Students interested in obtaining the Graduate Certificate in Talent Development must apply for it. The four courses (12 semester hours) required for certificate completion may be done in any order; however, the coursework must be completed before enrolling in the Capstone Exploration. Students must earn Bs or better in the required and elective coursework to enroll in the Capstone Exploration.

To apply for the Graduate Certificate in Talent Development, contact Anne Sparks at anne-sparks@uiowa.edu.

Once an application is approved, an advisor from the Belin-Blank Center will contact the student to develop a plan of study for the Graduate Certificate in Talent Development. A student may revise the plan of study as the Graduate Certificate in Talent Development is being earned.

Refer any questions regarding the Graduate Certificate in Talent Development to educators@belinblank.org.

Coursework

Students seeking to earn the Graduate Certificate in Talent Development begin by completing the required and elective coursework. This coursework provides an understanding of the concept of talent development, the theoretical framework of talent development, and models and strategies that promote talent development as well as the exploration of current topics and issues related to talent development, specifically those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. (Minimum of 12 s.h. required)

Students must have earned Bs or better in the required and elective courses to enroll in the Capstone Exploration. 

Required courses – students must complete both (6 s.h.)

• EDTL: 4067 Conceptions of Talent Development (3 s.h.)
• PSFQ: 4120 Psychology of Giftedness (3 s.h.)

Elective courses – students must choose two (6 s.h.)

      *All are 3 semester hours

Online Choices

On-Campus Choice

Students may seek approval for elective courses that reside in any UI Department if the syllabus and/or course description explicitly states the connection to talent development OR a comprehensive examination of individuals eminent in the domain/field. Approval of alternate elective courses is done through the advisor at the Belin-Blank Center.

Students do not need approval for the required courses or the listed elective courses.

Capstone Exploration

The Certificate in Talent Development culminates with the opportunity for students to develop and complete a Capstone Exploration project relevant to a school or other context that focuses on an important topic or issue in talent development. The Capstone Exploration is two semester hours.

Students must have earned Bs or better in the required and elective courses to enroll in the Capstone Exploration. The Capstone Exploration entails critical readings and a guided research project and presentation related to the concept of talent development. Projects require approval (and will be supervised) by the advisor at the Belin-Blank Center. Readings will also be discussed and determined in collaboration with the advisor.

Immediately following the completion of the research/independent study related to the Capstone Exploration, students will present it in a public forum (e.g., staff meeting, School Board meeting, special evening event, public library). If the presentation cannot be in a public forum, an alternate forum will be agreed upon between the student and the advisor at the Belin-Blank Center. The Capstone Exploration presentation may be completed online in a remote location. 

Students will submit the final written report (with references and appendices) that follows the established Capstone Exploration guidelines no later than 20 school days after the public presentation. The guidelines will be made available by the advisor at the Belin-Blank Center.

While the courses earn letter grades, the Capstone Exploration is graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

Please make sure that you have completed the application process and are fully enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Talent Development. This process is detailed under "Step 1 - Getting Started." You need to be enrolled in the certificate program to follow the completion process.

To apply for the Graduate Certificate in Talent Development, contact Anne Sparks at anne-sparks@uiowa.edu.

If you have any questions, please contact the Belin-Blank Center at educators@belinblank.org.

Once you begin the final semester of the Graduate Certificate in Talent Development (Capstone Exploration), the Belin-Blank Center will initiate the Certificate of Completion Process.

1. The student will be sent the Certificate of Completion via email.
2. The student reviews and/or fills in the courses completed.
3. The student meets with the Belin-Blank Center advisor to review the completion form and obtain necessary signatures.
4. The Belin-Blank Center will return the Certificate of Completion form to the Graduate College.

Upon approval by the Advisory Committee of the Office of Graduate Teaching Excellence, the Graduate Certificate in Talent Development will be awarded by the Graduate College. A notation will be added to the student’s transcript at the time of certificate completion, providing an official record of the student’s accomplishments. A certificate from the Graduate College will be mailed to the student upon graduation. 

If you decide to withdraw from a pursuit of the Graduate Certificate in Talent Development, we ask that you notify your advisor at the Belin-Blank Center, so that enrollment records can be accurate as possible.

Who is eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Talent Development?
The Graduate Certificate in Talent Development is available to both degree-seeking and non-degree seeking (i.e., certificate-only) students from any UI program or department or full-time professionals.

What is required to obtain the Certificate?
Fourteen semester hours are required. These come from three areas, required coursework, interest-based elective coursework, and a culminating independent Capstone Exploration. Refer to “Step 2 - Completing the Certificate” for more detailed information.  

Can the Certificate be completed 100% online?
Yes. While it can be completed 100% online, it is set up through the Graduate College so students may take up to 4 semester hours (per semester) on campus.

Is there flexibility within the Certificate?
Yes. It has several features to accommodate the interests and lives of those pursuing the certificate. It can be completed 100% online, 4 semester hours may be taken on campus, elective courses are a component, students may seek approval for elective courses that reside in any UI Department (if the syllabus and/or course description explicitly states the connection to talent development), and Capstone Explorations are steered by the student to capture need and interest.

Can I obtain the Graduate Certificate while working on the State of Iowa Talented and Gifted Endorsement?
Yes; however, you must be in the Graduate College and accepted for this graduate certificate before completing the endorsement.