degree courses in distance education

Online Master's in Education

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If you have program-specific questions, please contact OEL Associate Director Nicole Barone . 

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Today’s education landscape needs leaders like you — dynamic educators and innovators committed to making sustainable and scalable change for all students by building on your professional experience in PreK–12 classrooms and districts; on college and university campuses; or in philanthropies, nonprofits, policy organizations, and ed-tech initiatives.

That’s why the Harvard Graduate School of Education launched an online Master's in Education Leadership, a two-year, part-time Ed.M. program with Higher Education and PreK-12 pathways specifically designed for working education professionals who bring at least seven years of relevant or transferrable work experience. The program will strengthen the invaluable skills you’ve already developed and give you the tools to propel yourself to new leadership opportunities and to even greater impact.

“Skilled leadership is essential to creating opportunity and overcoming the longstanding inequities that create barriers to success. At HGSE, we are committed to helping you meet today’s complex challenges by becoming the type of leader education needs.” Bridget Long Dean and Saris Professor of Education and Economics Harvard Graduate School of Education

A New Option for Experienced Educators

The online Master's in Education Leadership from HGSE consists of a diverse cohort of professionals like you — leaders who are advancing in their careers, and who bring important perspectives grounded in real-world challenges. Our program is conducted almost exclusively online — except for one short on-campus experience, where you'll meet your cohort in person and build community prior to the start of the first fall semester.

The program offers a distinctive Harvard experience — including deep engagement and interaction with Harvard faculty and talented peers, as well as a lifelong professional network — within an intentionally designed curriculum and robust opportunities for mentorship and coaching. The program is career-embedded — so you can immediately apply what you are learning, in real time, to the work you are doing on the ground. 

Two Pathways: Higher Education and PreK–12

In the online Master’s in Education Leadership, you will choose between two Professional Pathways — Higher Education or PreK–12 — that align with the area of practice or the student community in which your work will make an impact. Students interested in advancing into senior leadership roles in colleges and universities, or in organizations that impact higher education, should study in the Higher Education Pathway . Students who want to do change-making work within the education ecosystem on behalf of students from early childhood to secondary education levels should select the PreK–12 Pathway .

Our prescribed curriculum is intentionally designed to meet your professional needs. It is anchored in both foundational knowledge and core competencies in education leadership related to the U.S. education system. You will also complete pathway-specific courses to advance your leadership in higher education or preK–12 education, as well as the Foundations courses. You will also have the opportunity to select courses from a small subset of electives. A minimum of 42 credits are required to graduate with an Ed.M. degree from HGSE.

The main elements of the curriculum are: 

Foundations Courses

Throughout the two-year program, you will participate in Foundations courses in four areas: How People Learn, Leading Change, Evidence, and Equity and Opportunity. Through the Foundations, you’ll build core skills central to the profession of education.

• The online Ed.M. program commences with How People Learn, which runs online June–July and requires a time commitment of 12–15 hours per week.  
• Additional Foundations learning goals and experiences tied to Leading Change and Equity and Opportunity will be incorporated into other required courses during your two-year program.

Professional Pathways

All students will choose between the Higher Education and PreK–12 Pathways. Throughout the program, you will take both cross-pathway courses and pathway-specific courses. Cross-pathway courses will allow you to develop leadership skills that are important across sectors, as well as have discussions about how higher education and preK–12 can work more effectively together. Cross-pathway courses include:

• Real Talk: The Art and Practice of Communications 
• Strategic Finance for Nonprofit Leaders

Pathway-specific courses are directed to the knowledge and skills important for leadership in the Pathway professional setting. 

Elective Coursework

Students will have the opportunity to choose from a curated list of electives during the optional January terms, and during the fall and spring of their second year. Sample elective courses: 

• Law and Higher Education
• Leading a School through Challenge and Crisis   
• Race, Equity, and Leadership 
• Teaching Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Classrooms 
• Why Can’t Higher Education Change? 
• Writing Workshop   

Note: Though some courses may include comparative and international examples, applicants should expect a focus on leadership within U.S. domestic educational institutions and systems. 

