As academic credentials, certificates go through Longwood’s curriculum development process and may require action by SACSCOC and/or SCHEV. Please complete an Academic Initiative Planning Checklist if you are planning to offer a certificate at the undergraduate or graduate level.
SCHEV has specific definitions for certificate programs and requires submission of a proposal prior to implementation. The proposal is less detailed than a full program proposal. The main components are:
- Target audience
- Time to completion for full-time and part-time students (degree seeking and non-degree seeking)
- Courses
- Faculty
- Course delivery format
- Resources
A certificate that is a significant departure from previously approved educational programs must be approved by SACSCOC in advance, the same an any new degree program (see Programs). Certificate programs consisting entirely of courses drawn from existing approved curriculum for a degree program may not require separate SACSCOC approval.