Certificates and Special Programs

Post-Baccalaureate University Certificate Programs

University Certificate Programs are academic credit certificate programs designed to provide an integrated and focused program of study in selected academic fields. Designed to allow those in different majors to add an area of professional expertise to their credentials, University Certificates are added and updated to offer highly valued fields of study in the contemporary marketplace. They also allow those with advanced degrees to add fields of study to their academic record thus allowing them to enrich or shift their career options or advance in their current professions.

Those who complete University Certificate programs successfully have the award of the University Certificate noted on their transcripts and they are issued a formal University Certificate approved by the Office of Graduate Studies and signed by the president. The Post-Baccalaureate University Certificates currently offered are listed below.

For detailed information on all of the following the post-baccalaureate certificate programs, please visit www.csun.edu/graduatestudies/.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

This Post-Master’s certificate program has its academic home in the Psychology Department of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. For questions, contact Ellie Kazemi, the program director, by phone at 818 677-7224 or by email at ellie.kazemi@csun.edu. Apply at http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/apply.html

Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

This certificate program has its academic home in the College of Business and Economics. For questions contact Deborah Cours, the academic director, by phone at 818 677-2467 or by email at dcours@csun.edu. Apply at http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/apply.html

Career Development or Career Education and Counseling

This Post-Master’s certificate program has its academic home in The Michael D. Eisner College of Education. For questions contact Dr. Greg Jackson, by phone at 818 677-4977 or by email at gregory.jackson@csun.edu. Apply at http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/

College Counseling and Student Services

This Post-Masters certificate program has its academic home in The Michael D. Eisner College of Education. For questions contact Dr. Merril Simon by phone at 818 677- 2558 or by email at merril.simon@csun.edu. Apply at http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/

Communications and Conflict Management

This certificate program has its academic home in the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication. For questions contact the program director, Henrik Minassians, by phone at 818 677-4618 or by email at henrik.minassians@csun.edu. Apply at http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/apply.html

Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs/Birth to 5 Years

This certificate–also referred to as the Advanced Certificate in Transdisciplinary Intervention– has its academic home in The Michael D. Eisner College of Education. For questions contact the Special Education Department at 818 677- 2596. Apply at http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/

Educational Therapy

This Post-Master’s certificate program has its academic home in The Michael D. Eisner College of Education. For questions contact the Educational Therapy Advisor, Marcy Dann, by phone at 818 677- 4161 or by email at marcy.dann@csun.edu. Apply at http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/

Gerontology

This certificate program has its academic home in the College of Health and Human Development. For questions contact Debra Sheets, PhD, MSN, RN, the academic director, by phone at 818 677-2344 or by email at debra.sheets@csun.edu. Apply at http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/

Infant-Toddler-Family Mental Health

This certificate program has its academic home in The Michael D. Eisner College of Education. For questions contact Dr. Carrie Rothstein-Fisch, by phone at 818 677-2529 or by email at carrie.rothstein-fisch@csun.edu. Apply at http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/

Instructional Design and Adult Development

This online certificate program has its academic home in The Michael D. Eisner College of Education. For questions contact Dr. Carolyn Jeffries, by phone at 818 677-2835 or by email at carolyn.jeffries@csun.edu. Apply at http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/apply.html

Non-Profit Sector Management

This certificate program has its academic home in The Tseng College. For questions contact Patti Burleson, senior program coordinator, by phone at 818 677-3217 or by email at patti.burleson@csun.edu. Apply at http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/apply.html

Parent-Child Specialization/Consultation

This Post-Master’s certificate program has its academic home in The Michael D. Eisner College of Education. For questions contact Dr. Carrie Rothstein-Fisch, by phone at 818 677-2529 or by email at carrie.rothstein-fisch@csun.edu. Apply at http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/

Performance Management and Productivity in the Public Sector

This certificate program has its academic home in The Tseng College. For questions contact Patti Burleson, senior program coordinator, by phone at 818 677-3217 or by email at patti.burleson@csun.edu. Apply at http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/apply.html

Quality Management

This certificate program has its academic home in the Department of Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management in the College of Engineering and Computer Science Please visit /www.csun.edu/~msem/ or contact the academic director by phone at 818 677-2167 or by email at msem@csun.edu. Apply at http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/

Urban Planning

This certificate program has its academic home in The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. For questions contact the program director, Henrik Minassians, by phone at 818 677- 4618 or by email at henrik.minasians@csun.edu. Apply at http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/apply.html

