Distance Education Certificate Program

How you'll participate

core modulesEarning the certificate involves completing a combination of four required core modules and several electives. While we strongly recommend beginning with the core module on Learning at a Distance, you may complete the required courses and electives in any sequence. You will work with an advisor to find courses and develop a plan of study that works for you.

Completing the four core modules

If you've looked at this program in the past, you'll notice a change in our approach to scheduling to give you more control over how you'll complete the required core modules. Each of the four required core modules is available in both group-based and independent, self-paced formats. You can now complete all four core modules in the same format or alternate between formats depending on your needs and schedule. The content in either option is similar, but projects and activities vary.

The chart below let's you compare the study options side by side.

Group-based format Self-paced format
You move through the content in a fixed schedule with colleagues. Core modules are six weeks in length and are scheduled as group-based offerings once or twice a year. You enroll and start whenever you're ready and set your own timeline for completion.
Online discussion, debates, case studies, idea exchange and group projects are key activities that build your knowledge and skills. Activities include self-check and reflective activities and projects that you can adapt to your context with feedback and guidance from an advisor.
This option involves a commitment to participate in all weekly online activities by logging in several times during the week. You work through the content and exercises on your own schedule.
Group-based learning appeals to those who prefer a consistent schedule, working collaboratively, and having group support. The self-paced format appeals to learners who prefer flexibility, working independently, and the opportunity to take initiative for their own learning.
The time commitment is roughly 10 hours per week for reading, group discussion, and application exercises. Each core module is designed to be completed in a minimum time of 30 hours.

Electives

Electives cover a variety of topics and provide different types of learning experiences. Elective formats range from group-based experiences using online discussion forums to live Webconferencing events to self-paced courses using online materials. The nature of the activities and projects vary with each elective. Visit our curriculum page to view the list of courses, formats, and descriptions.

Assessing your learning

Satisfactory completion of each course in the Certificate Program requires a project, report, or participation for demonstrating and evaluating competency in the subject matter. The assessment methods are intended to be an integral part of the learning process.

  • Through the projects, you explore topics in more depth and gain practical application skills.
  • Through the reports, you synthesize what you learned and its value for you. The projects and reports also comprise a portfolio of work that you keep for future reference.
  • Through online participation, you post your ideas and comments to demonstrate analysis, synthesis, or reflection and foster knowledge construction and application.