While major and career specific knowledge is crucial, we also know that employers value a number of skills and competencies often aquired in experiences out of the classroom. These include:

• interpersonal skills
• ability to appreciate diversity
• ability to be a team player
• technical skills
• communication skills
• real-world & internship experience
• self-sufficiency

The certificate programs provide you a structured way to gain these skills.

While Penn State Student Affairs already offers a number of high quality workshops and presentations, the certificate programs will allow students the opportunity to explore important topics in more depth. They are provided not only with the foundational knowledge that is crucial but also given opportunities and experiences to explore these topics at higher levels of learning - both cognitive and affective.

(Images based on taxonomy developed in Bloom B. S. (1956). Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, Handbook I: The Cognitive Domain. and Krathwohl, D. R., Bloom, B. S., & Bertram, B. M. (1973). Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, the Classification of Educational Goals. Handbook II: Affective Domain.)

Each of the topics in the Penn State EDGE program are topics crucial to student development that you may not have the time, expertise, or comfort level to teach. Once fully developed, the certificate topics can enhance a class, be a great avenue for extra credit, or supplement sections of a course.