This program is a two-month-long, one-on-one, remote, project-based research opportunity in which students work directly with one of our mentors. Together, the student and mentor collaborate on a project that is typically a written research report. However, projects may also take the form of a more tangible product related to the student’s primary area of interest, such as building hardware, coding software, creating a film, composing music, and more.
The program includes weekly video sessions between the student and mentor, as well as ongoing email collaboration as they work through weekly objectives. Early program goals focus on finalizing the research topic and building the student’s foundation in the necessary skills, concepts, and tools. Later stages of the program are generally focused on completing the final paper or project with close guidance and support from the mentor.
Students are evaluated by their mentor at both the midpoint and conclusion of the program. Ultimately, this program provides students with the opportunity to engage in unique, advanced, and challenging work within their primary field of interest.
Number of Units: 1.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours.
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Collegiate Mentorship Program Participants.
PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ENROLL WITH THE PARTNERED ORGANIZATION AND PAY ALL REQUIRED FEES BEFORE PURCHASING UNITS THROUGH USD.
University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information
The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.
Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.
These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.
Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.
Directions to Enroll for Credit
Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.
Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.
Step 2: Register for University Credit After confirming your registration with the partner organization, return to USD’s website.
If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.
Step 3: Complete the Course Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments.
Step 4: Partner Organization Submits Grades After you finish, the partner organization will submit your final grade to USD.
Step 5: Receive Your Transcript Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account.
Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.
Transcript Delivery Timeline:
For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.
Prerequisites: Students should have the requisite communication skills (speaking, academic writing) and commit to putting in 5-10 hours of work per week towards their project objectives.
Audience: High achieving high school and university students.
Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, minus a $25 processing fee, if the refund is requested within 30 days of the enrollment date. Refunds will not be issued once a grade has been assigned or after the 30-day period has passed.
Enrollment Open Through: December 31, 2026 (11:59pm PT)
Enrollment Open Through: Dec/31/2026 11:59 PM
Enrollment Open: Jan/01/2027 12:00 AM through Dec/31/2027 11:59 PM
Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.
The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.
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Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals.
The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.
Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.
Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.
Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.