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This 12-credit certificate program is available completely online, allowing you to learn the content of distance education through the process of distance education. Course topics include:

  •     adult education principles
  •     distance education course design
  •     instructional technology

Position Yourself for the Future

Distance education is becoming widely embraced as more companies and educational institutions are searching for cost-effective alternatives to traditional workshops, conferences, and classroom instruction that require students to leave the workplace.

A certificate in distance education positions students for career advancement in this field. New career opportunities for distance education professionals are becoming available in continuing education centers, community colleges, universities, and training and consulting firms.

Convenient and Flexible

Each course is taught online to maximize flexibility, while maintaining teacher and student interaction. As a Penn State online student, you can learn when and where it's most convenient for you.   

Course List - Postbaccalaureate in Distance Education 

Required Courses (12 credits)
Title Abbreviation Description Credits
Introduction to Adult Education ADTED 460 History, methods, agencies, program areas, and problems of adult education in the United States and selected countries. 3 credits
Introduction to Distance Education ADTED 470 An introduction to the history, philosophy, organizations, learning theories, and instructional procedures used in American and international distance education. 3 credits
Course Design and Development in Distance Education ADTED 531 In-depth study of the practices of designing courses taught by print, broadcast, and telecommunications media to adult distance learners.

Prerequisites: ADTED 470, INSYS 415		 3 credits
Research and Evaluation in Distance Education ADTED 532 Study of previous, current, and needed research, and of strategies and issues concerning evaluation, in distance education. 3 credits

A note about prerequisites: Prerequisites as listed may be waived by the course instructor if you can demonstrate the required level of competency.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.