Online Teaching and Learning Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Certificate Program Objectives

The certificate program in Online Teaching and Learning seeks to develop creative professionals who have:

1. Developed knowledge and skills of designing, developing, implementing, managing and evaluating online learning environments.
2. Developed conceptual and practical understanding of principles of instructional design and effective online teaching.
3. Demonstrated application of research-based, pedagogically effective learning strategies, appropriate organization of content, level of student engagement, differentiated learning, higher order thinking skills, and appropriate instructor-student and student-student interaction in the design of online learning environments.
4. Demonstrated skills in integrating instructional design principles and procedures with multimedia technologies and course management tools to develop highly engaging and interactive online learning environments.
5. Developed skills of planning, designing and incorporating strategies to encourage active learning, interaction, participation and collaboration in the online environment.
6. Developed knowledge of legal, ethical, safe and healthy behavior related to technology use.
7. Developed knowledge and skills of designing, developing, delivering and evaluating online learning environments that are accessible for individuals with disabilities and are responsive to learners’ diversity and cultural differences.
8. Demonstrated competencies in creating and implementing assessments in online learning environments in ways that assure validity and reliability of instruments and procedures.
9. Demonstrated competencies in using data and findings from assessments and otter data sources to modify instructional methods and content and to guide student learning in online learning environments.
10. Demonstrated administrative skills in planning, launching, maintaining and coordinating distance education programs.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate certificate in online teaching must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in this country, or its equivalent in a foreign institution based on a four-year program, and have a strong overall academic record with a “B” average or better in the basic courses required in the area of the proposed certificate program.

To apply for admission to the graduate Certificate in Online Teaching program you must submit the following:

1. An application for admission to the graduate school;
2. Official transcripts of all prior university or college coursework (undergraduate and graduate);
3. Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields; and
4. A professional resume and personal statement describing reasons for pursuing the Certificate in Online Teaching.
5. International students: TOEFL minimum scores of 79 on the Internet-based exam or 550 on the paper-based exam. TOEFL scores are good for two years from the date the test is administered.
6. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

Applicants who will apply for Special Endorsement in Online Teaching and Learning must currently have (or be eligible for) a NC teaching license. Students may transfer up to 10 semester hours as a non-degree student at UNCW toward this certificate program. Individuals who fall below one of these criteria may be admitted if other factors indicate potential for success. The courses in this certificate program are all project-based with individual and team collaboration. There is close mentoring from faculty in the hands on design of online courses. These factors help in the successful completion of the program.

Certificate Requirements (18 credit hours)

The program leading to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in online teaching and learning provides professional training for individuals who wish to develop or expand their knowledge and skills in teaching online courses and managing online learning environments.