Q. What is the cost of the program?
A. Students in the program pay regular Portland State University tuition. The estimated overall tuition of the program is $7,599.25 based on 2006-2007 tuition. Once the 2007-2008 tuition is set, the total tuition may be a little higher.

Q. Is there any scholarship money available?
A. The program developers are applying for grants that would provide scholarships. Continuing Education has a small scholarship program. For an application, contact 503-725-4628. There is also the Career Training Loan Program, a low-interest lending option. To find out more about this loan, visit www.slmeducationloans.com.

Q. How often will students be required to come to the Portland State campus?
A. Once a quarter on weekends. All other work is in a distance mode at the students convenience.

Q. Will Portland State arrange accommodations for the weekend classes?
A. Students are expected to make their own arrangements.

Q. Can the program be taken for noncredit or CEUs only?
A. That is not an option at this time.

Q. If I can't start in the fall, can I join the program at a later date?
A. This is a cohort program, so all participants start together and plan to be part of the cohort for the full six quarters of the program.

Q. Is there a final project?
A. A final presentation is part of the requirement for the practicum experience.

Q. How do you choose cohort members from the applicant pool?
A. We hope to gather together a cohort of individuals from a variety of professions and geographic areas who will have the opportunity to make an impact on services to families with young children in our area.

Q. How will having this certificate improve my earning capability?
A. This Certificate of Completion indicates to your employer that you have concentrated, specialized training at the graduate level in the field of infant mental health for working with families with children from the prenatal period to 36 months of age. It is not the same as an endorsement or a license. Please refer to the Certificate of Completion page on this website for further details about using CEUs and credits earned in this program toward professional licensure.