Thomas Reed, Associate Director of Michigan AHEC, Achieving Success in Graduate Certificate Program

Taking what is learned in class and applying it to your job is part of Thomas Reed's experience studying for a graduate certificate in Health Communication.

A graduate certificate is different than studying for a master's or Ph.D. Students can gain additional knowledge without taking on another degree.

In June 2014, Reed became the Associate Director of the Michigan Area Health Education Center (AHEC) at Wayne State University. AHEC is a program that serves medically disadvantaged populations.

The next fall, Reed enrolled at Wayne State. He said he was interested in the program because it focused on the same type of work he does at AHEC.

"As someone who just turned 60, I had no expectation of ever returning to the classroom," said Reed. "The Graduate Certificate programs allow for both senior learning and career development a the same time."

In the fall 2015 semester, Reed took COM 7010, a special topics course with Dr. Lee Wilkins.

"Dr. Wilkins is a talented educator and journalist," said Reed. "Her guidance allowed me to take what I learned in class and apply it immediately in my work session."

In the course, Reed created an online newsletter for the Michigan AHEC program.

Reed emphasized that he enjoys working and going to school at Wayne State.

"Wayne State University is a great place to work and go to school," said Reed. "The graduate certificate program allowed me to do both."