Certificate in Improvement Science (Online)

Educational Leadership

Certificate in Improvement Science (Online)

Improve teaching and learning in your organization.

This 12-credit hour graduate certificate prepares you to design continuous improvement processes in your school or district. Educators who embrace improvement science use Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to test ideas that respond to persistent challenges. Improvement science moves educators beyond the traditional pilot program toward a disciplined approach that helps new practices spread faster, with greater fidelity, and reduced variation.

When you complete this certificate you will:

  • Understand how to identify a problem of practice
  • Be able to conduct a root cause analysis
  • Know how to design an effective Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle
  • Understand data collection, analysis, and interpretation
  • Recognize practice-based performance measures
  • Learn how to engage stakeholders about promising new practices
  • Application Deadlines
    Starting SemesterDeadline
    Fall Aug 1
    Spring Dec 1
    Summer Apr 15
    International students are encouraged to apply early to allow extra time for their materials to arrive.
  • Admission Requirements

    In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate Studies Office will accept unofficial transcripts and self-reported test scores for admission reviews. Any admission made with these documents would be conditioned on receipt of official documents, which should be provided as soon as possible.

    Note: If you are currently enrolled or have applied in the past year, you should qualify for an application fee waiver. Click here for criteria and how to obtain the waiver.

    1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
    2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 out of 4.00
    3. Completed online application that includes:
      • Personal statement
      • Resume
      • Two letters of recommendation
      • Minimum 79 TOEFL score or minimum 6.5 IELTS score (international students only)

    Learn more about how to apply

  • Program Requirements
  • Tuition and Fees

    Per credit hour

    ResidencyTuitionDE FeeTotal
    IN Resident$480.93$39$519.93
    Non-resident$576.45$39$615.45

    Find more information and calculate your expected costs at Student Central.

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IU alumni Holly Pate and Chastity Nisbeth work together on an improvement cycle at Cynthia Heights Elementary School in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation.

Contact Us

Chad Lochmiller
(812) 856-8235
clochmil@indiana.edu

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