Certificates Online at Ellis University
Students who have not successfully completed 12 hours of college level work may be considered for provisional acceptance into the College Success Certificate. Students accepted provisionally are not admitted as a regular undergraduate degree-seeking student until they satisfy the normal admission requirement.
The College Success Certificate consists of four 3-credit courses which, upon successful (2.0 minimum) completion, would allow the student to meet the admission requirement. All courses are offered in 6 weeks terms unless otherwise noted.
- CSS 101 College Success Seminar - 3 credits (offered in 3 weeks or 6 weeks terms)
The cornerstone of the general education program is a three-credit course designed to provide students with the tools necessary for collegiate success. This course provides support to new students as they develop confidence in their academic and social endeavors.
- WRT 101 College Composition I
Instruction in the application of the principles and skills involved in effective expository writing, with most readings from nonfiction prose. Introduces students to the writing process with special attention to constructing arguments, working with sources, and crafting effective sentences and paragraphs.
Prerequisite: satisfactory placement exam score or “C” or better in WRT 100
- MAT 115 Introductory Concepts of Mathematics
This course focuses on selected topics in mathematics for students of the humanities (not students pursuing math-related degrees). Students will engage in problem-solving techniques, including inductive and deductive reasoning, along with estimation to determine reasonableness of answers. Topics include: the history of numeration systems and calculating devices; logic and set theory including statements, truth tables, Venn diagrams and set operations; real number system; geometry dealing with polygons, angles, area, volume and capacity; calculating simple and compound interest, including continuous compounding. Applications to real-life situations are emphasized. Calculators and computers are used whenever they add to the understanding of the concepts.
Prerequisite: satisfactory placement exam score or “C” or better in MAT 096 and MAT 100 - SOC 110 Intro to Sociology
An analysis of the social and cultural forces that govern human behavior. The principal topics include: social interaction and organization, socialization processes, primary groups and the family (associations, bureaucracy and other social institutions), collective behavior, population and ecology.
Once the four courses are completed successfully the Registrar will transcript the courses toward the desired degree program and the student would then be granted full admission into Ellis University.
Business and government professionals are involved in combating escalating incidences of occupational fraud within their organizations. A multi-disciplinary understanding of how and why occupational fraud occurs and how to resolve allegations of fraud has emerged.
In the response to this crisis of ethics, an elite vanguard has made the investigation, detection and prevention of fraud a distinct, rewarding, and vital career path.
The certificate in Fraud Examination is designed to assist professionals from the diverse disciplines of finance, law, and education in meeting the growing challenge of complying with new fraud prevention laws and in establishing fraud prevention systems.
This program builds on a growing body of knowledge and experience and provides the most relevant information and instruction on the complex Issues evolving from new technology and global commerce in relation to fraud schemes. All courses are offered in 6 weeks terms unless otherwise noted.
Completion of this certificate provides:
- A thorough understanding of the challenges, concepts, terms and procedures of detection and prevention
- Functional knowledge of investigative techniques for uncovering fraudulent activity
- Skills to develop preventive measures to minimize risk of fraud
- Excellent preparation to sit for the CFE exam required to earn the designation of “Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)”
Students will take the following courses:
- CRJ 450 Introduction to Fraud Examination - 3 credits
Financial statement fraud and occupational fraud will be studied including billing schemes, cash larceny, conflicts of interest, bribery and corruption and financial statement schemes. Upon leaving the course, students will have an understanding of how crimes are committed by an organization's management, employees and by outside parties. Students will gain an understanding of basic investigation techniques.
Prerequisite: CRJ 250 - CRJ 451 Fraud Prevention and Investigation - 3 credits
Students in this course will obtain an understanding of the legal requirements for fraud prevention within an organization, and will gain an understanding of policies, procedures, and internal controls intended to prevent fraudulent activity. An analysis of corporate governance will be discussed, including ethics and fraud policies and procedures, Sarbanes-Oxley fraud prevention requirements, and an analysis of accounting control systems.
Prerequisite: CRJ 250 - CRJ 452 Advanced Fraud Prevention and Investigation - 3 credits
Advanced study of types of fraud, documents, sources of evidence, and analysis of internal and external fraud schemes with an emphasis on the skills needed to identify and investigate fraudulent activity. Major fraud case investigation will be used with an emphasis on forensic and litigation support.
Prerequisites: CRJ 250, CRJ 451
- CRJ 453 Criminology and the Legal Elements of Commercial Fraud - 3 credits
The legal elements pertinent to investigating crime will be explored, including crime causation theories, associated punishment, and related federal laws and sentencing guidelines. The class will also include information on attorney-client privilege and the rules of evidence and testifying.
Prerequisites: SOC 320, CRJ 450 - CRJ 454 Electronic Data Investigations - 3 credits
During the course of fraud investigations, varied electronic data investigation techniques are used, including computer forensics, data analysis, data mining of accounting information, and public record searches utilizing the Internet and commercial service bureaus. Students will come away from this class with knowledge of such computer-aided techniques which help to streamline investigations.
