Community College Faculty Prep Certificate
Program Features
At-a-Glance
This program equips participants with:
- Hands-on experience in a community college classroom
- Strategies and techniques to foster learning among diverse student groups
- A network of community college professionals
- Graduate-level academic credit from Sacramento State
Overview
The Community College Faculty Preparation (CCFP) certificate program provides critical coursework and classroom experience to prepare current and future community college instructors. The coursework and mentored teaching experience enhance the technical competencies necessary to effectively pursue a teaching position at a community college and provide participants with an appreciation of the role and goals of the community college.
Join us as we usher in a new era in higher education! The Community College Faculty Preparation certificate program equips current and future community college instructors with rapid and effective adaptation tools to succeed in a highly inclusive, post-pandemic college community.
Participants will be guided by skilled, supportive leaders who currently teach community college in a variety of settings and subjects. The coursework and mentored teaching experience enhance the technical competencies necessary to effectively pursue a teaching position at a community college while also providing participants with a greater appreciation of the role and goals of the community college.
Graduate-level courses in general pedagogy, curriculum development, instructional communication and assessment are included. Required courses in this program are designed to provide strategies and techniques that foster effective learning among a diverse group of students.
Audience
This program is ideal for:
- Current community college instructors who wish to enhance their pedagogical knowledge and skills and advance on the pay scale
- Those with a master’s degree who want to teach at the community college level
- Matriculated graduate students who plan to obtain a master’s degree and teach at the community college level
Format
The Community College Faculty Preparation certificate consists of four courses for a total of 12 units of graduate-level academic credit. This program is designed as a closed cohort, and students must be committed to finishing the cohort. Successful completion of all four courses is required to earn the certificate. Experienced community college instructors may take individual courses without committing to the certificate program.
The course delivery is mostly online with the last course, ID 253: The Sponsored Experience, requiring in person participation. ID 250-252 are online and asynchronous.
Participants receive letter grades, A-F, for all courses except for Sponsored Experiences at the Community College. Each course carries academic credit and will appear on an official Sacramento State transcript.
Formal admission to Sacramento State is not required for enrollment in this program; however, completion of a program application is necessary to be eligible to register for classes.
The final course in this program is a sponsored experience at a community college. Individuals currently teaching at a community college may substitute with coaching experience or a campus-sponsored internship as available.
Prerequisites
Must have a master’s degree or be currently enrolled in a master’s graduate program at the time of applying.
Course Offerings
ID 250: The Community College Institution and Student
The community college student population has become more diverse socially, culturally, ethnically, and in terms of their learning needs. Faculty teaching in the community college must recognize and work with these individuals within the context of the institution. This course will analyze the community college as an institution: its history, mission, philosophy, structure, and culture. It will also explore the many factors that affect learning and success of students in the community college classroom. Participants will develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively carry out the multiple roles and responsibilities of a faculty member in a community college. (3 semester-units)
ID 251: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at the Community College
Principles of curriculum are important factors that influences the different approaches by which curriculum can be developed and by which instructional methods will be delivered. Directly related to educational objectives, teaching strategies, and curriculum materials, are assessment and evaluation techniques. This course introduces students to fundamental theories of curriculum, curriculum development and approval processes as well as transfer course curriculum and program review. In addition, participants will learn to use and adapt assessment instruments to meet the needs of a diverse student population. Key concepts and terminology in adult education will also be presented. (3 semester-units)
ID 252: Theory and Practice: Effective Teaching and Classroom Communication Strategies
Community college students possess a variety of learning styles which affect their ability to succeed in traditional academic settings. Teaching in a community college requires a unique set of skills and knowledge applicable to that setting. This course will examine various instructional techniques specific to the community college. This course will also examine the unique characteristics of the classroom as a communication context. Participants will apply theory to the practice of effective lecture, discussion, and collaborative lessons. (3 semester-units)
ID 253: Sponsored Experiences at the Community College
This course will provide students practical, instructional experiences in the community college classroom. The field experience promotes adherence to high standards of professional conduct, effective cooperation with other adults in the college community, and professional development through self-assessment and collegial interactions with other members of the profession. Depending on student professional status, this experience will include either a mentored teaching placement in a community college classroom, or the assignment of a peer coach. (3 semester-units)
Costs
Currently, the program cost is $335 per unit or $1,005 per course (totaling $4,020 in course fees). The total program cost with the application fee is $4,050. Participants can pay for classes as they go.
A $30 application fee is collected once eligibility is determined.
Since this is a certificate program, financial aid is not available.
How to Apply
Upcoming Dates
The 2026-2027 cohort application is closed.
The next cohort will begin in Summer 2027.
- The application will open on Jan. 27, 2027, and close on March 28, 2027.
The 2027 cohort schedule will be shared in Spring 2027.
Basic Requirements
The California Community Colleges Minimum Qualifications Handbook (or the minimum qualifications webpage) describes by discipline requirements to teach at the California Community College. Most disciplines require a master’s degree, all require a bachelor’s degree. We admit participants to the CCFP program based these discipline specific criteria (an in-progress master’s degree is also acceptable for program participation).
Submission Steps
A program application must be completed in order to register for courses in the CCFP Certificate Program. Please submit proof of master’s degree completion or enrollment by uploading your graduate transcript (official or unofficial) through the online application link. An application fee of $30 will be applied to the participant’s student account after we determine their eligibility to enroll.