Dual credit instructor
Certificate, graduate
Overview
- In-state: $655
- Out-of-state: $1,737
- Online*: $655
Bring college-level learning into your high school classroom
Teaching college-level courses in a high school classroom requires both deep subject expertise and exceptional instructional practice. The dual credit instructor graduate academic certificate helps current and aspiring dual credit instructors gain the graduate-level preparation needed to teach rigorous, engaging college courses while supporting high school students as they transition to university-level learning.
Designed primarily for licensed teachers who teach or aspire to teach dual credit courses, this flexible 18-credit graduate certificate combines advanced coursework in curriculum and instruction with graduate study in the academic discipline you plan to teach. You'll strengthen both your content knowledge and your ability to design challenging, accessible learning experiences that promote student success. This format allows working educators to earn focused graduate credentials without committing to a full master's degree.
Throughout the program, you'll explore evidence-based approaches to curriculum design, assessment, instructional innovation and student engagement. Coursework also examines culturally responsive teaching, Universal Design for Learning and strategies for supporting students with diverse backgrounds, experiences and educational goals.
Because instructor qualification requirements vary by academic discipline and sponsoring department, completion of this certificate does not automatically qualify graduates to teach every dual credit course. Prospective students should work with the appropriate University of Idaho academic department to ensure their graduate coursework aligns with instructor qualification requirements for the discipline they intend to teach.
This certificate could be a good fit if you:
- Are a current or aspiring dual credit or concurrent enrollment instructor
- Want to teach college-level courses in a high school setting
- Need additional graduate coursework in your teaching discipline
- Want to strengthen your expertise in curriculum, assessment and instructional design
- Are interested in culturally responsive teaching and Universal Design for Learning
- Want a graduate certificate that connects educational research directly to classroom practice
- Are committed to helping high school students succeed in rigorous college coursework
Revamp your courses
Curriculum
The dual credit instructor graduate certificate is an 18-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. The program includes nine credits of graduate coursework in education and nine credits of graduate coursework in your academic discipline, providing a balanced pathway that strengthens both teaching practice and disciplinary expertise.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
Hands-on learning
The dual credit instructor certificate offers meaningful, hands-on learning designed to elevate your impact in the classroom. Through applied coursework in culturally responsive teaching and universal design for learning, you’ll gain practical tools to engage high school students in college-level material.
You'll collaborate with peers and faculty to develop real-world strategies, lesson plans and assessments tailored to dual credit instruction. Additionally, the program includes opportunities to align your content knowledge with state and institutional standards, helping you confidently deliver rigorous, college-level experiences in your subject area.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,779 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Preschool Teachers
$44,098 - Elementary School Teachers
$84,757 - Middle School Teachers
$83,937 - Kindergarten Teachers
$88,494 - Secondary School Teachers
$82,338
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs and funding
Students pursuing a graduate certificate as a standalone program are not eligible for financial aid. However, students enrolled in a separate U of I graduate degree program may apply their financial aid or graduate funding toward a graduate certificate if they are pursuing both simultaneously.
For more information or to explore funding options, visit Financial Aid or contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.
Contact information
Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.
Curriculum and Instruction contact:
Taylor Raney
tcraney@uidaho.edu
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Application information
Program availability:
- Semester intake: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Not eligible for international applicants who require F-1 status
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Start dates:
University requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
- Transcript Requirements: Bachelor’s degree transcript, along with any graduate-level transcripts, are required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for the initial admission review and admission offer. Official transcripts will be required upon admission. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose: A Statement of Purpose may be required for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 or whose undergraduate degree is in a significantly different field from the graduate program to which they are applying
- Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
- Application fee: $30
Application and Admission Process
- Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
- Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, and their intended program and start term.
- For new international graduate certificate applicants:
- International applicants must meet University of Idaho’s English proficiency language requirement.
- International students may pursue graduate certificate programs either as standalone degrees or as part of a concurrent curriculum with another graduate program. Students enrolled in a certificate program as a standalone option are not eligible for F-1 visa status.
- For current University of Idaho graduate students:
- Fill out a change of curriculum form to add the certificate to your current course of study.
- Obtain department approval and return the form to the College of Graduate Studies.
- For current U of I undergraduate students:
- Must have senior standing and a 3.0 GPA to take graduate-level courses.
- To reserve credits for the graduate transcript, please submit a Credit Reservation Form to the College of Graduate Studies. This form must be signed by your academic advisor.
- After earning a bachelor’s degree, apply as a graduate certificate-seeking student to complete the program.
For more information, check the Graduate Certificate page.
Overview
- In-state: $655
- Out-of-state: $1,737
- Online*: $655
Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.
Taylor Raney
Why earn a dual credit instructor certificate?
Earning a dual credit instructor graduate certificate strengthens both your teaching practice and subject matter expertise, helping you create meaningful college-level learning experiences for high school students. You'll graduate with practical strategies for designing engaging coursework, supporting diverse learners and fostering student success while building the graduate-level credentials often needed for dual credit instruction.
By completing this certificate, you'll be prepared to:
- Design and teach rigorous college-level courses for high school students
- Align learning outcomes, instruction, assignments and assessments
- Apply research-informed, inclusive teaching practices
- Foster student confidence, independence and academic success
- Collaborate with university faculty and dual credit program partners
- Strengthen instructional leadership within your school or academic discipline
EHHS doctoral candidate graduates from U of I’s dual credit instruction program
Lorenzo Rene will return to the high school classroom with the ability to teach dual credit courses in education