Student Services
Contact student services for M.Ed./Certificate related questions
cehdinfo@umn.edu
Tel: 612-625-3339
Fax: 612-625-9214
Online distance learning
Certificate program
Program
The online distance learning certificate is designed to prepare educators and other professionals to design and deliver distance learning opportunities in academic or business settings.
This 12-credit certificate program will prepare students to successfully design, develop, and deliver curriculum on the Internet; use interactive online media; and create online learning communities for business and K-12 and postsecondary schools. As schools and businesses embrace online education, a variety of instructional design guidelines and pedagogical approaches have been developed to effectively guide online education and enhance learning.
Certificate coursework includes face-to-face and online learning opportunities. Technology experience is not required, and courses are designed for learners with a wide range of experience.
Goals of the distance learning certificate include:
- Developing knowledge and skills in the best practices for designing and delivering online distance learning
- Engaging with current research about distance learning, current practices and learning theory
- Providing opportunities to practice designing, developing, and delivering online distance learning
- Creating learning communities where students can reflect on their own teaching, reading, designing, and writing
- Allowing students to learn from each other
The program is offered by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I). The certificate can also provide a portal to additional study, since certificate courses may be applied toward a M.Ed., M.A., M.S., Ed.D., or Ph.D. program.
The online distance learning program is one of three technology enhanced learning (TEL) certificates offered by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I). TEL certificates in multimedia design and development and K-12 technology integration are also available.
Admission
Program admission is open to graduate-level students only; a completed bachelor’s degree is required. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or be currently enrolled in a University of Minnesota graduate-level degree program
- Have a minimum 2.80 grade point average (GPA)
- For nonnative speakers of English, a passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. The following minimum TOEFL scores are required: 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79-80 (internet-based). If TOEFL scores are not available, other evidence must be submitted.
How to apply
Application materials:
-
All applicants must submit the following items:
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended or are currently attending, except the University of Minnesota. Transcripts can be uploaded directly into the Apply Yourself online application system. For instructions on how to upload your transcripts into the application system, click here.
- If you completed coursework at a university outside of the United States, your transcripts must be evaluated by a professional credential evaluation center. Request a “course-by-course” evaluation. This process can take 4-6 weeks, so please plan in advance. You can use any provider that is an accredited member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A suggested provider of this service is Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), P.O. Box 514070, Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470 (414-289-3400, fax: 414-289-3411).
- A one page goal statement that answers the following questions:
- What is your current involvement with technology?
- What is your anticipated or desired career interest related to technology?
Application instructions:
- LOG IN TO THE ON-LINE APPLICATION SYSTEM TO APPLY TO THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM. Be sure to save your PIN and password so you can access the application system to view your admission stats.
- When completing “Application Information” you will be asked what type of program you are applying to—choose “Certificate” from the pull down menu. Next you will be asked for your primary program objective—choose “Online Distance Learning” from the pull down menu. You do not need to select a second or third emphasis. You can skip those boxes and continue to complete the rest of the page.
- Continue through the application pages. On the SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL page you will have the opportunity to upload your transcripts and goal statement.
- Be sure to hit SUBMIT after you have completed the application. You will receive a decision notification by email within three weeks of submission of your application.
- CLICK HERE TO BEGIN THE ON-LINE APPLICATION PROCESS.
Nonnative English speakers and/or international students
This program is not offered full-time and therefore is not intended for international students needing a visa to study in the U.S.
Curriculum
Students must complete the following core courses totaling 12 credits:
- CI 5321—Foundations of Distance Education (3 cr)
- CI 5323—Online Learning Communities (3 cr)
- CI 5325—Designing and Developing Online Distance Learning (3 cr)
- CI 5327—Designing Online Adventure Learning (3 cr)
Note: For course descriptions and schedules, refer to the University's One Stop student services Web site.
Registration
After admission to the program, students register for courses online.
Students who want to begin coursework before they have been admitted to their program must use the One Stop non-degree registration option. Authorized signers in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction are:
- Jessie Eastman (eastm004@umn.edu; 612-625-2545) (primary signer)
- Kathryn Louis (loui0032@umn.edu; 612-625-9809) (backup)
For questions, see FAQ for non-degree graduate registration.
Note: Certificate coursework completed with undergraduate student status cannot be applied to graduate-level degree programs.
Tuition
Tuition varies depending on a student's degree program, student status, and residency. Students seeking the certificate only pay the CEHD departmental master's tuition rate. Students enrolled in Graduate School programs pay Graduate School tuition rates; students enrolled in undergraduate programs pay undergraduate tuition rates.
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents determines tuition rates annually before fall semester. For current tuition rates and reciprocity policies, check the college’s tuition and fees page.
Residents of Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Manitoba may be eligible for special tuition reciprocity rates comparable to Minnesota resident rates.
General financial aid advising and information are available from the University’s One Stop Student Services, 200 Fraser Hall, 106 Pleasant Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455; 612-624-1111.
For graduate assistantship/scholarship information (for students enrolled in graduate degree programs), contact the Graduate Assistant Office, 200 Donhowe (for mail) or 100 Donhowe (for walk in), Minneapolis, MN 55455, 612-624-7070, fax: 612-625-9801.
Program Completion
Final certificate clearance depends on completion of all course requirements, including the posting of final grades to the student’s transcript.
In addition to completing all program requirements, students must complete the Graduate Application for Degree/Certificate Form.
The College of Education and Human Development Graduate Student Services clears certificates on a monthly basis. This form must be submitted to One Stop Student Services on or before the first day of the month that the student intends to graduate. Students who submit the form to One Stop Student Services after the first day of the month will be cleared to graduate at the end of the following month.
Successful completion of the certificate will be noted on the student's official University of Minnesota transcript and an official certificate will be issued.
Core faculty
Aaron Doering
612-625-1073; email: adoering@umn.edu
Charles D. Miller
612-625-0534; email: charlesmiller@umn.edu
Cassandra Scharber
612-625-6607; email:
scharber@umn.edu
Jennifer Cherry
612-624-7442; email: cherry@umn.edu
Joel D. Donna
612-626-8276; e-mail: joeldonna@umn.edu
For more information
For information about the TEL certificates, contact:
Student Services
360 Ed Sciences Building
56 East River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55455
cehdinfo@umn.edu
Tel: 612-625-3339
Fax: 612-625-9214
Revised January 2012
