public health prior to committing to a formal master’s program.

The public health certificate is awarded on successful completion of five courses(15 credit hours) from the Health Policy and Management curriculum. If successfully completed, certificate program courses will fulfill degree requirements for students who apply for, and are admitted to, a master’s degree program. Courses are held at the Muskie School on the USM Portland campus. Some courses are offered at other campuses in the University of Maine System via the University’s distance education network.

The following three courses are required for the certificate:

One of the following courses is also required:

The fifth course is an elective selected from the following:

Statistics

The Statistics Department also offers a graduate certificate in statistics for those candidates who are interested in attaining a working knowledge of statistical methodologies. Interested candidates should apply to the Graduate Admissions Office and submit current vitae, copies of all undergraduate/graduate transcripts, and at least one letter of recommendation. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75, and must have completed MAT 153, MAT 281, MAT 282 or their equivalents. To earn the graduate certificate, a candidate must earn a minimum of 15 credits in statistics, at least 12 of which are at the graduate level. Acumulative GPA of 3.0 or better is required in these courses, and they must be completed within six years of enrollment (which is defined as the date when the application for admission to the graduate certificate is accepted by the Graduate Committee). Courses taken for the certificate may also be used toward the master’s degree in statistics, as long as they are completed within six years of enrollment in the graduate program (Master of Science in Statistics).

Substance Abuse Counseling Expertise Area

For those students interested in working in the area of substance abuse, the counselor education program offers coursework which will enable students to obtain a Substance Abuse Counseling expertise area within their master’s degree. This expertise is available as part of the clinical mental health counseling specialty. Students who complete this expertise area as part of their master’s degree meet all academic requirements necessary to become a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC) in Maine.

The following courses are required for the expertise area: