Overview

Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning

This certificate in online teaching is ideal for people who are already teaching or who hope to do so in the future, whether in P-12, higher education, or at the corporate level. These courses will prepare you to become a thoughtful and skilled online educator at a time when there is a pressing need for these skills in the educational landscape.

After completing five courses, you can earn your Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning through UGA's Mary Frances Early College of Education Learning, Design, and Technology program. Certified P-12 teachers can also earn the Georgia PSC-approved Online Teaching Endorsement through this program. All courses are taught by experienced faculty, offered online, and scheduled for busy graduate students and working adults.

This Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning program provides a solid foundation in learning, evaluation, and instructional theories related to online learning and the creation of effective online courses. You will gain experience with a broad range of technology tools commonly used in online education with multiple opportunities to apply this knowledge in authentic online instructional settings relevant to your current or intended careers.

Throughout this Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning program, the emphasis is not on “one best way” to teach online, but rather on developing a deep understanding of online learning and learners, a wide-range of instructional tools and strategies, and the skills to choose critically among these to best teach diverse learners in a variety of online formats.

Upgrade your teaching skills in with the Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning program and make a greater contribution to your chosen profession.

Frequently asked questions answered by the program coordinator.

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission has approved the University of Georgia to offer the Online Teaching Endorsement for in-field Georgia educators.

Cost

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates and student fees can change each year. 

Based on 2022 credit hour cost, a person completing this program at the recommended pace would have paid $9,435 in tuition.  

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar's Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year's current tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those fees in the fall semester of 2022 was $147 for students enrolled in exclusively online courses. 

Potential additional costs include textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades. 

Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance for the Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning program.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

This program is TAP eligible. The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section). 

Technology Requirements

  • Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and printer may be required.
  • High-speed internet access.

Admissions

Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning Program Admission Requirements 

Students who are not currently enrolled at UGA should apply to the graduate school for the Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning and are not required to take entrance exams and submit letters of recommendation. You should also submit this OTL Certificate form, which includes the submission of a single-page Statement of Purpose. If admitted, you will be assigned an advisor to ensure successful enrollment in courses.

Currently enrolled UGA students who choose to pursue this certificate should submit this OTL Certificate form, which includes the submission of a single-page Statement of Purpose. If admitted, you will be assigned an advisor to ensure successful enrollment in courses.

Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning Program Application Checklist 

  1. Application – Submit online to the Graduate School Admissions. Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
  2. Select Campus - Online
  3. Select Intended Program - CERG, Online Teaching and Learning (Career and Info Studies)[CERT_2OTL] 
  4. Submit the Supplemental Application - Complete the Online Teaching and Learning Supplemental Form online.
  5. Statement of purpose - Submit to the Graduate School online in your application.
  6. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.

International Applicants - must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores

Application Deadlines

Domestic Applicants

  • Fall:  July 1
  • Spring:  November 15
  • Summer:  May 1

International Applicants

  • Fall:  April 15
  • Spring:  October 15
  • Summer:  February 15

Admissions Decisions

Admission decisions are made for any completed applications at the beginning of each month. Notification may take 1-2 weeks following a decision. We know you are eager to hear back; thank you for your patience with the process!

Curriculum

Students seeking this certificate will take the following courses:

 
Course Title

EDIT 6400E

Emerging Approaches in Teaching, Learning, and Technology (3 hours)

EDIT 6170E

Introduction to Instructional Design (3 hours)

EDIT 7520E

Online Teaching & Learning (3 hours)

EDIT 7350E

Evaluation and Analytics in Instructional Design (3 hours)

EDIT 7460E

Internship in Instructional Technology (3 hours)

NOTE: Student class scheduling is subject to course availability. All courses are offered at least once per year with several being offered twice. Be sure to communicate with your academic advisor.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.

Contact Information

Email us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7940