Leadership Core Competencies

To help you manage, lead, and implement change in complex organizations, our curriculum explores the core leadership competencies that you'll need to elevate your skills, knowledge, and expertise, wherever you are in your career. Throughout your coursework, you will strengthen your ability to:

• Lead change and think strategically 
• Foster productive organizational conditions 
• Navigate politics and practice political inclusion
• Communicate effectively 
• Cultivate self-development and team professional development skills 

Higher Education Pathway

All students will choose between the Higher Education and PreK–12 Pathways. The Higher Education Pathway prepares you to be a dynamic leader in a diverse range of postsecondary education contexts. It is designed to increase your knowledge of the practices, policies, processes, challenges, and opportunities in American postsecondary education. You will enhance your repertoire of strategies and management skills for tackling critical issues and introducing change — while preparing you to advance in your current career or move into other important leadership roles in higher education.  

Sample courses for the Higher Education Pathway: 

• Creating the Future of American Postsecondary Education 
• Higher Education Leadership & Governance 
• Student Affairs in Higher Education: Theory-Driven Practices to Help Students Thrive 

You will also have the opportunity to engage with accomplished leaders through HGSE’s unique President-in-Residence program. 

Students interested in the Higher Education Pathway currently hold administrative and mid-level leadership roles: 

• Colleges and universities, including in academic affairs, student affairs, admissions and enrollment management, advancement, and institutional research
• Nonprofit education organizations
• State and federal government agencies 
• Policy organizations focused on higher education

PreK–12 Pathway

All students will choose between the Higher Education and PreK–12 Pathways. The PreK–12 Pathway equips you to advance your leadership across the preK–12 landscape, including in such positions as teacher leader, principal, afterschool director, education agency representative, education nonprofit/philanthropic leader, or education entrepreneur.  

Sample courses for the PreK–12 Pathway: 

• Strategic Leadership in the PreK–12 Ecosystem 
• Creating Conditions for Effective School, Family, and Community Partnerships 
• Leading Learning

Students interested in the PreK-12 Pathway currently hold administrative and mid-level leadership roles in:

• PreK–12 schools, including as principals, assistant principals, and department heads
• Nonprofit education organizations (I.e., foundations, advocacy organizations, technical assistant organizations).
• Policy organizations focused on preK–12 education 

Projected Time Commitment

Courses combine synchronous meetings and asynchronous work and assignments. Live or synchronous aspects of required courses will occur on weekdays (Monday–Friday) between 6 and 9 p.m. ET . Some elective courses, outside the required curriculum, may be offered at alternative times. On average, this degree requires 12 to 18 hours of work per week, though the weekly commitment will vary by term, courses taken, and students' own work styles. Students can expect to spend approximately five to seven hours per week in synchronous online class sessions with faculty members and classmates. The remaining hours will be spent working independently on asynchronous class preparation, in self-scheduled small-group work with other students or working on assignments. 

Weekly Time Estimate

To complete the online Ed.M. in Education Leadership, students must complete 42 total credit hours of coursework over the two-year program. While the weekly time commitment varies, the graphic below provides a snapshot of the estimated weekly time commitment students may experience during the fall and spring semesters, when they will typically take 8 credits, the equivalent of two courses . 

Synchronous

Includes live, scheduled sessions with faculty members and other students.

Asynchronous

Self-paced activities, discussion posts, and other course-related work.

Assignments

Readings, projects, papers, research, etc.

Total Estimated Weekly Hours

Hours reflect estimates and vary by term, course, and student work style.

Occurs between Monday-Friday, according to a specific schedule.

Asynchronous work and assignments will have clear deadlines or milestones, but students can set their own schedules to complete this work. Note that there may be days or weeks during the semester that are busier than average, requiring more than the estimated time shown.

Program Faculty

The faculty co-chair for the Higher Education Pathway is Francesca Purcell . The faculty co-chair for the PreK–12 Pathway is Irvin Scott .

Faculty Co-Chairs

Francesca Purcell

Francesca Purcell is a specialist in higher education policy and practice, with expertise on topics including college completion, student transfer, and developmental education.

Irvin Leon Scott

A former teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, chief academic officer, and foundation leader, Irvin Scott's focus is on education leadership and faith-based education.

James P. Honan

Karen L. Mapp

Timothy Patrick McCarthy

Mary Grassa O'Neill

Alexis Redding

On-Campus Experience

Prior to kicking off your first fall semester, you will participate in the On-Campus Institute, an immersive experience on the HGSE campus in Cambridge. This will provide the opportunity to not only form deep relationships with your cohort, but also learn together with the faculty and advisers with whom you will spend two years. The immersive residential experience is a core component to the two-year degree program that is required of all students in the program. 