Special Programs

Center for Innovative and Engaged Learning Opportunities (CIELO)

  • Coordinator: Cheryl Spector
  • Sierra Hall (SH) 422, 433-443
  • (818) 677-6535
  • www.csun.edu/cielo

The mission of the Center for Innovative & Engaged Learning Opportunities (CIELO) is to enhance teaching in support of meaningful, deep and sustained learning experiences while supporting the scholarship of teaching, learning and engagement. CIELO brings together three CSUN programs: Faculty Development, Community Engagement, and Academic First Year Experiences, described individually below. Founded on the belief that enhanced and improved teaching has a direct and positive impact on student learning and satisfaction, CIELO helps create learning environments that take full advantage of the University’s distinguished faculty, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and the surrounding community.

Faculty Development

Faculty Development is dedicated to supporting faculty in their multiple roles as teachers, scholars, and artists and as members of the university’s academic community. Its goals are to promote effective teaching and learning practices, foster professional growth, strengthen collegial ties, and support the scholarship of teaching and learning.

The office is responsible for coordinating New Faculty Orientation programs; designing workshops, seminars, discussions, and learning communities for CSUN faculty to meet Faculty Development’s goals; coordinating the selection of recipients of funding for Judge Julian Beck Learning-Centered Instructional Projects (Beck Grants) and Probationary Faculty Grants; and providing resources on best practices in teaching and learning.

Community Engagement

  • Managing Director: Merri Whitelock
  • Sierra Hall (SH) 443
  • (818) 677-7395
  • www.csun.edu/csl

Community Engagement offers course-based, credit-bearing educational experiences allowing students to participate in an organized community learning activity that meets one or more needs identified by the community, and to reflect on their community learning in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.

Mission: Community Engagement is inspired by a commitment to active learning, and aims to develop student awareness of civic responsibility while addressing social and economic needs defined by the larger community. Vision: Students who participate in community engagement will be tomorrow’s leaders: committed to social improvement through civic participation, dedicated to ensuring the rights of all persons, and capable of providing solutions to address local, national, and global issues thus working toward a more humane world community.

Community-based organizations and faculty wishing to explore ways to work with students on projects that benefit the community are invited to contact the office. Many community engagement projects are affiliated with the Corporation for National and Community Service and provide opportunities for Work-Study and AmeriCorps students to serve in community programs serving disadvantaged youth, elderly immigrants, or other under-served populations.

Academic First Year Experiences

Academic First Year Experiences currently include University 100 (The Freshman Seminar); the cohorted classes in the Freshman Connection including those designed through the BEAMS project; the First Year Experience Living Learning Community; the Freshman Common Reading Program (One Campus, One Book); the Freshman Faculty Series; and other courses and academic programs at CSUN which serve significant numbers of freshman students and the faculty who teach them. Mission: The mission of the office of Academic First Year Experiences is to develop, support, assess and improve both teaching and learning in freshman courses and in academic programs serving first-year students across the university. Activities: We sponsor workshops, presentations and other programs for CSUN faculty and other campus community members interested in the activities and ideas of the First Year Experience, including student engagement, linked and cohorted courses, interdisciplinary collaboration and learning centered pedagogy. We encourage campus-wide dialogue and collaboration among faculty, staff and administrators who work intensively with first year students. Advisory Committees: The Freshman Seminar Steering Committee includes faculty members, administrators and representatives from Advising and Student Affairs. The Freshman Connection Planning Committee includes faculty members, a graduate student, administrators and representatives from University Counseling, Advising, and Student Affairs. The Steering Committee of the First Year Experience Living Learning Community includes Residence Life staff, RAs, faculty, representatives from the Career Center and Student Affairs, and (from time to time) first year residents of the FYE LLC. The Freshman Common Reading Program Selection Committee includes the First Year Experience Librarian and a group of dedicated volunteer faculty, staff, administrators, and freshman students.

China Institute

The China Institute facilitates and coordinates CSU Northridge activities related to Chinese institutions. Ongoing activities include exchange of professors, students, scholars, performing artists, books, films and facilities; conducting study and culture tours, coordinating conferences, seminars, lecture series, symposia and internship/trainee programs; and facilitating cooperative research projects and technology transfers. Undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing research or study in China on an individual basis may contact the Institute. Faculty grants are also available for those interested in conducting comparative studies in China.

