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Postbaccalaureate Certificate in
Educational Technology Integration

Program summary

Learn how to utilize instructional technology in your curriculum to positively impact the learning outcomes of your students with the course work offered through this online educational technology certificate program.

Application deadline

Apply by June 15 to start August 21

Credits and costs

15 Credits $1,007 per credit

Learn to Engage Students through Technology

In educational settings, technology is not simply an independent curriculum — i.e., teaching about how to use technology. Rather, it is a powerful means for addressing, and potentially redefining, everyday teaching and learning issues. This is creating a strong demand for teachers who can successfully integrate the latest technology into course curriculum.

Teaching and training professionals who have skills in the design, development, and implementation of technology-based learning experiences can enjoy a rewarding career in this high-demand field. To help meet this rising demand, Penn State World Campus offers an online Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Educational Technology Integration program. 

Why Educational Technology Integration at Penn State World Campus?

Penn State’s online educational technology program is designed to improve your use of the Internet and technology in your classroom or learning center. Our curriculum includes such course topics as Educational Technology Integration, Systematic Instructional Development, Video and Hypermedia in the Classroom, and Emerging Web 2.0 Technologies. Through these courses, you can learn how to apply sound technology practices to your curriculum to positively impact the learning process of your students.

A Penn State certificate in educational technology integration can help enhance your career opportunities while increasing your knowledge of technology-based learning. However, this program is not associated with the Pennsylvania Department of Education Instructional Technology Specialist Certificate.

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.

Choose the Online Graduate Program in Educational Technology Integration That Is Right for You

Penn State offers a Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Educational Technology Integration and an online Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology program.

Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Educational Technology Integration

This 15-credit certificate best suits teachers and trainers interested in the integration of technology projects into their classrooms. With proper planning from a College of Education academic adviser, this certificate can fulfill half of your requirements for a master's degree. Students interested in pursuing a master's degree should contact a College of Education adviser at [email protected] prior to taking their final certificate course.

Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology

This 30-credit program is designed for education professionals who are responsible for evaluating and improving technology's impact on the learning process.

Who Should Apply?

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

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.

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than two decades of experience in online learning. We create an online learning environment that offers you the same quality education our residential students experience in a face-to-face setting. Learn more about Penn State World Campus

Courses

Enhance your ability to apply instructional technology in your own learning environment.

A Program That Suits Your Needs

This 15-credit certificate program helps prepare students for work in numerous fields, and persons awarded the certificate may find new career opportunities in any of the following: teaching in grades K–12, continuing education/adult education, community colleges, academic departments in colleges or universities, instructional design, and corporate training and consulting.

A Program That Thinks Ahead

With proper advanced planning and assistance from the learning, design, and technology program, course work completed for this certificate can be applied toward a Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology. 

Students are strongly encouraged to speak with the program faculty before starting any course work.

Convenient and Flexible

Each course is taught using a combination of web and email to maximize flexibility, while maintaining teacher and student interaction. As a Penn State World Campus student, you can learn when and where it's most convenient for you. 

Required Courses (3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Application of a systematic learning design model relevant to all learning contexts and audiences for analyzing instructional problems, developing validated resources, and implementing practical solutions.

Recommended Courses (select 12 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.

  • 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.

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.

Costs and Financial Aid

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.

2022–23 Academic Year Rates

How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,007 per credit
12 or more $12,082 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

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.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your application, including receipt of all transcripts, should be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Fall DeadlineApply by June 15 to start August 21
  • Spring DeadlineApply by November 1 to start January 8
  • Summer DeadlineApply by April 1, 2024, to start May 13, 2024

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.

Admission Requirements 

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.

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

To enroll in graduate-level courses, or to earn the certificate, you must have a baccalaureate degree.

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. 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. Penn State alumni 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:

Whitney DeShong
Administrative Support Assistant
Learning and Performance Systems Department
303 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.

Start Your Application

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.

Begin the graduate school application

  • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
  • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
  • Choose "Educational Technology Integration" as the certificate 

Checking Your Status

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

Technical Requirements 

Review the technical requirements for this program.

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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

Apply by June 15 to start August 21. How to Apply

Start or Advance Your Career

A group of educators collaborating as they review documents at a table

The certificate program in educational technology integration can help you prepare for work in numerous fields, such as teaching 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

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

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 

A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree

A figure standing halfway up a set of stairs leading towards a graduation cap

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 about the Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology  

Contact Us

To learn more about the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Educational Technology Integration, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Education, 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: 814-863-2596
[email protected]

Faculty

  • Ty Hollett

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

  • Gabriela T. Richard

    • Degree
      Postdoctoral Training, Learning Sciences, University of Pennsylvania
    • Degree
      Ph.D., Educational Communication and Technology, New York University
    • Degree
      MPS, Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP), New York University
    • Degree
      B.S., Media, Culture, and Communication, New York University

    Gabriela T. Richard is an assistant professor in the learning, design, and technology program, where she teaches about and conducts research on the design of media and technologies for formal or interest-driven learning and into how diverse youth and adults engage in learning, collaboration, identity formation, and career pursuits with contemporary and emerging media, computing, and information technologies. She has received fellowships and grants for her work from National Academy of Education, National Science Foundation, American Association of University Women, the ADL Center for Technology and Society, the University of Pennsylvania, and AERA.


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

Apply by June 15 to start August 21. How to Apply