Online Certificate Program Call for Proposals

Online Certificate Program Development

The Center for Academic Innovation (CAI) is seeking proposals from faculty interested in collaborating with CAI to develop innovative online certificate programs. This initiative aims to expand access to high-quality education, support lifelong learning, and align with the Life-Changing Education pillar of the university’s Vision 2034 strategic plan.

Deadline

We invite proposals for online certificate programs that:

• Address emerging or enduring workforce skills, interdisciplinary challenges, or employer needs;
• Have strong market demand and potential learner interest;
• Are designed for working professionals, lifelong learners, or other non-traditional student audiences;
• Leverage innovative and engaging online learning strategies.

Programs may be non-credit, for-credit, or stackable towards a degree and can range from individual courses with enhanced engagement options to multi-course certificates. 

Priority Areas

We are particularly interested in proposals that align with the following key focus areas, designed to equip learners with in-demand skills across industries:

Artificial Intelligence

• AI for Teams – AI-powered tools for project management, collaboration, coding, and problem-solving.
• AI for Everyone – Foundational AI literacy, including data strategy for AI integration, AI for budgeting, and AI as a thought partner for decision-making.

Human Skills

• Leadership and teamwork
• Hybrid teams and collaboration
• Project management
• Conflict resolution
• Strategy and organizational effectiveness
• Positive organizations
• Critical thinking and complex problem-solving
• Decision-making, creativity, and innovation

Industry & Functional Area Applications

We also encourage proposals that tailor these focus areas to specific industries and professional domains, including:

• Health and healthcare administration
• Digital marketing and marketing analytics
• Technology
• Public and social sectors
• Manufacturing
• Mobility and automotive
• Business
• Creative industries
• Natural sciences

Technology Skills & Industry Applications

Certificate programs that focus on the following priority areas may be eligible for additional funding and development support:

• Digital Twin
• Electronic Design Automation (EDA)
• Product Life-Cycle
• Semiconductors
• Batteries
• Emerging Tools
• Digital Transformation and Automation
• The Future of Mobility
• Model-Based Systems Engineering

Proposals that integrate interdisciplinary concepts, emerging technologies, innovative learning approaches, and industry partnerships are highly encouraged.

Funding and Support

Support for developing online certificate programs will be prioritized based on the potential for reach and impact of the program being proposed. 

Approved proposals will receive comprehensive funding and support, including:

• Awards of $20,000-$75,000 are available to support the development of online certificate programs;
• In-kind support for instructional design, project management, media production, and marketing;
• Funding for Course Development Assistants;
• Strategic guidance on the program structure and instructional model to support a sustainable offering; 
• Potential for shared revenue generated from course enrollments.

Priority will be given to proposals that align with a launch goal of Spring/Summer 2026.

Exploration, development, and launch of an online certificate program is a large project. Consultation with staff from CAI is an important step in determining how we might provide the best support for the initiative you are proposing.

Proposal Submission Process

Proposal Requirements

• Eligibility: Faculty Status Policy
• Proposals for the creation of new certificate programs must be submitted by a faculty member.
• Proposals must be submitted to the appropriate administrator in the lead faculty member’s School/College for School/College approval prior to submitting to the Center for Academic Innovation.

Application Process

Step 1: Request a consultation with the Center for Academic Innovation by completing the request form Consultation sessions will be held in the center’s office at 317 Maynard St. During these sessions, center staff will be available to discuss the alignment of your idea with the call, the submission process, and offer any initial constructive feedback on the proposed idea.

Step 2: Meet with CAI team members to discuss your program concept in detail and begin to scope your proposal.

Step 3: Work with CAI team members to draft your certificate proposal form, which includes information regarding:

• A description of the program, including timeline and anticipated audience;
• Details of the program you hope to develop;
• Identification of the anticipated support needed to create the program;
• Partnership and program goals.

Step 4: Submit your final proposal along with a Letter of Support from your school/college via email to [email protected] 

Timeline

• Call for Proposal Opens: March 17, 2025
• Consultations: March 19 – May 15, 2025
• Proposal deadline: May 16, 2025
• Decisions announced: June 2, 2025

Proposals are due Friday, May 16, 2025

FAQs

The center has developed a Frequently Asked Questions info sheet for faculty interested in learning more about certificate proposals and the proposal process. Questions answered in the FAQ include: 

• What is a certificate?
• Am I eligible to develop a certificate?
• What is the process for producing and launching a certificate?
• How long will it take to design, produce, and launch the learning initiative? 
• Is there a stipend/funding and/or other support provided?
• What if my idea doesn’t align with CAI’s expertise or availability?
• What makes for an innovative and successful certificate?