Get to Know Our GRAD Courses

You’re probably familiar with the events, workshops, presentations, and panels that the CGLL runs each semester – but we also offer graduate level academic classes! GRAD courses help round out your academic/professional repertoire – and if you’re worried about the extra credit hours, don’t be: our coursework is designed around the busy grad student schedule. Even better, they sometimes count towards your major!

We have a page detailing the nitty-gritty for each class when you’re ready to sign up, but read on for overviews of all the Spring 2025 GRAD courses:

GRAD 6201/8201 Teaching at the University Level

Are you exploring college teaching as a possible career path? This course provides tools for that journey. Learn to create great syllabi and rubrics, foster critical thinking, and develop methods to use teaching philosophies effectively. Other key topics include student demographics, active learning, assessments/grading, the psychological theories relevant to teaching, and the role of technology in the classroom. At the end of the semester, the students become the teachers, and put what they’ve learned into practice before their peers, and receive relevant feedback.

GRAD 6212 Academic Writing

Course papers, journal articles, theses, dissertations…graduate students are expected to write a lot. Getting a handle on fundamental writing strategies can make the difference between success or failure at the end of the semester. Students preparing to put pen to paper this spring will benefit from adding Academic Writing to their schedules.

GRAD 8610 Making Dissertations Happen

The dissertation process can be daunting. Juggling research and writing with other aspects of your life – including working and caregiving – can feel overwhelming. Learn to approach the process with resilience in GRAD 8610. By the end of this course, you’ll have the skills to better manage stress and procrastination, prioritize your writing, and approach your work in healthy ways, all while building community and making meaningful progress on your dissertation.

GRAD 6302/8302 Responsible Conduct of Research

Doctoral students are required to enroll in the Responsible Conduct of Research (as 8302), but all graduate students are encouraged to take this course (as 6302). Designed for those who foresee a career in research, this in-person course provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory, policy, and ethical issues related to research. The course utilizes a curriculum that satisfies the requirements of the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. A variety of guest lecturers provide subject matter expertise and practical insights on different research topics. 

GRAD 6320/8320 Personal Career Branding: Identity, Management, and Promotion

Self-promotion is a crucial skill in today’s job market, but many candidates don’t know how to market themselves effectively. With so many qualified people competing for the same opportunities, learning how to highlight your strengths and address your shortcomings can be a differentiator. This course gives you the tools to build your personal brand and build a strong foundation to kickstart your professional career journey.

GRAD 6340/8340 Data Analysis and Visualization

This practical course is designed to equip students with the skills to gather, organize, analyze, and present data effectively using Excel and Tableau. The course covers essential topics such as hypothesis testing, predictive modeling, and advanced data visualization techniques, enabling students to make data-driven decisions and communicate their findings to non-experts. Through hands-on assignments and a final project, students will apply these techniques to real-world scenarios, enhancing their analytical and presentation skills.

GRAD 6350/8350 Leadership Essentials

Get in touch with your strengths and identify opportunities for growth through the lens of various leadership styles, which are discussed and applied in class. You’ll be better equipped to effectively manage your work and relationships, as well as be more productive overall.

GRAD 6360/8360 The Art of Effective Speaking

Does public speaking make you nervous? In this advanced oral presentation skills class, graduate students learn a systematic approach to be more effective and confident in spoken interactions. Coaching and tips from both the instructor and fellow students will help you become a better communicator in personal, academic, and professional situations.