Graduate Certificate in Foundations for Higher Education Leadership (HELD)

This certificate is designed for professionals at various levels of responsibility—from those just entering the field to those with substantial experience seeking renewed perspective or formal training. It is well-suited for individuals with graduate degrees in other fields and those serving in diverse higher education contexts, including global settings. Whether you are looking to deepen your expertise, explore timely issues, or expand your career opportunities, the certificate offers a flexible and thoughtful path forward.

Classes are typically offered in the evening (as full-semester or quad courses) or as three- or six-day intensives scheduled when regular classes are not in session. Courses are primarily in person or hybrid for all students, with fully online options available only for non-local participants to ensure accessibility while preserving community engagement.

Yes. All earned credits from the certificate program can be applied toward the master’s program in Higher Education and Student Development, providing a seamless pathway for those who choose to continue their studies.

Yes. Full-time Wheaton College employees may use the College’s educational benefit to cover the full cost of the certificate when enrolling in up to four credit hours per semester. Please refer to the Educational Benefit Policy and Process documents found here to learn more about eligibility requirements, instructions for using the benefit, and tax considerations.

While the HELD Certificate draws on curriculum originally developed within the context of student development, its emphasis on leadership, formation, communication, and inclusive workplace practices makes it relevant to a broad range of roles across the College. Many staff find the content meaningful and applicable, even if their daily work is not student-facing. Supervisor support and approval for courses taken as intensives (i.e., during work hours) may depend on your role and departmental needs. We encourage interested staff to discuss participation with their supervisor, and Human Resources is available to help support those conversations as needed.

Students typically begin with the core course, HESD 595: Higher Education—Past, Present, and Future, which provides a foundational overview. Afterward, they select electives aligned with their interests, such as student development, leadership, legal issues, or spiritual formation. Occasionally, the sequence requirement may be waived, allowing students to enroll in other courses before taking HESD 595.

While we would love to welcome all interested students, space in the program is limited based on capacity. We encourage you to apply early to secure a spot in your preferred start term.

We recommend starting in the Fall, especially taking the core course (HESD 595) early in your sequence. However, Spring and Summer entry points are also available, and your plan can be tailored in consultation with an advisor.

There is no set number of required intensives for the certificate. If a course a student wishes to take is offered in an intensive format, the student would complete that course through an on-campus intensive lasting three to five days on Wheaton’s campus. Transportation and lodging are the responsibility of the student.

The certificate may be completed online from outside the U.S. without applying for an F-1 student visa. If pursued residentially in the U.S., it can be completed full-time in one academic year to meet Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) enrollment expectations for F-1 students.