Overview
Applications to the new cohort are now open, with courses
starting this summer.
The Community College Faculty Preparation 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.
You’ll 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 you with a
greater appreciation of the role and goals of the community
college.
“The unique, dynamic virtual classroom climate of CCFP can best
be described as academic networking for the busy professional
and life-long learner. Adding our program to your curriculum
vitae is a must for 21st century learners.” – Sandra Wheeler
Abeyta, Instructor, Los Rios Community College District
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.
Benefits
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
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
Structure
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 model is 100% online instruction.
Participants receive letter grades, A-F, for all courses with the
exception of 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.
2025 CCFP Program Schedule
-
May 27 — July 18, 2025
ID 250 50: The Community College Institution and
Student
Instructor: Rick Ramirez
-
July 28 — Sept. 19, 2025
ID 251 50: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at the
Community College
Instructor: Sara Parker
-
Sept. 29 — Nov. 21, 2025
ID 252 50: Theory and Practice: Effective Teaching and
Classroom Communication Strategies
Instructor: Will Davis
-
Jan. 5 — March 27, 2026
ID 253 50: Sponsored Experiences at the Community
College
Instructor: Sandra Wheeler-Abeyta
2025 Cohort Schedule CCFP
Fees
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. You can pay for
classes as you go.
A $30 application fee is collected once eligibility is
determined.
Since this is a certificate program, financial aid is not
available.
Computer Requirements
Please visit the Canvas
for Students information page for a list of
requirements.
Student Testimonials
“I absolutely feel that this program played a key role in my
ability to find opportunities, and I feel so much more
confident in my knowledge and skills as an instructor!”
-Miriam, Program Graduate
“The instructors for these courses were top notch, and provided
insight into the diversity of the community college (CC)
environment that I feel will be critical in preparation for
teaching in today’s CC classrooms. Additionally, the detailed
work dealing with the syllabus and lesson plan has given me a
strong set of tools to use in my preparation for class
instruction. The entire series of courses have been delivered
with the utmost in professionalism and have been a great
experience.”
-Mike Davis, Program Participant
