The Postdoctoral Affairs Office at UT Southwestern directs a Postdoctoral Certificate Training Program reported as an educational program for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation. The goal of the certificate program is to provide a structured program that aids the transition to career independence for each postdoctoral scholar through the development of professional and research skills. All ~600 postdoctoral scholars are registered in the program that is comprised of multiple tracks, each completed in two years’ time. Certificates are offered in a variety of tracks, each of which includes required coursework. A certificate is awarded upon completion of 15 credit hours of training. Six student learning outcomes were identified to achieve the program goals. These outcomes were mapped to the curriculum and the methods of instruction and assessment of each of these components were identified. Learning objectives and methods of instruction and assessment were also identified for each course in the curriculum. Metrics were identified for annual overall program assessment, such as number of postdocs matriculating, completion rate, publications, and professional outcomes. Assessment of our program includes diversity benchmarks as well as impacts due to our large international postdoc population. A process for continual program improvement was developed and results of our most recent program assessment will be shared.
