Early Learning Science & Child Policy Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to pursue the Transdisciplinary Early Learning Science & Child Policy Certificate?
The certificate is available to you if you are registered and enrolled in a graduate degree program at UC Berkeley. You must be in good academic standing with a 3.0 GPA or better.
When is the application deadline?
The Transdisciplinary Early Learning Science & Child Policy Certificate application is available now. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
What are the requirements for the certificate?
You must complete a minimum of 3 courses (totaling a minimum of 9 units) and an internship. The requirements are:
- TELS&CP Core course: EDUC 264 Early Childhood Policy–Children, Contexts, and Politics in Diverse Societies (3 units)
- Minimum of two elective courses, chosen from the list below, totaling a minimum of 6 units. Courses not on this electives list will be considered on a case-by-case basis and require the submission of the Elective Petition Form
- Internship with an early childhood policy focus
When should I begin enrolling in the certificate courses once I am accepted in the program?
For those in 2-year master’s programs, we encourage you to take the core course and/or at least one elective during your first year to ensure you are able to complete the certificate requirements before the end of your second year. For those in PhD programs, we encourage you to enroll in the core seminar first, and–if able–in an elective course within your first two years.
I completed and successfully passed one of the approved elective courses prior to being admitted to the certificate program. Can I count this course towards the certificate requirements?
Yes. Pending verification of a passing grade, courses taken prior to being admitted may count towards the certificate requirement. Please contact the program coordinator at lvanegasgrimaud@berkeley.edu to begin this verification process.
What are the internship requirements for the certificate?
You must complete a 150-hour (10-hours per week), internship placement with an early childhood policy focus. A list of approved agencies will be provided to assist you in finding a placement with this specific focus. For more information, contact Luvy Vanegas-Grimaud, program coordinator, at lvanegasgrimaud@berkeley.edu.
I’m a second-year graduate student who recently completed my internship requirement towards my graduate program. Can I count these internship hours towards the certificate internship requirement?
Yes, it is likely you can, if the internship was related to early childhood policy. Depending on the internship focus and responsibilities assigned to you, you may be able to count some or all of these hours. If your previous placement did not have an early childhood focus, you will have to complete a separate one relevant to this program. Please contact the program coordinator at lvanegasgrimaud@berkeley.edu for more details.
How do I declare the certificate?
Once you are admitted to the certificate, your advisor will provide you with a Declaration Form that you must submit by the indicated due date. Once the Declaration Form is received, the advisor will officially declare the certificate on your record.
How long do I have to complete the certificate program?
Depending on the length of your graduate program, you may complete the certificate over the course of your graduate study.
Can I take the courses P/NP?
No. All certificate courses and approved electives must be taken for a letter grade. Courses taken P/NP will not count towards certificate requirements.
What do I do once I complete the certificate?
Once all certificate requirements are completed, you must submit the Certificate Completion form. This form can be found on the program’s website. Once submitted, completed courses and final grades will be verified and the certificate will be awarded.
How large is the certificate cohort?
The program admits up to 30 graduate students per year.
For questions regarding the program, please contact the program coordinator at lvanegasgrimaud@berkeley.edu.