Program Objectives

Aligned with the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) standards, this program prepares graduates to:

• Create, use, assess, and manage theoretical and practical applications of educational technologies and processes.
• Demonstrate effective analysis, integration, and implementation of educational technologies and processes based on contemporary content and pedagogy.
• Facilitate learning by creating, using, evaluating, and managing effective learning environments.
• Design, develop, implement, and evaluate technology-rich learning environments within a supportive community of practice.
• Explore, evaluate, synthesize, and apply methods of inquiry to enhance learning and improve performance.

Concentrations

The Instructional Systems Technology graduate certificate has three concentrations:

1. School Specialist
2. Training and Development
3. Online Learning and Teaching

School Specialist Concentration

This concentration is for those who work in the P-12 system and who already hold either an “A” or “G” level teaching license from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (or from another state).  School system personnel who currently hold a valid “A” or “M” level teaching license and are eligible for the Special Endorsement in Computer Education (079 License ) by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction at the end of this graduate certificate.

Training and Development Concentration

This concentration is for those who wish to do training and development in corporate, higher education, government, and military.

Online Teaching and Learning Concentration

This concentration is for those interested in designing, developing, or managing online learning and teaching.

Admission Requirements

Interested applicants may apply online at graduateschool.uncc.edu.  Applications are accepted for Fall, Spring, and Summer admissions.  Check the program website for application deadlines.

• B.A. or B.S. degree in an appropriate field of study from a regionally accredited institution
• Official transcripts
• An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher for the last two years of coursework
• Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills
• For those seeking the 079 endorsement, the following additional documents are required:
  • A valid North Carolina teacher’s license
  • A minimum of 2 to 3 years teaching or other professional experience
• Statement of Purpose of no more than 750 words in 12-point font and double-spaced, written definitively, coherently, and incorporating thoughtful expression in response to:
  • How will this program help you to achieve your professional goals?
  • What skills and knowledge do you hope to acquire and develop as a result of this program?
  • Characterize what you would contribute to the collective learning experiences of your fellow students.
  • Develop your narrative so that it clearly responds to the prompts and provides the reader with definitive, coherent, and thoughtful expression.

Early Entry Program

Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate certificate (Online Learning and Teaching concentration only) before completion of the baccalaureate degree.  See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements.  Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies  section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Early Entry Programs.

Certificate Requirements (18 credit hours)

Select one of the following concentrations:

Licensure (079 Endorsement)

School system personnel who currently hold a valid “A” or “M” level teaching license and who complete the School Specialist concentration of the Graduate Certificate in Instructional Systems Technology are eligible to earn the Special Endorsement in Computer Education (079) by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.  Professionals in the other concentrations will receive the Graduate Certificate only and not the 079 endorsement.