Certificate program aided Ph.D. student’s college teaching aspirations

UNC Charlotte doctoral student Tony Martin aims to teach at the college level after completing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. To better prepare him for the future, he decided to pursue a Post-Master’s Certificate in University and College Teaching.

This innovative 12-credit hour program is designed to prepare graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, current faculty and others with the skills needed for the full range of faculty responsibilities at a range of institutions of higher education.

Martin finished the program in May 2019, and he highly recommends it to other graduate students, no matter their career plans.

“The courses really led us to think about students, who they are as learners, and ultimately how we plan to teach,” he stated. “While I currently work as a research and development engineer, when I finish my doctorate, I still plan to research, but I want to be a college professor. But I want to do more than teach students, I want to be a mentor and aid in their development.”

Although the courses were challenging, Martin said each one offered concepts that caused him to reflect upon his beliefs, personally and pedagogically, and how they will influence his teaching.

The program is delivered in a 100 percent online format, making it accessible in delivery and cost. Martin said the courses were very interactive and designed to be easy to follow.

Learn more about the Post-Master’s Certificate in University and College Teaching during a virtual information session at 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 16. Click here to register.