Graduate Certificate in Applied Mindfulness (All Online)
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Mindfulness is designed to offer professionals the training to achieve basic competence in the development and delivery of mindfulness-based programs in health care, mental healthcare, education, and other disciplines. This program is directed to students enrolled in professional graduate programs, and to professionals who wish to integrate mindfulness practices into their personal and professional lives.
In this 12-credit program, three core courses focus on developing a useful background in the science and theory of contemporary mindfulness-based interventions, and train the professional in the skills required for applied mindfulness curriculum development, delivery, and refinement. As a capstone, a teaching practicum provides opportunity for practice and integration of the essential concepts and skills to shape and integrate a committed professional identity and practice.
Required Certification Courses
HEA551: Science and Theory of Mindfulness (online, asynchronous)
A practical introduction to the science and theory of the mindfulness-based interventions
(MBIs). Students perform a comprehensive literature review relevant to their professional
interests.
HEA552: Applied Mindfulness I (online, synchronous)
An introduction to applied mindfulness, with emphasis on developing and maintaining
a personal mindfulness practice. Includes experience of the Mindfulness-Based Stress
Reduction (MBSR) curriculum, and training in essential teaching skills. Students design
a 90-minute mindfulness workshop for that group.
HEA652: Applied Mindfulness II (online, synchronous)
Continues to develop personal mindfulness practice and enrich their understanding
of essential teaching skills, emphasizing the student's confidence and competence
in stewardship and inquiry. Includes experience of a community-based low-dose Mindfulness-Based
Stress Reduction course (MBSR-ld) as a participant-observer. Explores discipline-specific
ethics of teaching. Students develop multi-session curricula that fit their professional
interests. (Prerequisite: HEA552).
HEA653: Applied Mindfulness Practicum (individual instruction, online or hybrid)
Delivered as individual instruction. Under supervision by program faculty, students
refine, deliver, and evaluate the curricula designed in HEA652, working with a population
of their choice, which may be at their field placement or work site. A reflective
paper on the experience helps to consolidate theory, skills, and tacit knowledge gained
throughout the certificate program. (Prerequisites, HEA551, 552, 652)
Certificate Timeline
The program is presented to a cohort of students, so that a learning community is formed for mutual support. The first two courses are offered in the Fall semester. The third course is offered in Spring Semester. The final practicum, delivered as individual instruction, may be completed in any subsequent semester, including summer semesters. The sequence of courses is as follows:
Fall Semester:
HEA552: Applied Mindfulness I
Winter Term:
HEA551: Science and Theory of Mindfulness
Spring Semester:
HEA652: Applied Mindfulness II
Summer, Fall, or Spring Semester (after completion of core courses):
HEA653: Applied Mindfulness Practicum
How to Apply
Applicant Requirements:
- A Graduate Application.
- One official transcript from every college and university attended (except West Chester University). The official transcript should be sent directly from your undergraduate Registrar to the Graduate Admissions office.
- A written statement of your professional goals. The quality of your statement is of critical importance to the success of your application for admission.
- Please list at least two persons, such as a college professor or employment supervisor, who can attest to your academic or professional skills.
Employer Reimbursement
Employer support can come in the form of partial or even full reimbursement. If you are currently working, check with your Human Resources Department about educational benefits offered to you. The Employer Reimbursement Plan allows participants to defer their tuition payments to WCU until after the term has been completed.
Graduate Studies
McKelvie Hall
102 West Rosedale Avenue
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2943
gradschool@wcupa.edu
For curriculum focused questions and a deeper understanding about the program, please contact the program director and graduate coordinator, Dr. Donald McCown, 215-913-8866.
For information on how to apply and/or general questions regarding WCU's graduate programs, please contact the Assistant Director of Graduate Enrollment, MaryEllen Stephens 610-436-2279.
Note: The structure and content of the certificate program has been informed by the "Good practice guidelines for teaching mindfulness-based courses" established by the UK Network for Mindfulness-Based Teachers, which includes training programs at Aberdeen University, Bangor University, Exeter University, Oxford University, and Salford University, and many independent programs. These guidelines, prompted by the adoption of mindfulness-based interventions by the UK's national health services and the consequent need for well-trained, ethical, mindfulness professionals, are the most advanced in the global mindfulness community, and are referred to and emulated by mindfulness training organizations worldwide.