Certificate in Women’s Leadership in a Global Perspective

Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits are required for a certificate?: 18 credits or 6 courses are required.
How is online studying different?: The major difference is your location. You do not have to travel to the campus. You can participate in your course from your home, office, or while traveling. You do, however, have the same access to the excellence of UMassBoston professors/instructors as do those physically on campus. Online courses include exercises, projects, and collaborative assignments. The rich learning environment features tutorials and courses with audio lectures, photo materials, discussions, chat rooms, readings, illustrations, and video.
Since I am not very skilled with computers, will I have problems taking classes online?: No, but you should be able to use email, use the web for research, send file attachments via email and participate in threaded discussions. See technical requirements
Can I take a course in this program if I don’t have a bachelor’s degree?: Advanced undergraduate students may be able to take one or more of the courses, but must obtain written permission from the instructor prior to enrolling. Enrollment in one or more of the courses does not imply acceptance into the graduate certificate program. In order to receive a graduate certificate, complete the application process (see Application Process), and complete all six courses with an average grade of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
How do I interact with my professor?: Instructors answer email questions, participate in online discussions, and personally evaluate assignments. Instructors also update course content to insure that courses stay on the cutting edge. Instructors keep scheduled "virtual office hours" each week. Interaction with the instructor is an important aspect of a quality online education. NOTE: You may speak directly to your professors during a Wimba Classroom session.
How do I interact with the other students in my class?: You will be able to communicate with other students and with your instructor through email. You will also be able to post questions and comments to your course’s threaded discussions. This forum allows you to hold virtual conversations with other classmates and your instructor, without having to be online at the same time. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively, to utilize peer-to-peer learning techniques and to work in teams. The Wimba Classroom system used by UMB enables students to collaborate on online projects using audio and visual capabilities.
What is Wimba Classroom and how do I learn how to use it?: Wimba Classroom is a synchronous conferencing system embedded in the BLS Vista Learning Management System (LMS) used to deliver UMass Boston fully online courses. Wimba Classroom use is intended to augment otherwise asynchronous online courses by providing an environment for meeting in real time, online.

To use Wimba Classroom, each student will require a computer headset equipped with microphone and may be purchased at any computer or electronic store. Prices range from $15 - $25. Students should test their access to Wimba Classroom and seek technical support to configure systems, as necessary, in advance of their first uses of Wimba Classroom. Learn more about Wimba Classroom and how Wimba Classroom works.
How many semesters are there and when can I enroll?: There are three semesters, fall, spring, and summer; you can enroll at the start of any semester.
How important are writing skills in an online course?: Excellent writing skills are critical in an online course. A student must be able to communicate effectively with his instructor and with the other students. The instructor will be basing some of his assessment of student work on the quality of the writing skills. Much communication is done via e-mail and students need to be able to craft wording in such a way as to minimize misunderstandings and incorrect interpretations of the intended tone of the communication. Online students in a threaded discussion are expected to be concise, clear and to have well-researched their comments.
My question isn’t answered here, how do I find out more about studying online at UMass Boston?: Answers to many questions may be found at About Online Education at UMass Boston

Certificate in Women’s Leadership in a Global Perspective

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Program