Program Director: David J. McGough, Ph.D.
Email: David.McGough@VermontState.edu
Program Description
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Foundations in Education, Self-Designed, (21 credits) is for participants who already have a master’s degree and want to pursue advanced graduate study. This non-degree program supports self-designed inquiry in a peer learning environment. Students pursue individualized study with the support and approval of a faculty advisor and complete a project in their area of interest. The program is intended for participants who wish to engage in advanced research projects, applied professional projects, or original critiques, proposals, literature studies, etc. The program emphasizes critical scholar-practitioner inquiry.
All courses can be completed online. A field-based option is available: Consult the program advisor for details.
The CAGS: Foundations of Education program is of interest to professional educators, those affiliated with higher education, administrative leaders, and citizens drawn to the study of education.
Program Outcomes
Students in Education programs gain both an understanding of the discipline of education and a practical grasp of effective professional practice. Connecting these two realms provides a foundation for achieving the department’s objectives for each student, including:
1.The use of academic study in the formation of content-specific professional knowledge,
2. The use of practitioner inquiry to design effective pedagogical strategies,
3.The use of critical theory to confidently serve as a progressive colleague and advocate, and
4. The use of transformative reflection in pursuit of continuous personal growth.
