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.
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)
Admission is open to degree-seeking and non-degree seeking students.
Applicants must submit the following application materials:
- a completed Online Distance Learning Certificate Application [.pdf].
- a one-page goal statement
- unofficial transcript of current University of Minnesota coursework or transcript showing completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
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
Currently admitted degree-seeking or non-degree seeking students may register for coursework on-line at the University’s student service Web site.
Students not already admitted to the University of Minnesota and who do not wish to apply to a degree program should complete a First-Time Registration for non-degree seeking Students packet [.pdf]. Packets are also available at the college’s office of Student Services, 150 Williamson Hall, 231 Pillsbury Dr. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455; 612-625-6501; or cehdgrad@umn.edu.
For questions about registration, contact 612-625-5815.
Note: Certificate coursework completed with undergraduate student status cannot be applied to graduate-level degree programs.
Tuition
Certificate tuition varies, depending on a student’s enrollment status and residency. Tuition fees are charged according to the following criteria:
- Students seeking the certificate only pay the CEHD departmental master’s (M.Ed.) tuition rate
- Students enrolled in certificate and master of education (M.Ed.) programs pay the CEHD departmental master’s tuition rate
- Students enrolled in Graduate School programs (e.g., M.A., Ph.D., Ed.D.) pay Graduate School tuition rates.
For current tuition rates, see the college’s tuition and fees.
Tuition rates are determined annually by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents before fall semester. Students may be billed for additional fees at the time of registration.
Residents of Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Manitoba may be eligible for special tuition reciprocity rates comparable to Minnesota resident rates. Information about tuition reciprocity is available at the University’s Office of Admissions Web site.
General financial aid advising and information are available from the University’s Office of Student Finance (OSF), 200 Fraser Hall, 106 Pleasant Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455; 612-624-1111; or on the Web.
For graduate assistantship/scholarship information (for students enrolled in graduate degree programs), contact the Graduate Assistant Employment office, 200 Donhowe (for mail) or 100 Donhowe (for walk in), Minneapolis, MN 55455; 612-624-7070; fax: 612-625-9801.
Program staff
Program contact
Aaron Doering
612-625-1073, adoering@umn.edu
Revised November 2006