Education

Online Degree and Certificate Programs

Advance your understanding of equitable and just curriculum, teaching and learning, schooling, and supervision. Join a vibrant community of educators working to address complex issues facing education today. Work with a faculty adviser to create a personalized plan of study that will help you achieve your goals.

Prepare for a leadership role to shape the future of education. Customize this online doctoral program by selecting courses from multiple disciplines to prepare for a career within educational institutions, private organizations, or all levels of government.

Broaden your leadership potential as a teacher or administrator and meet your professional development goals with one of the three educational leadership options offered in this online master's degree program.

Gain the practical skills you need for a successful career in postsecondary education. This online degree program is part of a higher education curriculum at Penn State that has been training professionals in the industry for more than 50 years.

Prepare for a rewarding career that makes a difference in people's lives. This online associate degree program explores family development and life span and can provide you with the entry-level professional skills you need for a variety of careers in human service professions.

Learn how individuals develop from birth to old age, how families and communities influence these processes, and how to apply this knowledge to develop interventions that improve people’s lives through hands-on course work in this online Bachelor of Science 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.

Develop the skills needed to serve adult learners as a teacher, trainer, facilitator, or leader. This online master’s program in adult education prepares you to apply adult learning theory in real-world settings, equipping you with practical methods and specialized skills to effectively engage, teach, and support adult students across a variety of learning environments.

Prepare for a career as a clinical social worker with the values, knowledge, and skills to serve the needs of our diverse society. Choose one of two clinical specializations and gain practical skills in engaging, evaluating, and intervening on behalf of individuals, families, and groups.

Learn to support students with special needs. This online degree program focuses on current issues and topics in the field of special education and gives you the opportunity to choose an emphasis in academic and behavioral supports, applied behavior analysis, or autism.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an effective, evidence-based approach used by teachers and therapists to create lasting, positive change in an individual's life. This online ABA certificate program is designed to help you prepare for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) exam.

Explore classic and contemporary works of children’s literature as you learn about imagination and its role in the lives of children. This online program is ideal for educators and librarians, as well as aspiring children's writers and illustrators yearning to refine their craft.

Meet the rising demand for distance education professionals. This program — designed by the founding director of the American Center for the Study of Distance Education — focuses on adult education principles, distance learning course design, and research and evaluation in distance education.

Learn to use course design and innovative technology to create and deliver impactful online teaching and learning experiences. This 9-credit e-learning design certificate program takes a project-based approach to instructional design.

Learn to assess individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and develop evidence-based practices to enhance social, behavioral, communication, and academic gains. As the number of children diagnosed with autism continues to rise, so does the demand for skilled professionals with expertise.

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.

Develop the research and analysis skills needed to support institutional planning and policy formation. The curriculum includes topics such as research design, program assessment and evaluation, and the integration of strategic planning with institutional finance.

Earn the certification needed for educational administration and principal positions in Pennsylvania. This 18-credit online program meets the current requirements established by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Educational Leadership Constituent Council.

Prepare for a career as a snowsports instructor and leader in collaboration with the Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI). Earn a Penn State certificate while completing the most highly regarded snowsports industry certifications.

Develop the professional knowledge, skills, and competencies required of candidates for Pennsylvania Department of Education Teacher Leaders Endorsement. Continue teaching in the classroom while you pursue additional roles such as lead teacher, mentor teacher, or department head.