Prerequisites: CRJ 250, CRJ 450 - CRJ 455 Interviewing and Interrogation - 3 credits
In this course, students will study interview and interrogation techniques commonly utilized in fraud examination to obtain evidence for an investigation. This course also includes an analysis of the types of questions asked during an interview/interrogation - including introductory, informational, assessment, closing, and admission-seeking questions - and a review of the information needed from the interview/interrogation.
Prerequisite: CRJ 250
The certificate provides students with more advanced knowledge in key accounting areas such as financial accounting, analysis, taxation, and auditing. Such knowledge helps students meet their specific career and professional goals in the accounting, finance, and controllership areas. All courses are offered in 6 weeks terms unless otherwise noted.
Admissions Requirements
The Advanced Accounting Certificate (18 graduate credit hours) is designed for the student who has completed a bachelor’s degree in business (which includes 12 or more credit hours in accounting) and wants to bolster their educational experience with more advanced courses in accounting.
Required Courses:
- ACC 511 Intermediate Financial Accounting - 3 credits
Accounting concepts and principles are combined with accounting practices and methods in order to provide a comprehensive presentation of the discipline of financial accounting. Interpretation and use of financial statements is covered with a focus on the complementary relationships between the accrual and historical cost-based traditional financial statements, on the one hand, and the newer statement of cash flow on the other. Specific topics include: accounting for revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and owners’ equity; financial statements, and accrual income and framework for financial statement analysis.
Prerequisite: MBA 503
- ACC 512 Professional Auditing - 3 credits
Fundamentals of auditing principles and procedures under generally accepted auditing standards will be covered. Auditor’s reports, professional ethics and legal responsibilities, EDP considerations, statistical sampling, applications in auditing, the role of internal control in relation to the auditor and substantive audit procedures of assets, liabilities and equity capital will be reviewed. Communication of auditor findings to applicable parties will also be studied.
Prerequisite: ACC 511
- ACC 513 Financial Statement Analysis and Reporting - 3 credits
An analysis and evaluation of corporate financial statements as an aid to accountants, security analysis, lending officers and managers in making decisions based on financial data. Financial statements will be reviewed for fairness and completeness in reporting and revision will be made to financial statement data for analytical purposes. Communication of such analysis will be discussed.
Prerequisite: ACC 511
- ACC 514 Federal Taxation - 3 credits
A study of federal tax structure as it applies to the taxation of individuals and corporations. Property transactions are also covered in this course. The course will include elements of tax research, communication of tax strategies, ethics and the preparation of tax forms. A tax research project is required.
Prerequisite: MBA 503
- ACC 515 Advanced Accounting - 3 credits
Business combinations and consolidated financial statements under the purchase method and the accounting for goodwill is the core of this course. Specialized topics include branch accounting, partnership and foreign currency translation. A research project is required.
Prerequisite: ACC 511
- MBA 503 Accounting for Managers - 3 credits
This course focuses on how managers use corporate accounting information for making business decisions. Major topics include the use of financial statements and accounting information to determine profitability and financial performance, risk, differences in structure and business models, the relationship of cash flow statements to the balance sheet and income statements, the use of ratios to assess the quality of a company’s accounting information, and the use of internal operating metrics.
(fulfills educational requirements towards the CDA Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition (http://www.cdacouncil.org)
12 credits - Courses are taken consecutively. All courses are offered in 6 weeks terms unless otherwise noted.
Four Designated Courses:
- CSS 101 College Success Skills – 3 credits (offered in 3 weeks or 6 weeks terms)
The cornerstone of the general education program is a three-credit course designed to provide students with the tools necessary for collegiate success. This course provides support to new students as they develop confidence in their academic and social endeavors.
- ECE 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education – 3 credits
Examines the world of early childhood education. This course assists those individuals that are interested in a professional career as an early childhood educator. In addition, it covers current issues and trends regarding the benefits of early childhood education including the basic values, structure, organization, and programming in early childhood. Focuses on creating and maintaining a healthy and safe learning environment for young children. Students learn about the basic nutritional needs of children, good health practices and accident prevention in the home and classroom.
- EDP 101 Early Childhood Growth and Development – 3 credits
Focuses on how a teacher or caregiver can foster physical, emotional, social, creative, and cognitive development. This course provides instruction on the quality care techniques for children, from infancy to five years of age. It highlights the development of teaching and interaction skills that can be applied to a wide range of children from a variety of backgrounds and at all developmental levels. Students learn to support children’s physical and cognitive development, communication skills, and creative expression.
Prerequisite: ECE 101
- EDP 102 Early Childhood Learning Communities – 3 credits
Focuses on the child in the context of family and community. This course looks at issues of communication, diversity, professionalism and social policy. It also promotes awareness and effective use of community resources. Students gain knowledge of the importance of parent-teacher partnerships in the education of young children. Skills will be developed to support families and enhance parent involvement in early childhood programs. Students learn to involve parents in understanding the child’s home and school environments.