Desert Studies Center

  • Director: William Presch
  • Biological Science Department,
  • California State University, Fullerton
  • (714) 278-2428
  • http://biology.fullerton.edu/
  • CSUN Science and Mathematics
  • College Dean: Jerry Stinner

The Soda Springs Desert Studies Center, in the Mojave National Preserve at Zzyzx, California, 11 miles southwest of Baker, California on I-15, is a moderately equipped field station of the California State University system. The Center provides opportunities for individuals and groups to conduct research, receive instruction, and experience the desert environment. The Center manages 1,280 acres under a long-term management agreement with the Department of Interior. The Center contains the habitat of the Mojave Tui Chub, a federally registered endangered species of fish.

As the gateway to the entire Mojave National Preserve and Death Valley National Park, there is easy access to fossil sites, the remains of Indian villages, historic wagon trails, old army forts, mining sites, and the salt flats of Silurian and Soda Dry Lakes.

Research and educational offerings in close proximity include the Kelso Sand Dunes, Devil’s Playground, Cima Volcanic Field, Cima Dome, the Providence, Granite, and New York mountain ranges, Afton Canyon, Salt Creek, Sheep Creek Springs, and Landfair and Ivanpah Valleys. Elevations range from 945 feet at the Center to over 7,900 feet at Clark Mountain, in the Clark Mountain Range.

The Desert Studies Center can accommodate 70 individuals in dormitory style rooms. There is also a multi-station kitchen, bathhouse, laboratory, computer lab, two classrooms, a modest library, soaking pool, and long term researcher’s quarters. The Center offers a variety of short-term courses on desert-related topics and field-oriented courses in anthropology, archaeology, art, astronomy, biology, geography, geology, history and physics.

General Education Honors Program

The University Honors Program in General Education offers high achieving CSU Northridge students a diverse, enriched academic experience in General Education that promotes the fullest development of academic potential. Students and faculty share in the excitement and pleasure of being a part of a community of dedicated learners.

Special Sections of General Education Courses: GE Honors students enroll in small, restricted sections of courses required for General Education. These courses, which vary each semester, are taught by outstanding CSUN professors who modify course content and methodology as appropriate for honors students.

About the General Education Honors Program

Special Sections of GE Courses: As a General Education Honors student, you enroll in special sections of GE courses taught by outstanding CSUN faculty. GE Honors courses are engaging, challenging, and fun, and they satisfy required areas of the University’s General Education Program. You will receive a special designation on your transcript for each GE Honors course completed.

Extracurricular Academic Activities: General Education Honors students have opportunities participate in a variety of co-curricular activities with classmates and mentors, including films, plays, book discussions, field trips, and special university events, including a Presidential reception.

Admission to the General Education Honors Program

First-Time Freshmen are invited to participate in the GE Honors Program on the basis of a 3.5 high school GPA, or SAT scores of 1150, or by recommendation of a high school teacher.

Continuing Students at CSUN are invited to participate on a basis of an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher in work completed at the University, or by recommendation of University faculty.

Students transferring from other colleges or universities are invited to participate on the basis of an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher in college work or by recommendation of faculty.

CSU Northridge Presidential Scholars are eligible and encouraged to join the GE Honors Program.

General Education Honors Recognition: In addition to receiving the special designation on your transcript for each GE Honors course you complete, you will be awarded General Education Honors recognition and be invited to participate in the University’s regular Honors Convocation by meeting the following requirements:

  1. 15 units of GE Honors courses,
  2. 3.0 GPA in the GE Honors courses,
  3. Overall GPA of 3.0 in all work completed at the CSUN.

The California State University International Programs

Developing intercultural communication skills and international understanding among its students is a vital mission of The California State University (CSU). Since its inception in 1963, the CSU International Programs has contributed to this effort by providing qualified students an affordable opportunity to continue their studies abroad for a full academic year. More than 15,000 CSU students have taken advantage of this unique study option.

International Programs participants earn resident academic credit at their CSU campuses while they pursue full-time study at a host university or special study center abroad. The International Programs serves the needs of students in over 100 designated academic majors. Affiliated with more than 70 recognized universities and institutions of higher education in 20 countries, the International Programs also offers a wide selection of study locales and learning environments.