Over several days in late July and/or early August, you and your fellow peers will discuss your professional experiences and examine some of the persistent challenges in your organizations. You will immerse yourself in rich exercises and community building, set expectations of what it means to be in a rigorous HGSE degree program, and set intentions for yourself, your cohort, and your course of study. 

Career Pathways

The Master's in Education Leadership Program prepares you to advance to a senior leadership role in a variety of career pathways, including:

• Academic affairs 
• Admissions and financial aid
• Development
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Institutional research
• Student affairs

PreK-12 Pathway

• Education entrepreneur
• Executive director for an education nonprofit
• Principal* or head of school 
• Program officer for a foundation 
• School department head
• School designer and developer
• School district or network leader
• Teacher leader

Overall Program

• Education nonprofit CEO/COO 
• Educational advocate and organizer 
• Entrepreneur 

*Note: This program is not able to provide principal certification at this time.

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Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Online Master's in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Same Questions, One Year Apart

Online Master’s in Education students reflect on their first year in the program

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See the 2024 U.S. News Rankings for Best Online Programs

Online programs at more than 1,750 colleges and universities were assessed as part of this year's rankings.

U.S. News Ranks Best Online Programs

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The 2024 Best Online Programs rankings assessed 1,752 online bachelor's and master's degree programs.

Enrolling in an online college program can often be a more affordable and flexible alternative to an in-person degree, especially for students juggling a job or family responsibilities.

While online learning increased in popularity at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, many institutions – like some ranked in the 2024 U.S. News Best Online Programs – were ahead of the curve, having offered online degree options for years.

For the 2024 Best Online Programs rankings released today, U.S. News assessed 1,752 online bachelor's and master's degree programs and ranked 1,680 of them.

These rankings do not use standardized tests , instead relying on other factors such as faculty credentials and training, services and technologies available to students, student engagement and expert opinion on the academic quality of programs. Master's degree programs, in addition to these criteria, are also ranked based on assessment of student excellence via undergraduate GPAs, acceptance rates and work experience.

Blended learning programs – a combination of both face-to-face and distance education – are not included in the rankings. To be eligible, a program needs to be predominately online, without recurrent in-person attendance requirements for instruction.

Graduate programs are categorized based on the following areas of study: non-MBA business , criminal justice , information technology, education , engineering and nursing . Online MBA programs are ranked separately from other master's business degrees. U.S. News also ranks the Best Online Programs for Veterans .

Below are some of the top online degree programs in the 2024 rankings. Shifts in the rankings can be attributed to year-to-year changes in schools' data, and elimination of the proportion of graduates who borrowed as a ranking factor. The student indebtedness indicator is now exclusively based on the average debt among graduate borrowers. Learn more about the rankings' methodologies here .

Best Online Bachelor's Programs

The University at Buffalo—SUNY soared from a tie at No. 25 to top this year's list for bachelor's programs. Previously tied at No. 2, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Worldwide in Florida fell out of the top 10, taking the No. 13 spot along with George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and the University of Georgia .

Seven schools made the top 10 list for at least the second year in a row. Ohio State Online , North Carolina State University and UB are the newcomers to the top 10 this year.

There were significant gains in the rankings outside of the top 10, such as for the University of Kentucky , which moved up from a tie at No. 49 to a four-way tie at No. 16. Climbing from its previous position of a tie at No. 113, California State University—Chico now ties with three other schools for the No. 41 position.

Some colleges have strength in a specific major. For example, the University of Florida and the University of Massachusetts—Amherst were rated as the No. 1 and No. 2 schools, respectively, for the Best Online Bachelor's in Business Programs . Rounding out the top three in a tie were Arizona State University , Oregon State University and Pennsylvania State University—World Campus .

There is also a ranking for Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Programs . Penn State World Campus and Oregon State emerged again in this ranking to take the top two spots, respectively, followed by the University of Florida at No. 3.

Best Online Programs for Veterans

To qualify, schools must appear in the top half of the Best Online Programs rankings; be certified for the GI Bill; and either be Yellow Ribbon Program participants or public institutions that charge in-state tuition that can be fully paid through the GI Bill for out-of-state applicants.

