This certificate examines theories and perspectives on organizing with an emphasis on preparing students to bridge differences and become community leaders for social and gender justice. Inequalities of race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, age and citizenship are just some of the differences that shape ways in which organizing is carried out and communities are formed. Through this certificate, students will learn theoretical approaches to organizing and community work and will, through experiential learning in the area of community organizing, apply these theoretical approaches. Furthermore, students are trained in practical aspects of community organizing from managing funds to utilization of technology. Internships with community-based organizations in the Los Angeles area will be central to the completion of the certificate.

The Graduate Certificate in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences allows professionals interested in obtaining additional skill sets in therapy administration, radiologic sciences education, sonography, radiation therapy, CT, PET/CT, and MRI but who do not desire a graduate degree.

The Graduate Certificate is both a free-standing certificate to meet the current shortage as well as an alternate entry route into the Masters of Science in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences (RIS) where certificate holders may then continue on to complete a MS-RIS degree.

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion of the Certificate, a student will be able to:

- Critically read and comprehend scientific literature in RIS as it relates to management or education.

- Describe in detail the current knowledge and theories about RIS management or RIS education.

- Express graduate-level professional ideas orally.

- Demonstrate the ability to integrate graduate-level theoretical, analytical, research and practical skills into professional practice.

This certificate requires completion of eight three-unit courses. Students may receive the certificate while completing a major or minor in Labor Studies or in other fields or without attaining a B.A.

In Labor Studies, we unpack these stories and learn what makes a job good or bad. We discuss historical and current efforts to improve working conditions here and abroad, especially for workers of color and immigrants. Our classes prepare students to work in the labor movement, in government, non-profit, and the corporate world as leaders and activists for change. Located in Southern California, we are in the vibrant matrix of worker activity, and our classes reflect the interests of the region in immigration, race, gender, sexual orientation, media, and leadership.

The Labor Studies Program offers a major, a minor, and a certificate program. Many of our classes--and all required for our degree--are held on nights, weekends, or online.

The Fitness Instructor's Certificate is designed to meet the needs of individuals presently employed as fitness instructors in health clubs, recreation centers, YM/WCAs or corporate fitness programs. The certificate may be taken with or apart from a degree program, major or minor; and is available to students who satisfactorily complete the following requirements with a grade of "C" or higher in each course.

Human Services offers a 12-unit certificate program to prepare individuals to enter the field of Mental Health Recovery. There is a growing demand for individuals to be trained in Mental Health Recovery theory and interventions in the mental health arena.

The field of mental health services delivery is changing with new requirements for training and knowledge in Mental Health Recovery. Included in the course of study are principles of mental health recovery, intervention and strategies, and supervised practicum field experience which will allow individuals an opportunity to apply their knowledge of mental health recovery.

Eligibility Requirements

- Completion of Elementary Statistics with a grade of C or better.

Career Possibilities

Individuals successfully completing the certificate program will be prepared for entry-level positions in community mental health clinics, counseling centers, in-patient mental health hospitals, out-patient mental health centers, youth crisis shelters, substance abuse counseling and other mental health-related fields that require mental health recovery knowledge and skills.

The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, a two-academic semester program, includes four courses (12 units) that encompass four fundamental areas of higher education administration: leadership; law; finance; and diversity and inclusion. The four 3-unit courses will be offered over a period of two semesters. The proposed sequence of course offerings will ensure the logical progression of student learning and experience over the course of one year if they enroll in two courses per semester.

The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration and Leadership commences each semester. Students may apply for the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration and Leadership program to start in either fall or spring semester, consistent with the university and College of Education deadlines and admission requirements for graduate certificate programs.

The Geotechniques certificate is designed to prepare students for public and private sector employment involving the collection, input, processing, and analysis of spatial databases for research and management purposes. To qualify for the certificate, candidates must demonstrate their competence in the use of remote sensing and geographic information systems technologies and their application to problem-solving. Students majoring or minoring in Geography may complete the certificate requirements by taking the appropriate courses as part of their regular programs.

The Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second Language (TESL) is a program of study designed for teachers and prospective teachers seeking competence in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. The program combines upper division and graduate courses in English, linguistics and education. Courses completed as part of other programs of study may be applicable toward the certificate. Candidates must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the program.

The Certificate in Rhetoric and Composition is a program that may be taken with or apart from any degree program or major. Many students who have completed graduate degrees have found this certificate program both exciting and helpful. The following courses must be completed for this certificate. Candidates must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the program.

The Professional and Creative Writing Certificate Program is designed to expand the skills and knowledge of students interested in writing. The certificate program prepares students for work as writers, editors or teachers, but also for jobs in any field that requires creative thinking and clear expression. Drawing on the diverse talents of faculty throughout the campus community, the program offers students intensive, practical experience in writing in their choice of creative genres (poetry, fiction, drama, screenplays, and multimedia) as well as job-oriented courses in professional, technical, and scientific writing.  Students write and revise in intensive workshops of limited size and take additional courses in the craft and history of their area of concentration. In addition, students get practical, real-world writing experience through internship programs in the Los Angeles area.