Research Mentorship Program - EDC-X709AA

Course Description

Credit Validation for Collegiate Mentorship Program Participants Only

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.

Learner Outcomes

• Develop a research outline to organize and guide the research process
• Synthesize data and existing research to draw conclusions relevant to the student’s paper
• Apply proper source citation and APA formatting standards in the development of a research paper

Course Details

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

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.

• Homepage: Collegiate Mentorship Program

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.

• Locate the same course on our listings page
• Click Add to Cart
• Click Check Out
• You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units

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:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.