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Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning

Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning

Rob Branch, Ed.D., Professor

The reason why you have instructional design models is because learning is very different from very different places.

Robert Branch

Overview

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

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.

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. 

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. Statement of purpose – Submit to the Graduate School online in your application.  The purpose statement should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to online teaching and learning. PreK-12 educators who are interested in seeking the Online Teaching Endorsement from the Georgia PSC must state their intention to earn the endorsement in their statement of purpose.
  5. Résumé or curriculum vita – Upload to the Graduate School 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

Cost

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.

Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $9,675 in tuition. Reference this sheet to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.

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

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

Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $411 per semester. 

Potential additional costs include:

  • Textbooks
  • Exam proctoring fees
  • Technology upgrades 

The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.

Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.

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.

Corporate Assistance

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

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

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 microphone are required.
  • High-speed internet access.

Curriculum

Students seeking this certificate will take the following courses:

CourseTitle
EDIT 6400EEmerging Approaches in Teaching, Learning, and Technology (3 hours)
EDIT 6170EIntroduction to Instructional Design (3 hours)
EDIT 7520EOnline Teaching & Learning (3 hours)
EDIT 7350EEvaluation and Analytics in Instructional Design (3 hours)
EDIT 7460EInternship 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.

Licensure

This program is designed to enable you to practice in a licensed profession through initial certification in the state of Georgia. If you apply to this program from a state outside of Georgia with the plan to work in Georgia, you will be given the opportunity to attest to that intention when you apply.

An enrollment coach will contact you to determine your circumstances and ensure that this program will be effective for you.

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

Faculty

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Contact Information

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

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