Prerequisite: EDP 101
At the completion of this certificate, students will be able to:
- Meet CDA training goals
- Plan for a safe and healthy learning environment
- Apply appropriate practices for advancing children’s physical and intellectual development
- Use positive strategies to support children’s social and emotional development
- Implement techniques for establishing productive relationships with families
- Use strategies to manage an effective program operation
- Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism
- Observe and record children’s behavior
- Apply principles of child development and learning
Students earning this certificate will apply credits toward their CDA credential. At the same time, students may apply the credits to other Ellis University certificates, associate degree, and baccalaureate programs.
12 credits - All courses are offered in 6 weeks terms unless otherwise noted.
Four Designated Courses:
- CSS 101 College Success Skills – 3 credits (offered in 3 weeks or 6 weeks terms)
The cornerstone of the general education program is a three-credit course designed to provide students with the tools necessary for collegiate success. This course provides support to new students as they develop confidence in their academic and social endeavors.
- CHD 111 Health, Safety and Nutrition – 3 credits
This course is an examination of the contributions of effective health, safety and nutrition practices on the well-being of children. Course will include a review of basic hygiene practices, health maintenance and illness prevention, as well as environmental safety practices, accident prevention, and nutritious meal planning for promoting optimal growth, development and learning. Community resources will be explored.
(Not required for students from CDA program with credits in ECE 101)
- EDP 202 Child Growth and Development – 3 credits
Focus on children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development from conception to age eight. Students will examine major theories of growth and development. Concepts will be analyzed from the perspective of adult expectations of children at various ages, stages, exceptionalities and culture in relationship to developmentally appropriate program planning and curriculum implementation in early childhood settings.
(Not required for students from CDA program with credits in EDP 101)
- CHD 241 Child, Family and Community Relations – 3 credits
Study of diverse family structures, family systems theory, and the educator’s role in working with families. Critical events in the lives of families and other stressors will be examined. Focus on effective methods of facilitating communications, parent involvement, and the coordination of family, school and community cooperation with culturally diverse populations.
(Not required for students from CDA program with credits in ECE 102)
- Plan for a safe and healthy learning environment
- Apply appropriate practices for advancing children’s physical and intellectual development
- Use positive strategies to support children’s social and emotional development
- Implement techniques for establishing productive relationships with families
- Use strategies to manage an effective program operation
- Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism
- Observe and record children’s behavior
- Apply principles of child development and learning
Students who are seeking an associate degree and are not seeking a CDA credential, but also wish to have a stopping point along the way, will begin their degree with the Basic Certificate in Child Development (or, alternatively, the CDA Credential Certificate). This certificate will provide students with a firm foundation in the study of young children upon which the Intermediate Certificate will build. Courses are taken consecutively over 3 week or 6 week terms.
21 credits - All courses are offered in 6 weeks terms.
Fundamentals of Child Development Certificate plus three designated courses:
- CHD 201 Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood – 3 credits
Provides students with skills needed for observation of children, documentation, and interpretation to develop curriculum, long term projects and parent communication in early childhood programs. Overview of common assessment and observation tools in early childhood. Students observe children in structured and unstructured situations, record their observation, and use records as a way of assessing strengths and needs of individual children.
Field observation is required.
Prerequisite: EDP 201
- SPE 201 Survey of Exceptional Children – 3 credits
This class focuses on an overview of children with exceptional cognitive, physical, social and emotional characteristics. Analysis of developmental and educational needs imposed by exceptionality is included. Identification, intervention strategies, methods and programs designed to meet exceptional needs including both high and low incidence disabilities are discussed. The course also talks about the study of applicable federal and state laws and requirements. Content focuses on functional methods for use by educators to assist in the provision of an inclusionary environment which enriches the education of children with and without special needs. Field observation is required.
Prerequisites: EDP 201 and TIE 110
- CHD 260 Guiding Young Children and Managing the Classroom – 3 credits
This course investigates developmentally appropriate guidance and discipline practices that are supportive of heterogeneous populations, including children with challenging behaviors, in early childhood learning environments. Examines a relationship-based approach to adult-child interactions. Explores current brain research on the development of executive functions, and strategies for supporting children in the development of self-regulation, pros-social behaviors, communication and conflict resolution skills.
Prerequisite: EDP 101 for students with a CDA credential or EDP 202
At the completion of this certificate, students will be able to:
- Explain the development and learning of young children in their care
- Identify best practices in working with families and their communities
- Write observation records of young children
- Identify different strategies appropriate to special needs children
- Design safe indoors and outdoors spaces to promote child growth and development
- Identify strategies for positive classroom management
This certificate is designed for students who are expecting to earn an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, but want to have another stopping point on the way. These courses are transferable to other institutions, although students should check institutional catalogs to ensure that their program is aligned with these specific courses.
In this certificate, student gain exposure to leadership in the classroom through their study of assessment and observation and classroom management approaches. Additionally, students are introduced to the education of special needs students, which is essential since most child care facilities enroll special needs children.
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Phone: 877.355.4762
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