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68 UVI Schools or Colleges may offer certificate programs within a particular discipline or multi- disciplinary series of courses that result in the student acquiring knowledge in an additional area beyond their major or minor. These programs consist of degree credit courses that together comprise a body of knowledge. Depending upon the prerequisites for certificate courses, these programs may be a gateway for non-matriculated students to begin their tertiary academic studies. The certificate programs range from nine-fifteen credits, have stated learning outcomes and are periodically assessed. Successful completion of the certificate programs will be noted on the student’s transcript. Below is a list of the current certificate programs. Applied Computer Science Technology Certificate The Applied Computer Science Technology Certificate provides practical knowledge and experience to ensure success for entry level tech-related employment requiring essential soft- ware, hardware, operating systems, and networking skills. ACS Tech is a two-semester, ac- celerated program that is ideally-suited for non-traditional and part-time students: 3 courses and 8 credit hours the first semester; 2 courses and 7 credit hours the second semester. A virtual laboratory allows students to apply ACS Tech concepts in an authentic hands-on en- vironment. Course concepts and the virtual lab can be extended as an optional preparation for relevant, industry-recognized credentials (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Professional, Linux LPI Certification). Should a student choose to continue with a two-year or four-year degree, eleven (11) credit hours from the ACS Tech program may be transferred to satisfy elective or required courses. Aquaculture The Certificate Program in Aquaculture is a 20-credit specialized program that is ideal for students interested in joining a growing aquaculture industry and for those who are ready for a career transition. The certificate program explores biological and technical principles across fields involved with aquaculture production, as well as different types of aquaculture ventures ranging from small-scale family businesses or businesses with fewer people to large operations which usually are vertically integrated (hatchery, grow out, processing, marketing). Biomedical Laboratory Sciences Biomedical Laboratory Scientists are responsible for the technical work in clinical and research laboratories, analysis of biological samples, quality assurance of analytical meth- ods and test results, maintenance of complex technological equipment and development, standardization and adaptation of new methods. The certificate program in Biomedical Laboratory Science is a unique and exciting combination of training in health science and technology to understand and utilize future scientific and technological advances in biomedi- cal laboratory science. Individuals completing the program will be prepared for opportunities in medical laboratories inside and outside hospitals, private companies, academic institu- tions, and others. Broadcast Communication The Broadcast Communication program consists of a series of methods courses which pro- vide students with the body of professional knowledge and skills that prepare them to work effectively with broadcast media both as on-air talent and as station operators. The certificate is specifically for students who wish to enter the broadcasting profession with sufficient back- ground and training to succeed in the business. It is also for students who are studying other majors who wish to perfect their skills in presenting their ideas in public. Certificate Programs 69 Certificate Programs Data Science The certificate program enables students with a degree or equivalent work experience to add data science to their skill set offering, making them more valuable to their current employer or more attractive to potential employers. The certificate provides practical knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare for entry-level data science or analytics employment. The certificate will prepare students to support an analytics team in identifying, building, and evaluating models. The courses include curriculum developed with practitioners, many of whom offer hands-on training opportunities to ensure students learn skills that support work- force needs. Entrepreneurship Regardless of whether you aspire to launch a new business or be an innovator in an existing firm you will need the mindset and skillset of an entrepreneur. The entrepreneurship certificate program provides you with the opportunity to develop the entrepreneurial skills you need by allowing you to select a sequence of courses that aligns with your career ambitions. To earn the certificate you will need to complete a total of nine credit hours (excluding any prerequi- sites). Depending on the courses you select, you will never need more than 12 credit hours to complete the entrepreneurship certificate program. Forestry and Nursery Management Forestry and Nursery Management is the profession of sustainably managing forest lands to meet society’s demands for wood, clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, conservation of for- est flora and fauna, and climate amelioration. This certificate program is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of forest and nursery management. A total of 18 to 19 credit hours are required for completion of the Certificate in Forestry and Nursery Management. General Agriculture The Certificate in General Agriculture is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of agriculture-related positions including agriculture sales, farm management, supplies and service, and production. An important component of the program is the participation in experiential learning (Labs) that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. A total of 16 to 17 credit hours are required for completion of the Certificate in General