Additionally, a minimum of 25 veterans and active service members must be enrolled for a bachelor's program to qualify for the rankings, with 10 needed for a master's program.

The top two online bachelor's programs for veterans changed slightly from last year. The University of Florida is again at No. 1, with ASU now taking the No. 2 spot. CUNY School of Professional Studies in New York and the University of Arizona rank third and fourth, respectively. Embry-Riddle and the University of Central Florida tie at fifth place.

Best Online MBA Programs

Indiana University—Bloomington's Kelley School of Business and Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business in Pennsylvania took the top two spots, respectively, among online MBA programs. Previously tied for first, the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School fell to a tie for third, alongside the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business and the University of Washington's Michael G. Foster School of Business . For veterans, UW and IU topped the list at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.

There were no new entrants into the top 10 this year.

As for specialties, Carnegie Mellon ranked the highest for business analytics and IU ranked No. 1 for finance and marketing.

Best Online Master's in Business Programs

In addition to MBA programs, U.S. News also ranks the Best Online Master's in Business Programs , which include degrees in accounting, finance, insurance, marketing and management.

Climbing up from a tie at No. 2, Carnegie Mellon claimed the No. 1 spot while the remaining top 10 included several ties. There was a three-way tie for the sixth spot: Boston University , Rutgers University—New Brunswick and Newark and the University of Massachusetts—Amherst's Isenberg School of Management . The largest tie is at No. 9, with five schools claiming the position: Duke University's Fuqua School of Business in North Carolina, Florida International University, Kansas State University , the University of Texas—Dallas' Naveen Jindal School of Management and the University of Connecticut.

Some non-MBA online graduate business programs climbed significant spots in the rankings. Kansas State, for example, jumped from a tie at No. 43 to a shared No. 9. Breaking into the top 50 at No. 34 was Drexel University's LeBow College of Business in Pennsylvania, which previously tied at No. 52.

Best Online Master's in Education Programs

Clemson University's Moore School of Education in South Carolina once again claimed the No. 1 rank for online graduate education programs, this year without tying. Previously tied for the top spot, the University of Florida's College of Education moved down to No. 2 in a tie with the University of Virginia .

Tied for No. 109 in the prior year, Middle Georgia State University soared to a seven-way tie at No. 45. Another large jump in the rankings was Kent State University in Ohio, which jumped from a tie at No. 142 to a five-way tie at No. 58.

As for specialties, Michigan State University ranked No. 1 for educational administration and supervision, and curriculum and instruction, while the University of Kansas took the top spot for special education. UVA took the top spot for veterans.

Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs

The University of South Carolina ranked No. 1 among online nursing master's programs for the fourth consecutive year. Indiana University-Purdue University—Indianapolis rose eight spots to No. 2, followed by Saint Xavier University in Illinois at No. 3.

In addition to being tied at No. 4 overall, Duke swept first place in three specialty areas: nursing administration/leadership, nursing education and family nurse practitioner.

Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs

The University of California—Los Angeles' Henry Samueli School of Engineering claimed the top spot again in the rankings of online master's in engineering programs, while the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Grainger College of Engineering – which is also No. 1 for veterans – moved up two spots from No. 4. Purdue University—Main Campus in Indiana dropped by one, tying with Penn State World Campus to round out the top three.

Several schools in the Midwest ranked high in specialty areas. Purdue was No. 1 for industrial, management (tied with Johns Hopkins University in Maryland) and mechanical engineering while the University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign topped the list for civil engineering.

Best Online Master's in Information Technology Programs

Columbia University , Johns Hopkins' G.W.C. Whiting School of Engineering in Maryland and Virginia Tech once again ranked in the top three among online graduate information technology programs. However, unlike last year, Columbia and Johns Hopkins tied for the No. 1 spot. Also in the top 20, Ferris State University in Michigan experienced one of the largest shifts in this category – from a tie at No. 41 to a four-way tie at No. 14.

Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs

The online graduate criminology program at the University of California—Irvine was No. 1 for the fourth consecutive year. The University of New Haven in Connecticut moved up from a tie at No. 6 to claim the No. 2 spot, while there was a four-way tie at No. 3: Boston University, Sam Houston State University in Texas , Texas Christian University and the University of Massachusetts—Lowell .

Trying to fund your online education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News  Paying for Online Education  center.

10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs

Tags: online education , Online MBA , colleges , education , graduate schools , veterans , students , continuing education

2024 Best Online Programs

Compare online degree programs using the new U.S. News rankings and data.

