Academic Advising

Mastery Advising Certificate

Goals & Outcomes

Upon completion of Mastery Advising Certificate, advisors will:
  • Demonstrate proficiency in aptitude and application of processes within Purdue Academic Advising
  • Demonstrate integration of advising theory into their daily practice
  • Illustrate global knowledge of Purdue University and higher education
  • demonstrate intentional integration of NACADA Core Competencies in advising practice
  • obtain the Purdue Mastery Advising Certificate credential

Program Highlights

Applied Learning That Improves Student Success

Participants complete projects that directly enhance advising services, student support initiatives, outreach strategies, technology interventions, assessment efforts, and advising practices. Projects are implemented, evaluated, and refined using evidence and reflection. 

Flexible, Personalized Pathways

Advisors choose from a wide variety of projects aligned with their professional interests and career goals, allowing them to build expertise in areas such as student success initiatives, advising assessment, technology, leadership, mentoring, scholarship, conference presentations, and program development.

Grounded in Global Advising Standards

The curriculum is aligned with the NACADA Core Competencies and encourages advisors to deepen their understanding of the informational, conceptual, and relational foundations of academic advising. 

Leadership Development

The program provides opportunities to develop leadership through mentoring, committee participation, hiring processes, professional organizations, and leadership-focused projects that strengthen the capacity to influence and support the advising profession. 

Scholarship and Professional Contribution

Participants engage in scholarship through conference proposals, presentations, poster sessions, theory-to-practice projects, and contributions to professional organizations, advancing both individual expertise and the broader advising community. 

Collaborative Learning Community

Advisors participate in seminar-based discussions, project presentations, peer feedback, and mentoring opportunities that foster collaboration and continuous learning across campus.

Professional Portfolio Development

The program culminates in a comprehensive professional portfolio that showcases advising philosophy, leadership philosophy, professional growth, project accomplishments, and demonstrated competency development. 

Key Features

  • Two-year advanced certificate experience focused on advising excellence. 
  • Self-directed, project-based learning model with personalized goals and outcomes.
  • Development across three proficiency areas: Practice, Scholarship, and Leadership. 
  • Opportunities to implement, assess, and share innovative advising practices. 
  • Ongoing engagement through seminars, presentations, mentoring, and peer collaboration.