Graduate Certificates as a Link Between Universities, Professionals, and Communities

Abstract

Graduate certificates enable metropolitan universities to meet the unique needs of professionals in their communities. Through examination of two new graduate certificates at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in Conflict Mediation and Nonprofit Organization Management, this paper illustrates how universities and their professional communities can build effective educational programming. Success is described in terms of the following characteristics: needs analysis, process/partnership, speed/flexibility, multidisciplinary linkages, and as a springboard to additional professional linkages.