Teaching Assistant Development Program

Supporting Graduate Students' Academic and Professional Success

University Teaching Certificate

The University of California, Riverside’s Graduate Division created the University Teaching Certificate (UTC) Program as a two-quarter instructional training and certification program for graduate students. This highly competitive program is designed to assist graduate students interested in careers as university-level instructors to develop teaching and lecturing strategies, design a teaching philosophy, and become members of the professional teaching community. The goal of the UTC program is to equip graduate students with the necessary skills so that they can be regarded as both outstanding scholars and teachers in their continued work in academia. Ph.D. students and Master’s students are welcome to apply. Postdocs may also apply, but will not receive the six units of UCR credit if they are accepted (see FAQ).

The first quarter of the UTC program (GDIV 301) will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00–12:20pm in Fall 2026. The second quarter of the UTC program (GDIV 302) is an independent practicum that meets for three total seminars.

Applications for the Winter 2026 - Spring 2026 cohort are now closed. Applications for the Fall 2026 - Winter 2027 cohort will open Week 3 of the Spring 2026 quarter.

To be considered for the UTC Program please submit:

  • An application form (including a statement of interest)
  • A letter of reference
  • Three quarters of teaching evaluations, either from UCR or from other institutions where you have previously taught. Alternatively, you may complete the Stay TA Ready Program or attend the Teaching Development Track of the Teaching Careers Week event held in Spring quarter if you do not have three quarters of teaching evaluations.

After submitting your application, the UTC Coordinator will email your listed reference directly for a letter of recommendation. Please visit the UTC application page for more information and to submit your application.

Please reach out to our UTC coordinator at utc@ucr.edu with any questions about the program.

Testimonials

Seminar class meeting
“The UTC program should be required for all future professors. I enjoyed learning from my peers during the class discussions, and I appreciated the perspectives from graduate students outside of my college as well. The portfolio I generated will be incredibly helpful as I apply for teaching positions.”
Lecturing to a Class
“The program helped me identify my current teaching strengths, and clarified ways in which I can grow as an instructor. It touches on all aspects of good teaching, and is an excellent opportunity for professional development.”
UTC Testimonial
“The program helped me critically evaluate my teaching methods. My future students will benefit from me participating in the program as will I during the job application process.”
UTC Testimonial
“The UTC program prompted the consideration of methods and scenarios that would not have occurred to me until they actually happened in the classroom. I feel that I am now more understanding of the diverse educational backgrounds and struggles my students may have.”

Questions? Consult our FAQ or email our UTC Coordinator at utc@ucr.edu.