Program Overview

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Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Distance Education

The Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Distance Education is designed to meet the rising demand for distance education professionals. This program focuses on adult education principles, distance learning course design, and research and evaluation in distance education.

Program Description

• The program is designed by the founding director of the American Center for the Study of Distance Education.
• It is a 100% online program, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace.
• The program requires 9 credits and costs $1,037 per credit.

Application Deadline

• Apply by April 15 to start May 18.

Credits and Costs

• The program requires 9 credits.
• The cost is $1,037 per credit.

Skills and Knowledge

• Create and deliver distance learning experiences for higher education, K–12, corporate, health care, military, and nonprofit organizations.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, issues, research, design, and applications.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the field’s historical foundation and its impact on present-day development.
• Apply firsthand online education experience while teaching others.

Online Distance Education Courses

• Learn distance education fundamentals while experiencing distance education firsthand with 100% online courses.

Required Courses (9 credits)

• ADTED 470: Introduction to Distance Education (3 credits)
  • An introduction to the history, philosophy, organizations, learning theories, and instructional procedures used in American and foreign distance education.
• ADTED 531: Course Design and Development in Distance Education (3 credits)
  • In-depth study of the practices of designing courses taught by print, broadcast, and telecommunications media to adult distance learners.
  • Prerequisite: ADTED 470, LDT 415A
• ADTED 532: Research and Evaluation in Distance Education (3 credits)
  • Study of previous, current, and needed research, and of strategies and issues concerning evaluation, in distance education.

Career Opportunities

• The demand for distance education professionals continues to increase.
• Job titles related to this degree include:
  • Teachers
  • Trainers
  • Instruction coordinators
  • Instructional designers
  • Course builders
  • Program managers
  • Administrators
  • Online learning directors
  • Librarians

Career Services

• From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career.
• Resources include:
  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources

Costs and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register.
• Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
• 2025–26 Academic Year Rates:
  • 11 or fewer credits: $1,037 per credit
  • 12 or more credits: $12,448 per semester
• 2026–27 Academic Year Rates:
  • 11 or fewer credits: $1,048 per credit
  • 12 or more credits: $12,572 per semester

Military Benefits

• Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities.

Application Instructions

• Review the admission requirements.
• Gather required materials, including:
  • Official transcripts from each institution attended
  • Test scores (GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
  • References
  • Résumé
  • Statement of Purpose
• Create a Penn State login account.
• Complete the application.

Admissions Help

• If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor.

Faculty

• The program was designed by world-renowned Penn State College of Education faculty.
• Faculty members include:
  • José Cossa, Ph.D.
  • William C. Diehl, Ph.D.

Program Accreditation

• Penn State is an Act 48–approved provider for Pennsylvania educators.

Who Should Apply

• If you are an administrator, educator, instructor, instructional designer, or trainer who wants to expand your knowledge and build skills in the field of distance education, this could be the postbaccalaureate certificate program for you.

Set Your Own Pace

• Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals.
• Many students take one or two courses per semester.

To Finish Your Certificate in One Year

• Take 2 courses each semester

To Finish Your Certificate in Two Years

• Take 1 course each semester

Convenient Online Format

• This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

• Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades.

Information for Military and Veterans

• Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit the military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.

A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree

• Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, but it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.
• Some or all credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus degree program:
  • Lifelong Learning and Adult Education (Master of Education)