Agriculture. Horticulture The Certificate in Horticulture prepares students with the knowledge and skills for a successful career in the horticulture industry. The coursework, in addition to providing a solid science foun- dation, is specifically designed to provide students with critical hands-on learning experience, both in the laboratory and the field. A total of 17 credit hours are required for completion of the Certificate in Horticulture. Inclusive Early Childhood Education (IECE) The unique nature of working with young children implies that professionals develop the skills necessary for working with and collaborating effectively with families and other pro- fessionals. Additionally, the fact that not all children develop at the same rate and children with developmental delays and disabilities are included in typical early childhood classes requires that anyone who works with young children have an understanding of an even wider range of development and learning. As a result, this certificate program was created to give participants a basic knowledge, understanding and skills to develop environments and learning experiences that support the physical, social, cognitive and emotional development of infants, toddlers, preschoolers and primary aged children. which enhance and integrate physical, cognitive, communication, and social/emotional development for all children ages birth through eight with diversified abilities. 70 Music Industry The Music Industry Certificate Program is a program designed to provide interested parties with training that will enable them to become successful entrepreneurs in the music business as audio engineers or music business entrepreneurs. The successful music industry certifi- cate student will have acquired the ability to create and maintain a successful music busi- ness, through the study of key music marketing principles and practices; patent, copyright, and trade law secrets which include patent protection for software and business methods. Students of the audio engineering track will be exposed to industry standards for digital audio recording methods, mixing equalization, and dynamic processing that includes acoustics for both studio and live sound installations. Students will learn how to record and mix audio and audio-visual productions, and how to produce distributable multi-channel surround sound products through mastering, mixing, and encoding. The Music Industry Certificate Program provides interested students with the opportunity to become proficient through one of two (2) distinct music Industry study tracks: audio engi- neering or music business. The Music Industry Certificate Program will require twelve (12) credit hours of instruction (including prerequisite course MUS 110). Program participants will take the required MUS 110 Business of Music course followed by any three (3) courses in one of the two (2) tracks outlined within the certificate program. Professional Spanish Certificate Designed for students who wish to work in sectors such as the medical field, law enforce- ment, first responders, hospitality and local businesses. Professionals within these com- munities repeatedly highlight the need for employees who are able to communicate with the Spanish-speaking population, either tourists coming to this area for recreational purposes or the Spanish-speakers who live in the U.S. Virgin Islands on a permanent basis. This program will assist students in acquiring the second language and intercultural skills needed to work with these populations, and to better meet the needs of their future employers. Psychology with Concentration in Human Development Promotes a greater understanding of human developmental psychology. It may be especially useful to those who provide services to people and organizations across a wide spectrum of developmental levels from preschool to elderly populations. Secondary Teaching This certificate program consists of a series of methods courses which provide practic- ing teachers and other school professionals with the body of professional and pedagogical knowledge, skills, and dispositions that prepare them to work more effectively with learners in secondary classrooms. Additionally, this program provides training in materials development, assessment and evaluation and cross-cultural communication. The program requires participa- tion in field experiences and clinical practice under the supervision of the school’s administra- tion and university supervisor. Enrollment in individual courses is open to anyone who meets the stated prerequisite for each course. However, the certificate program is designed for in-service teachers holding at least a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. Students at the University majoring in other content areas such as mathematics, science, social sciences, and English who aspire to one day become secondary classroom teachers may complete course work with the exception of the clinical course which can only be taken on the job in a secondary class- room. Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) This certificate program consists of a series of methods courses which provide students with the body of professional and pedagogical knowledge, skills, and dispositions that prepare them to work effectively with learners in elementary and secondary classrooms, whose first Certificate Programs 71 Certificate Programs language is not English. Additionally, this course provides training in materials development, assessment and evaluation and cross-cultural communication. Enrollment in individual courses is open to anyone who meets the stated prerequisites. How- ever, the certificate program is open only to a) seniors at the University of the Virgin Islands with a GPA of 2.5 or higher completing a teacher preparation program or b) in-service teach- ers holding at least a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. More details about the above certificate programs are available on pgs 93-95 and on the UVI website.