The cornerstone of the CDS continuing education program is the Certificate in Documentary Arts. Enrollment in the certificate program is not required for students to take CDS courses; however, working toward a certificate provides a more formal process for involvement and for reaching specific goals. No prior educational specialization or expertise is required for enrollment in the program.
The certificate program establishes a process for engaging and empowering already motivated people to do the work they care about. Specific project goals, integral to the certificate program, create better opportunities for the successful completion of this work. In addition, certificate students can become part of a vibrant program with interested, supportive colleagues.
Students are encouraged to think broadly about their projects. While most are photo, audio, or video projects, students have also completed multimedia projects, websites, books, and installations.
Due to COVID, all coursework has moved to 100% online. Given the enduring nature of the pandemic, all certificates will require will be as follows:
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Apply for the CD Courses Certificate Program by filling out this application
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Introductory Seminar in Documentary Studies: Ethics and Practice or Intensive Introduction to Documentary Studies: Ethics and Practice (offered in the Summer)
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Introductory Seminar in Documentary Studies: Traditions
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Elective (non-required courses) courses in any medium
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An Independent Study
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An advance project course in the medium of your choice
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One in-process substantial documentary project: This may be in audio, video, writing, photography, web based or multimedia. A ten-minute portion of the project will be presented to the public at the certificate ceremony. You are required to have a final draft of your project before signing up for the Final Project Seminar.
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Final Project Seminar in Documentary Studies class (permission from the Director of CDS Courses is required)
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A total of 112 credit hours
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Students have four years from the time they enroll in the certificate program to finish
If you have any questions about the certificate program, book an advising session. Be aware that a new more robust certificate is in the works. All students who began the certificate (submitted the application to start the certificate) as of December 2020 are grandfathered into the current requirements for the duration of the completion of their certificate.