Learning, Design, and Technology, Graduate Certificate

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This graduate certificate program prepares learning, design and technology professionals to create, analyze, use, integrate, implement, assess, evaluate and manage instructional and performance solutions. When students graduate, they hold learning, design and technology positions in education (P-12 and higher education), corporate, government, or military organizations. The program develops professionals who are solidly grounded in learning technology foundations, principles, theories, applications, and current trends and provides opportunities for them to integrate different forms of technology to enhance teaching and learning.

The program is aligned with the Association for Educational Communications and Technology International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (IPSTPI), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) standards, and the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) professional standards.

Students select from one of three concentrations:

School Specialist (18 credit hours)
Training and Development (15 credit hours)
Online Learning and Teaching (15 credit hours)

This graduate certificate program is offered 100% online.

Program Objectives

This program prepares graduates to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the field and instructional design and its professional standards, and are able to apply knowledge and skills specific to their concentration area
Demonstrate skills and commitment to create, use, evaluate, and manage effective learning environments and processes utilizing innovative technologies,
Apply research and evidence-based solutions to provide leadership in the field of Learning, Design, and Technology
Model and promote reflective practice and ethical use of instructional design and technology to engage a variety of learners, improve learning and performance, and enrich professional practice.

Admission Requirements

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 college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body
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 from NCDPI in the school specialist concentration, 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 achieve your professional goals?
- What skills and knowledge do you hope to acquire and develop from this program?
- Characterize what you would contribute to the collective learning experiences of your fellow students.
- Develop your narrative to respond clearly to the prompts and give the reader definitive, coherent, and thoughtful expression..

Note: GRE scores are not required.

Early Entry Program

Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate certificate in the Online Learning and Teaching concentration or the Training and Development concentration before completion of the baccalaureate degree. See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements.

Certificate Requirements

Select one of the following concentrations:

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.

Required Courses (18 credit hours)

Training and Development Concentration

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

Required Courses (15 credit hours)

Online Learning and Teaching Concentration

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

Required Courses (15 credit hours)

Certificate Total = 15-18 Credit Hours

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 Learning, Design, and 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.