Courtesy of Spelman College
Spelman College announced today, an expansion of the eSpelman online learning certificate program, which focuses on in-demand career growth skills. Initially targeting adult working learners, the program is now open to all learners. Applications for the January 2023 term are available now through January 13, 2022.
In addition to the current portfolio of certificates, two new certificates – Cosmetic Science and Entrepreneurship are now being offered. Each of the certificate programs are designed to meet the demand for career-enhancing skills in unique areas.
“The e-Spelman program was designed to enhance our ability to reach diverse learners and offer them first-in-class programming to help increase their career mobility and earning potential,” said Helene Gayle, M.D., MPH., president of Spelman College. “It is so invigorating to witness the evolution of this program and its transformative impact on individuals beyond the borders of our College.”
Increasingly, corporate partnerships have helped to boost the success of online learning programs, and the need to expand to these signature certificates to wider audiences. Certificate courses are currently available in: Business Essentials, Diverse Leadership, Leading Self, Leading Others and Project Management.
“The eSpelman program is designed to accelerate career growth and accommodate the busy schedule of a modern-day student, including individuals, regardless of their gender, who have not attended college, as well as those who have attended college and desire to expand their current skills,” said Ingrid Hayes, senior vice president for Enrollment Management at Spelman College. “eSpelman courses are first-rate, high-touch curricula that are priced in a way that is not cost-prohibitive for potential learners.”
All of the eSpelman certificates and courses are designed by Spelman College faculty members. Launched in 2021, the program delivers online education and certificates that support the upskilling and career exploration of working adult learners.
Cosmetic Science
With a booming beauty and personal care product industry and growing interest in the science behind popular cosmetics, the online certificate in Cosmetic Science will give students a foundation for advancing in the area.
“We will dive into the fundamental science behind hair, skin, fragrance, and color formulations while exploring historical context that informs beauty practices in communities of African descent,” said Leyte Winfield, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry and certificate program developer.
Entrepreneurship
The Entrepreneurship certificate courses cover the foundational concepts behind creating winning business ventures, financing, drafting business plans, human resources law, marketing and promotion, IT needs and government licensing.
“You can be wired for entrepreneurial thinking and still need answers and direction when you first start out,” said Felicia Roquemore, director of Management and Organization in the Economics Department and online Entrepreneurship program leader.
The program is offered in partnership with the Center for Black Entrepreneurship, an endeavor of Spelman College and Morehouse College working to eliminate access barriers between Black entrepreneurs, professional investors and business builders by leveraging education, mentorship, access to capital and opportunity.
Expanding Access
eSpelman first offered online certificate courses in 2020 to working adults who were employees of key national business partners. Now those programs – Diverse Leadership, Project Management, Business Essentials and Leading Self, Leading Others – are accepting applications from any interested student.
eSpelman certificates are designed for those with a high school diploma and provide career-advancing skills and transferrable college credit.
“We are expanding access and widening the reach of Spelman through these courses that are open to all types of students,” said Tiffany Watson, Ph.D., associate vice president for eSpelman Operations.
Spelman Success
The new offerings blend popular topics with in-demand skills and all through the lens of the Spelman experience.
“Spelman College faculty have such an innovative approach to weaving the African Diaspora into the course work,” said Dolores Bradley-Brennan, Ph.D., Spelman College interim provost. “By building on that foundation for these eSpelman courses, we provide a unique perspective that isn’t available at other institutions.”
