Talent Development, Graduate Certificate
This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
The graduate Certificate in Talent Development requires 14 s.h. of credit and is offered fully online, or with hybrid and conventional courses. Students must take required and elective courses on an A—F graded basis and must earn a B-minus or higher in each course. The capstone exploration is graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory.
The certificate program is open to students enrolled in University of Iowa graduate degree programs and to individuals who are enrolled in the Graduate College as nondegree students.
Inquiries regarding approval for transfer credit of previously taken University of Iowa courses should be directed to the certificate supervisors at the Belin-Blank Center.
The Certificate in Talent Development requires the following coursework.
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Required Coursework | 6 |
| Elective Coursework | 6 |
| Capstone Exploration | 2 |
Required Coursework
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Both of these: | ||
| EDTL:4067 | Conceptions of Talent Development | 3 |
| PSQF:4120 | Psychology of Giftedness | 3 |
Elective Coursework
Students complete 6 s.h. of elective coursework selected from the following list. Students may also take other courses numbered 3000 or above that focus on talent development concepts, in consultation with their certificate advisor.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least two of these (at least 6 s.h.): | ||
| CW:3870 | Advanced Fiction Writing | 3 |
| CW:3875 | Advanced Poetry Writing | 3 |
| EDTL:4033 | Talent Development in the Arts and Athletics: Models and Methods | 1 |
| EDTL:4035 | Talent Development in the Arts and Athletics: Psychosocial Trials and Benefits | 1 |
| EDTL:4066 | Curriculum and Programming for Advanced Learners | 3 |
| ENGL:3595 | International Literature Today | 1,3 |
| ENTR:9650 | STEM Innovator V: STEM Innovator Tools to Create an Innovation Model for the Classroom | 3 |
| ENTR:9660 | STEM Innovator VI: Creating a STEM Innovation Pathway Across K-14 Learning Experiences | 3 |
| EPLS:6217 | Theory for Scholar Practitioners | 3 |
| INTD:3005 | Professional and Creative Business Communication | 3 |
| LS:3012 | Leadership Theory to Practice | 3 |
| MGMT:3300 | Strategic Human Resource Management | 3 |
| MGMT:9250 | Managing Employee Performance | 3 |
| MUS:4630 | Psychology of Music | 3 |
| PSQF:4118 | Meeting the Emotional Needs of Talented Students | 1 |
| PSQF:4119 | Meeting the Social Needs of Talented Students | 1 |
| PSQF:4121 | Identification of Students for Advanced Programming | 3 |
| PSQF:4123 | Academic Acceleration | 1 |
| PSQF:6281 | Cognitive Theories of Learning | 3 |
| PSQF:7310 | Intelligence Assessment | 3 |
| THTR:3140 | Acting II | 3 |
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. Students must earn a B-minus or higher in the required and elective courses to enroll in the capstone exploration, EDTL:5065 Talent Development 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 are supervised) by a Belin-Blank Center professional development team member. Readings should be discussed and determined in collaboration with the mentor. The capstone exploration project is shared in a public presentation immediately following a student's completion of the research/independent study related to the capstone exploration. Students present their capstone exploration to a public forum (e.g., staff meeting, school board meeting, special evening event, public library); if the presentation cannot be at a public forum, an alternate forum will be agreed upon between the student and the Belin-Blank Center mentor. Students submit the final written report (with references and appendices) no later than 20 days after the public presentation.
For more information, visit Certificate in Talent Development on the College of Education website.
Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.
Academics
University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.
Admissions
Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.
Financial Support
Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.