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Postbaccalaureate Certificate inEducational Technology Integration

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Learn how to effectively integrate instructional technology into your curriculum to enhance your students' learning outcomes by enrolling in our online educational technology certificate program.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by June 15 to start August 25

9 Credits$1,027 per credit

Gain Skills to Engage Students through Emerging Technologies

  • Discover emerging web technologies and leverage their applications to learning.

  • Design, develop, and implement technology-based learning experiences in your classroom or organization.

  • Apply your understanding of the systematic design process to create innovative learning environments.

  • Enhance participation, comprehension, and technology skills by creating more engaging and interactive lessons.

  • Create interactive in-person, hybrid, and online learner-centered educational activities.

This 9-credit certificate best suits teachers and trainers interested in the integration of technology into their classrooms for effective teaching and learning. The curriculum includes courses such as Educational Technology Integration, Systematic Instructional Development, and Video and Hypermedia in the Classroom.

Please note that this program does not lead to initial teacher certification; however, this program may help you to renew your certification. Check with your state's Department of Education for exact requirements for recertification. This program is not associated with the Pennsylvania Department of Education Instructional Technology Specialist Certificate.

Required Courses (6 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Surveys contemporary readings, software, and hardware to explore the intersection of learning, teaching, and technology use. Students analyze contemporary uses of technology to support learning through readings, multimedia, and hands-on experience.

  • 3
    credits

    This course examines emerging web technologies and explores their application to learning and education.

Elective Course (choose 3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Research on learning with mobile computers and models for mobile computer integration for K–12 schools, community organizations, and universities.

  • 3
    credits

    Designing learning environments based on constructivist principles of learning that provide modeling, coaching, and scaffolding.

  • 3
    credits

    Examines a range of skills, processes, and theories for designing and developing interactive educational materials.

  • 3
    credits

    Examines the costs and benefits of technology use, emerging research topics on technology-enhanced learning, and important tradeoffs that need to be considered when designing technology-enhanced learning contexts.

  • 3
    credits

    Explores the historical roots of makerspaces and hobbyist learning activities, as well as the changing landscape of making, content creation, and constructionist activities in education.

  • 3
    credits

    Focuses on historic and contemporary issues relevant to designing and researching games (digital and non-digital), and related media and online communities for learning.

Electives should be chosen in consultation with your adviser.

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.

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The certificate program in educational technology integration can help you prepare for work in numerous teaching fields, such as K–12, continuing education/adult education, community colleges, academic departments in colleges or universities, instructional design, and corporate training and consulting.

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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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. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Upcoming Event

Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology Webinar

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by June 15 to start August 25. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

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.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

Military Benefits

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

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

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Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.

Degree Program Related to This Certificate

Some or all credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus degree program:

Learn to evaluate the impact of technology on learning while you expand your skills in instructional design and instructional technology. This online master's degree program explores best practices in the field of learning design using practical, real-life examples.

Learn more

Who Should Apply?

If you are a teacher or trainer looking to advance your skills and strategies in the design, development, and implementation of technology-based learning experiences, this could be the online program for you.

Act 48–Approved

Penn State is an Act 48–approved provider for Pennsylvania educators, so the courses for the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Educational Technology Integration may count toward professional development hours.

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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.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Certificate in One Year

  • Take 2 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Certificate in Two Years

  • Take 1 course each semester

Timelines may vary based on course availability.

 

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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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. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

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Apply by June 15 to start August 25

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by June 15 to start August 25

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 1 to start January 12

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by April 1, 2026, to start May 18, 2026

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

    GPA — All applicants are expected to have earned a junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    In addition, you must send an official transcript directly to the program office. Please mail to:

    Edie Worley
    Academic Program Coordinator
    Learning and Performance Systems Department
    301 Keller Building
    University Park, PA 16802-1303

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Résumé or Vita — Upload your résumé to the online application.

    Essay 1 — In 200 to 300 words, please describe how completion of the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Educational Technology Integration will prepare you for your current or future (or aspirational) job responsibilities.

    Short Responses — The online application will ask for brief responses to the following three questions:

    1. Have you already completed with Penn State University one or more of the courses required to earn the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Educational Technology Integration?
    2. Describe how you currently utilize, or how you aim to utilize in the future, educational technology in your teaching practice. What role does educational technology play in your work as a teacher or learning designer?
    3. Upon completion of the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Educational Technology Integration, do you intend to apply for the Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology graduate degree program? If yes, discuss how studying for the M.Ed. degree would benefit you.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Educational Technology Integration, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]

Darlene Glab
Administrative Support Assistant
Learning and Performance Systems Department
303 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802-1303
Phone: 814-863-9768
[email protected]

One of the primary reasons Penn State is recognized around the globe as a distinguished university is its faculty. As a World Campus student, you will enjoy the opportunity to learn from the same Penn State College of Education instructors who teach traditional, face-to-face classes on Penn State's campuses across Pennsylvania.

Faculty

Ty Hollett

  • Ph.D., Language, Literacy, and Culture, Vanderbilt University
  • M.EdT., Education, University of Hawaii
  • M.A., English, Penn State
  • B.A., English, DePauw University

Dr. Ty Hollett's research examines the intersection of out-of-school learning, youth culture, and digital media. Specifically, he studies and designs informal, media-rich learning settings for youth in order to support innovative teaching and learning. As an effort to disrupt container-like models of teaching and learning, his research responds to the ongoing development of interest-driven learning opportunities for youth within — and beyond — such settings as home, libraries, schools, and city streets.

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by June 15 to start August 25. How to Apply 

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