BEST ONLINE PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS

• Graduate Business
• Graduate Criminal Justice
• Graduate Education
• Graduate Engineering
• Graduate Info Tech
• Graduate Nursing

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Master's in Distance Education & E-Learning

Distance education & e-learning, degree at a glance.

• Transfer up to 12 credits
• All courses available online

TUITION RATES

• $534 per credit (in-state)
• $659 per credit (out-of-state)
• $480 per credit (military)
• Other fees  may apply

Next Session Starts

Lead distance education programs in academic, business, government, and nonprofit organizations..

Distance learning has gained recent prominence and demand in the field of education. With an online master’s degree in distance education and e-learning from University of Maryland Global Campus, you'll learn management strategies and gain practical experience to design and lead distance education programs with confidence. You'll develop essential skills in implementing distance learning technology, managing online faculty, and directing the business aspects of distance education programs.

Although the MDE is not intended as a teacher preparation program, it provides the theory, best practices, and background that are relevant for teaching and administration. You can make a difference by expanding learning opportunities for others.

Note: This program does not lead to teacher certification in Maryland.

• Requirements

Total Credits Required: 36

Take the following courses in the order listed:

Foundation Course

• Orientation to Graduate Studies at UMGC (0 Credits, UCSP 615) (to be taken within the first 6 credits of study)

The UCSP 615 requirement may be waived if you previously earned a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. For more information, contact your academic advisor.

Core Courses

• Foundations of Distance Education & E-learning (3 Credits, OMDE 601)
• Teaching and Learning in Online Distance Education (3 Credits, OMDE 610)
• Technology in Distance Education & E-learning (3 Credits, OMDE 603)
• Learner Support in Distance Education and Training (3 Credits, OMDE 608)
• Costs and Economics of Distance Education & E-learning (3 Credits, OMDE 606)
• Library and Intellectual Property Issues in Distance Education and E-Learning (3 Credits, DETT 611)
• Instructional Design and Course Development in Distance Education and E-Learning (3 Credits, DETT 607)
• Training and Learning with Multimedia (3 Credits, DETC 620)
• Management and Leadership in Distance Education and E-Learning (3 Credits, DEPM 604)
• Online Learning and Development in the Workplace (3 Credits, DETT 621)
• The Business of Distance Education and E-Learning (3 Credits, DEPM 622)

Capstone Course

• Portfolio and Research Project in Distance Education and E-Learning (3 Credits, OMDE 670)

General Master's Degree Requirements

• You must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at all times.
• All degree requirements must be fulfilled within five consecutive years.
• Any transfer credits must have been earned within the above five-year time frame to be applied toward a graduate degree.
• Please review the  overall master’s degree requirements  for additional considerations.

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the  2023–2024 academic year . For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Master’s Degree Requirements

Program highlights.

Develop skills and gain knowledge through coursework that draws from the expertise and experience of our respected faculty.

Industry Snapshot

This program is designed to help prepare you to lead, manage, develop, evaluate, and implement distance learning programs in a wide range of academic and training contexts.

You might be interested in similar programs

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Experience Recommended for Success

Strong writing skills are encouraged in this program.

How does the MEd differ from the MDE?

The Master of Distance Education focuses on managing distance education and training in a variety of contexts; the program is intended to apply to education at all levels as well as business, government, and nonprofit organizations that may use distance learning for training and staff development; students learn about distance education history, theory, technology, organizational structures, marketing, management, and business skills.

Although the MDE is not intended as a teacher preparation program, it provides theory, best practices, and background that are relevant for teaching and administration.

This program does not lead to teacher certification in Maryland.

The MEd focuses on integrating technology to advance K–12 student teaching, learning, and leadership; the emphasis is on instructional applications in K–12 schools, management, leadership of pre-K–12 technology initiatives, and technical expertise in the use of instructional technology.

What is an online master’s degree in distance education and e-learning?

An online master’s degree in distance education and e-learning is an online graduate degree that can help prepare you to meet the needs of diverse learners in a wide range of educational environments. UMGC’s online master’s degree in distance education and e-learning is a 36-credit program that provides the theory, best practices, and background relevant for implementing distance learning technology, managing online faculty, and managing business aspects of distance education programs. Please note this program is not a teacher preparation program and does not lead to teacher certification in Maryland.