  • Australia
  • Griffith University
  • Macquarie University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Queensland
  • University of Western Sydney
  • Victoria University
  • Canada
  • The universities of the Province of Quebec including:
  • Bishop’s University
  • Concordia University
  • McGill University
  • Université Laval
  • Université de Montréal
  • Université du Quebec system
  • Chile
  • Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (Santiago)
  • China
  • Peking University (Beijing)
  • Denmark
  • Denmark’s International Study Program (the international education affiliate of the University of Copenhagen)
  • France
  • Institut des Etudes Françaises pour Étudiants Étrangers,
  • L’Académie d’Aix-Marseille (Aix-en-Provence) Universités de Paris III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, the Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations, and Université Evry.
  • Germany
  • University of Tübingen and a number of institutions of higher education in the Federal state of Baden-Württemberg
  • Ghana
  • University of Ghana, Legon
  • Israel
  • Tel Aviv University
  • The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • University of Haifa
  • Italy
  • CSU Study Center (Florence)
  • Universitá degli Studi di Firenze
  • La Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze
  • Japan
  • Waseda University (Tokyo)
  • Korea
  • Yonsei University (Seoul)
  • Mexico
  • Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus
  • Querétaro
  • New Zealand
  • Lincoln University (Christchurch)
  • Massey University (Palmerston North)
  • South Africa
  • University of Kwazulu Natal
  • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
  • Spain
  • Universidad Complutense de Madrid
  • Universidad de Granada
  • Sweden
  • Uppsala University
  • Taiwan
  • National Taiwan University (Taipei)
  • National Tsing Hua University
  • United Kingdom
  • Bradford University
  • Bristol University
  • Hull University
  • Kingston University
  • Sheffield University
  • University of Wales Swansea
  • Zimbabwe
  • University of Zimbabwe (Harare)

International Programs pays all tuition and administrative costs for participating California resident students to a similar extent that such funds would be expended to support similar costs in California. Participants are responsible for all personal costs, such as transportation, room and board, living expenses, and home campus fees. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, is available to qualified students.

To qualify for admission to the International Programs, students must have upper division or graduate standing at a CSU campus by the time of departure. Students at the sophomore level may, however, participate in the intensive language acquisition programs in France, Germany, and Mexico. California Community Colleges transfer students are eligible to apply directly from their community colleges. Students must also possess a current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or 3.0, depending on the program for which they apply. Some programs also have language study and/or other coursework prerequisites.

Additional information and application materials may be obtained on campus, or by writing to The California State University International Programs, 401 Golden Shore, Sixth Floor, Long Beach, California 90802-4210. Visit us on the World Wide Web at www.gateway.calstate.edu/csuienet/.

The CSU International Programs (IP), the official study overseas unit of The California State University system, offers students the opportunity to continue their studies at a distinguished foreign university or a special study center in one of 17 countries. While on IP, students remain enrolled at CSU Northridge, thus maintaining home campus residency and financial aid eligibility, and they earn full academic credit. The Office of Student Development and International Programs, in conjunction with Academic Affairs and the Office of Graduate Research and International Programs, also offers a semester-long program in Holland, at the University of Twente in the City of Enschede. This is a one-to-one exchange program especially designed for students majoring in Business Administration. In addition to Dutch language classes, students select major courses which are taught in English.

In addition, a one-to one exchange program with Budapest Business School (Faculty of International Management and Business) in Hungary is available for Business Administration majors. All courses are taught in English. A one-to-one exchange program has also been developed with Ryokoku University in Japan.

The cost for these programs is affordable, since students pay only CSU Northridge registration fees and are not required to pay foreign tuition. Please contact the Office of Student Development and International Programs for more information by calling the number above or by visiting the Southwest Annex of the Student Union.

International Student Programs

The Student Development and International Programs Office provides services to all international students after they have been formally admitted to the University. The Office will assist international students in 1) choosing a pattern of courses for general education requirements, and referring them to the appropriate department for academic advising in their major field of study, 2) complying with the laws and regulations of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service; and 3) dealing with academic or personal problems. The Office also coordinates cultural and social events so that international students can share their national heritage with the campus educational community. A special orientation program is provided at the beginning of each semester to assist international students in adjusting to the campus environment and to American customs.

To qualify for admission to the International Programs, students must have Upper-Division or graduate standing at a CSU campus by the time of departure. Students at the sophomore level may, however, participate in the intensive language acquisition programs in France, Germany, and Mexico. California Community Colleges transfer students are eligible to apply directly from their community colleges. Students must also possess a current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or 3.0, depending on the program for which they apply. Some programs also have language study and/or other coursework prerequisites.

Additional information and application materials may be obtained on campus, or by writing to The California State University International Programs, 401 Golden Shore, Sixth Floor, Long Beach, California 90802-4210.

