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College of Education

Certificate of Online Teaching

The College of Education recognizes the prevalence of online teaching and learning and is now offering a four-course Certificate of Online Teaching. The certificate utilizes learning sciences principles to address foundational concepts such as instructional design and development, strategies to enhance engagement and cognition, and effectively collecting and analyzing the data needed to evaluate the learning and performance of individuals, programs and organizations. The certificate is recommended for anyone interested in teaching online, including:

  • K-12 educators who are interested in supporting student learning through digital media in traditional, blended or fully online classrooms. This certificate offers a South Carolina Teacher Incentive reducing tuition by 10% for all S.C. K-12 teachers/leaders. Note: South Carolina teachers who successfully complete the certificate will be able to apply for a South Carolina Online Teaching Endorsement and employ the 12 credit hours in this certificate program towards the state’s outlined teacher pay increase associated with the 18+ graduate credit hours beyond a bachelor’s degree.
  • Faculty and graduate students who are currently or plan to teach at the university level.
  • Professionals leading, developing, and engaging in training and learning functions in organizations.

* Upon successful completion of the program, all students will receive a certificate from the program and this will be noted on their transcript.

Shonda Williams, Special Education Teacher, Savannah Grove Elementary, Florence One

“I really have enjoyed the courses in the certificate program. I have learned so much about how to make my online classroom engaging, interactive, and supportive. The workload in each course is very manageable with a full-time job and family. If I needed assistance with an assignment, it was very easy to connect with the instructors and colleagues. If you're hoping to learn and grow as a student and as a professional, this certificate program is the one for you.”

Shonda Williams
Special Education Teacher
Savannah Grove Elementary, Florence One
  • Program Goals

    Effective online education requires educators and industry leaders to have a deep understanding of the design, implementation and evaluation processes of courses that are taught entirely or partially through digital means. This certificate program was designed to meet the following outcomes:

    • Create effective online instruction with an emphasis on best practices, student engagement, instructor presence, and course facilitation.
    • Develop skills in emerging tools and methods for online teaching and learning. 
    • Use evidence-based models for online course management, learning interaction and engagement, and learning theory applied to online courses.
    • Create assessment strategies aligned with measurable learning outcomes.
  • Program Requirements

    Quality Matters LogoA Certificate in Online Teaching can be obtained in one academic year by successfully completing the four 8-week courses. The four-course sequence begins in the first fall semester*. For more information on academic terms, please visit the University Academic Calendar.

    All courses are Quality Matters certified.

    All courses (3 credit hours) are taught asynchronously online. EDF 8200 is the prerequisite for all other courses and must be taken first and the remaining courses can be taken in any order. The course descriptions and scheduled offerings are below.

    EDF 8200 Effective Online Teaching (First Fall)
    Creation and delivery of effective online courses, with an emphasis on student engagement, instructor presence, course facilitation, best practices, and emerging tools and methods used in online teaching and learning.

    EDF 8210 Online Course Management (Second Fall)
    Examines online course management, models of learner interaction and engagement, and learning theory. Additionally, students will explore the practical applications of various learning management systems while focusing on how learning theory can be applied to the design and management of an online course. 

    EDF 8220 Web Tools to Enhance Online Engagement (First Spring)
    Examines the manner in which instructors should evaluate and select digital tools to promote learning and protect learner data. Students will explore a variety of technologies such as digital storytelling, game-based learning, data visualization tools, apps and mobile devices.

    EDF 8230 Instructional Design and Assessment (Second Spring)
    Focuses on principles and best practices in instructional design within online learning environments. Emphasis will be placed on creating assessments that are aligned with measurable learning outcomes. The development of universally designed, accessible instructional content and learning activities will be explored. 

    * If your school or district is interested in a contract course, please contact Alison Search at alisonp@clemson.edu.

  • Admission Requirements

    The Online Teaching Certificate currently admits for the first fall term only.

    Application Deadline:

    • August 1, or until the program is at capacity

    Application Requirements:
    Apply by submitting a Graduate School application.

    All application materials must be submitted by the application deadline. Application materials include:

    • Unofficial transcripts
    • Current resume/vita
    • A brief personal statement about why you are interested in this certificate
  • Financial Information

    Tuition and Fees
    The Online Teaching Certificate is offered at our tier three online tuition rate - approximately $519 per credit/$640 per credit hour with fees.*

    South Carolina Teacher Incentive
    The Certificate of Online Teaching offers a South Carolina Teacher Incentive reducing tuition by 10% for all S.C. K-12 teachers/leaders.

    Financial Aid
    For information regarding financial aid, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

    * Tuition and fees are subject to change. The information provided on this webpage is only an approximation.

  • Find Out More

    For more information regarding the program or questions associated with applying to this program, please contact us at coegrad@clemson.edu.

College of Education
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