Online Learning (K-16), Graduate Certificate

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This 12-credit professional online graduate certificate program is designed to prepare candidates to enhance their knowledge, skills, competence, and leadership skills to meet the growing demand for e-learning both within K-16 education, as well as in corporate settings.

The program is partially aligned with National Standards for Quality Online Learning (NSQ) and International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Educators and Leaders. The courses meet in an online environment, with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate competence for effective online course design and delivery and teaching strategies for all learners, analytical skills necessary to conduct research or evaluation, and digital learning leadership. The key assessment types include design and development, research papers, case study, critical review, and multimedia presentation.

This program is designed for:

  • K-12 teachers from public or private schools, supervisors, curriculum developers, and administrators;
  • instructors, instructional designers, and educational technology professionals in higher education institutions; and
  • instructional designers and trainers at corporate settings.

Please note that this is a professional development certificate, not a state certification or credential for teaching.

Program learning outcomes include the ability to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the policies and major theoretical, conceptual, and historical aspects of distance learning.
  • Identify barriers that impede access and promote digital equity.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of principles and applications of universal design and accessibility for online teaching for all learners. 
  • Design and develop effective online courses and programs, applying appropriate instructional design models, pedagogical strategies, and technologies. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of current research trends and best practices in formative and summative assessment for online courses. 
  • Foster an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive climate for all students in an online environment. 
  • Model and promote continuous professional learning with evidence-based technology. 
  • Advocate for online teaching and learning. 
View requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog
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Application Deadline:

August 1: Fall semester
December 1: Spring semester
May 1: Summer semester
(Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a space availability basis)

International students are advised to apply by:
April 1: Fall (September intake)
November 1: Spring (January intake)
December 1: Summer (May intake) 

Program Completion Requirements: 

  • Successful completion of 12 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Admission Requirements:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended. 
  • Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.*  
    (*Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may supplement their application with additional evidence in support of their academic potential for successful completion of the program.) 
Contact Us

Professor Heejung An
Program Director, Department of Educational Leadership and Professional Studies
Phone: 973-720-2280
Email: anh2@wpunj.edu