Learning Resource Center

  • Bayramian Hall (BH) 408
  • Director: Sheryl Thompson
  • (818) 677-2033 Fax: (818) 677-3632
  • www.csun.edu/lrc

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) serves students needing assistance in courses or desiring to improve skills such as reading, writing, note taking, test taking and study strategies—skills necessary for effective university level learning. The LRC also provides services that support, supplement, and enrich the University’s regular academic curriculum.

Writing Center: Writing Center Consultants help students with academic, professional and personal writing such as: reports, research papers, business letters, resumes, etc., as well as help students develop effective strategies for time management, reading, note taking, and test taking. Additionally, Consultants assist students preparing to take the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Examination. An appointment is necessary; walk-ins accepted when appointments are not booked.

Writing Lab: Peer tutors work with students enrolled in 097, 098, or 155 in AAS, CHS, English, and PAS writing classes, as well as help students enrolled in University 100, The Freshman Seminar. In addition to assisting students with their writing process, tutors can help students develop effective study strategies. Some computers are available for student use. The Lab operates on an appointment and walk-in basis.

Supplemental Instruction: Supplemental Instruction (University 060) is an academic assistance program designed to help students master difficult course material in historically challenging classes. Students participate in a series of weekly peer-facilitated small group study sessions that focus on learning strategies and problem solving skills specific to the corresponding lecture course. Students enroll in University 060 for one-unit, non-baccalaureate credit .

Subject Area Tutoring Lab: The SAT program offers individual and small group tutoring for subjects such as: biology, chemistry, economics, physics, and philosophy, as well as numerous math courses including algebra, calculus, and statistics. The SAT lab operates Monday through Friday and no appointment is necessary.

Self-Instructional Media Lab: A variety of self-instructional/ supplemental materials across the disciplines is available.

The Developmental Math Lab can be reached at (818) 677-2231. Tutors hired through the Developmental Mathematics Program staff the Math Lab. The lab assists students enrolled in Math 092 and 093, as well as those reviewing basic mathematics Lab hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. -7:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

Program for Adult College Education (PACE)

The Program for Adult College Education (PACE) at CSUN is an Upper-Division accelerated course of study geared to meet the needs of the busy working student who wants to graduate within two years with a baccalaureate degree. PACE is available to Business majors and to Liberal Studies Majors in the teacher preparation option. Please contact the appropriate office for more information or visit us on the internet at www.csun.edu/~paceprog/.

PACE for Business Majors call (818) 677-2467

PACE for Liberal Studies Majors call (818) 677-3300.

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)

Program at CSUN, UCLA Army

Students attending CSUN or surrounding community colleges can participate in the UCLA Army ROTC program at CSUN. For more information, call, email or visit us at the ROTC office on campus, located at Building AD 710B, in the northwest corner of the University Hall parking lot.

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Program, Air Force

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) consists of a one credit hour academic course for first and second year students, and a three credit hour course for third and fourth year students. All students also participate in a weekly two-hour leadership laboratory. Undergraduate and graduate students attending CSUN can participate in AFROTC at UCLA. For more information, please contact the UCLA Department of Aerospace Studies at (310) 825-1723.

Southern California Marine Institute (SCMI)

  • Director: Richard Pieper
  • (310) 519-3172
  • CSUN Science and Mathematics
  • College Interim Dean: Jerry Stinner
  • (818) 677-2004
  • www-bcf.usc.edu/~scmi

Cal State Northridge is a member of the Ocean Studies Institute (OSI) which is composed of the seven ’s in southern California. OSI is a major partner in the Southern California Marine Institute (SCMI), a consortium combining the marine resources of OSI and several other universities in southern California. SCMI operates a small marine laboratory in Los Angeles harbor and two coastal research vessels, including the R/V Yellowfin. SCMI also has a substantial amount of gear, equipment, and a fleet of smaller boats to support teaching and research. OSI puts on a Marine Biology Semester for CSU students every Fall at the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Santa Catalina Island. OSI also runs an AAUS Scientific Research Diving Program for CSU faculty, staff and students, and OSI/SCMI coordinates various educational and research activities for marine scientists and engineers. Science programs utilize these facilities and individual students gain access to the Institute operations through courses and independent study.

Special Major

The Special Major is designed to meet the academic needs of students whose educational goals do not fit within the framework of existing majors and cannot be met within the 120 unit minimum by combining existing majors and minors. The Special Major will consist of a minimum of 44 units and a maximum of 66 semester units, 24 of which must be at the upper division level. Applicants must have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. For details on application procedures, contact the Office of Undergraduate Studies.