Teaching is one of the most valuable skills an educator can develop, yet many university instructors receive little formal training in evidence-based teaching practices. The Harvard Higher Education Teaching Certificate, developed by Harvard's Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning and delivered online through GetSmarter, is designed to help higher education professionals become more effective, engaging, and reflective instructors.
Throughout the program, participants explore how students learn, develop stronger lesson plans, improve classroom engagement, and build a professional teaching portfolio using proven instructional strategies.
If you're looking to strengthen your teaching practice while earning a certificate from one of the world's most respected universities, this program is worth serious consideration.
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View the official course page and enrollment information here.
Why We Recommend This Course
The Harvard Higher Education Teaching Certificate stands out because it focuses on improving teaching through practical application rather than educational theory alone. Developed by Harvard's Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, the curriculum encourages participants to reflect on their own teaching while applying research-backed methods that improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
Unlike many professional development courses that rely primarily on recorded lectures, this program includes practical assignments that help participants immediately apply what they learn to their own classrooms.
For educators who want to become more effective instructors while earning a credential associated with Harvard, this is one of the strongest online teaching certificates available.
Who Should Take This Course?
This program is ideal for:
- University professors
- College instructors
- Lecturers
- Graduate students preparing for academic careers
- Teaching fellows
- Researchers with instructional responsibilities
- Postsecondary educators
- Academic leaders
- Faculty seeking professional development
Quick Course Overview
| Course | Provider | Experience Level | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Education Teaching Certificate | Harvard's Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning via GetSmarter | Intermediate | Approximately 8 weeks | University educators and future faculty |
What You'll Learn
The curriculum helps participants strengthen both the theory and practice of university teaching.
Key topics include:
- How knowledge is constructed
- How learning works
- Building rapport with students
- Lesson planning and delivery
- Student engagement
- Course and assignment design
- Using feedback to improve teaching
- Developing a professional teaching portfolio
Rather than simply presenting concepts, the course encourages educators to implement these ideas within their own instructional environments.
Course Curriculum
The program consists of an orientation followed by eight instructional modules covering:
- Knowledge construction
- Learning science
- Building relationships with students
- Effective lesson planning
- Student engagement strategies
- Designing courses and assessments
- Improving instruction through feedback
- Preparing a teaching portfolio
Each module builds upon the previous one, creating a comprehensive framework for effective higher education teaching.
Why Teaching Skills Matter
Research consistently shows that instructional quality has a measurable impact on student engagement, retention, and academic success. As universities continue expanding online, hybrid, and active learning environments, educators with formal training in evidence-based teaching practices are increasingly valuable.
This certificate provides practical strategies that educators can immediately apply to improve the learning experience for their students.
Key Features
Harvard-developed curriculum
Developed by Harvard's Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning.
Practical assignments
Apply concepts directly to your own teaching through hands-on activities.
Research-informed instruction
Learn proven teaching strategies grounded in educational research.
Teaching portfolio
Develop a professional teaching portfolio that supports career advancement.
Flexible online format
Complete the program while balancing professional responsibilities.
Learn More
Visit the official course page to review the complete syllabus, upcoming start dates, tuition, admission requirements, and enrollment options.
Enroll in the Harvard Higher Education Teaching Certificate
Pros
- Harvard-developed curriculum
- Strong emphasis on practical teaching
- Evidence-based instructional methods
- Flexible online learning
- Teaching portfolio development
- Designed specifically for higher education
Things to Consider
This program is designed specifically for educators in higher education. If your primary focus is K–12 education or corporate training, another program may better match your professional goals.
Participants should also be prepared for an active learning experience that includes practical assignments and reflective exercises throughout the course.
Is the Harvard Higher Education Teaching Certificate Worth It?
For university instructors and aspiring faculty members, this program offers an excellent opportunity to develop practical teaching skills backed by Harvard's expertise in higher education.
The curriculum goes beyond traditional teaching theory by emphasizing real-world classroom application, student engagement, instructional design, and continuous improvement. These are skills that educators can immediately implement in their own courses.
If your goal is to become a more effective college or university instructor while earning a respected professional credential, this program is an outstanding choice.
Continue Building Your Teaching Skills
Great educators never stop learning. Whether you're refining your classroom techniques, exploring new instructional technologies, or preparing for academic leadership roles, continued professional development can help you create more engaging and impactful learning experiences.
If you're ready to strengthen your teaching practice, the Harvard Higher Education Teaching Certificate is an excellent next step. Visit the official course page to explore the curriculum, review upcoming enrollment dates, and begin building the skills that can make a lasting difference for your students.