How long does it take to get an online master’s degree in distance education and e-learning?

UMGC's online master’s degree in distance education and e-learning is a 36-credit program. You can expect to finish the program in two years or less , depending on how many credits you complete each term and the number of credits you may be able to transfer .

How much does an online master’s degree in distance education and e-learning cost?

UMGC is committed to keeping our tuition and fees as affordable as possible. The online master’s degree in distance education and e-learning follows the standard graduate program tuition rates, which appear at the top of this webpage. We also offer scholarships for eligible students, an interest-free monthly payment plan , and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your education more affordable.

What background do I need to get an online master’s degree in distance education and e-learning?

You don't need to have majored in a specific area to be successful in the online master’s degree in distance education and e-learning program at UMGC.

Are there any certifications needed to qualify for the online master’s degree in distance education and e-learning?

You don't need any certifications to start the online master’s degree in distance education and e-learning program at UMGC. Successfully completing the MDE program is not intended as a teacher preparation program. Instead, it provides the theory, best practices, and background that are relevant for teaching and administration.

Our helpful admissions advisors can help you choose an academic program to fit your career goals, estimate your transfer credits, and develop a plan for your education costs that fits your budget. If you’re a current UMGC student, please visit the Help Center .

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You don’t have to be on a Johns Hopkins campus to get the benefits of a Johns Hopkins education. We offer dozens of online courses and programs, some for credit, some for free through our partnership with Coursera.

More information about our online programs is available below

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

More than 25 master’s and certificate programs are offered fully or partially online via the Krieger School’s Advanced Academic Programs division

Carey Business School

The Flexible MBA program provides a part-time business education for full-time professionals seeking to advance their careers; the business of health care graduate certificate is designed for leaders in health care and medicine

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Explore the world of international relations through innovative graduate courses and degree programs offered online.

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Doctoral, master’s, and certificate programs offered fully online, plus a selection of professional development courses

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More than 140 online courses are available via Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals, including programs in computer science, cybersecurity, environmental engineering, and information systems engineering

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The Department of the History of Medicine offers an online master’s and certificate in the History of Medicine, as well as individual courses for credit

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Online prerequisites for health professions—including anatomy, biostatistics, microbiology, and physiology—plus master’s programs and certificate options

Bloomberg School of Public Health

Offering online degree programs, courses, certificates, and training, plus an expanding portfolio of free online courses via OpenCourseWare, Coursera, and iTunes

Choose from more than 60 online classes  offered through Coursera, a leading provider of massive open online courses, or MOOCs. Courses are free and open to anyone who is interested—you don’t have to be enrolled at Johns Hopkins. Topics include bioinformatics, data analysis, the science of patient safety, and caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Continuing Medical Education

The Office of Continuing Medical Education at our School of Medicine offers educational activities—including online courses —designed to help doctors maintain, develop, and/or increase the knowledge and skills they need to best serve their patients, the public, and the profession.

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NYU’s professional degrees have a reputation for excellence the world over. Through our online programs, students may pursue degrees from many of our schools wherever their location.

Graduate Degrees

We are making it possible for you to earn an NYU degree or certificate and advance your careers while studying from anywhere. The opportunity to pursue an NYU degree and continue one’s professional advancement is seen as a great advantage for a wide range of students.

Undergraduate Experience

See how credit-bearing, online courses can enhance your NYU experience by letting you study abroad and still graduate on time.

Online Degrees and Certificates

Discover all that we have to offer online, whether you are joining us for a new degree from afar or taking courses to stay on track while being abroad - just like NYU Stern’s new Certificate in Coding + Visual Analytics

NYU Innovates in Online Education

NYU is a campus without borders - online courses, degrees, and certificates allow faculty, programs, and the University to reach new learners across the U.S. and around the world. Our investment in online education is expanding opportunities for successful degree completion, program growth, and educational research. Thanks to technology and innovative teaching techniques, students like you can study with us at the level of academic quality, rigor, and student engagement that are hallmarks of the NYU experience.

We are investing in diversity for our online efforts. There is no "one size fits all" approach. Because each discipline and community has their own needs, our online courses and programs take many different approaches. Each course and program is crafted by faculty at our individual schools and customized for the students who attend. Throughout the process, our educational researchers improve our courses and programs through data analytics on student engagement and new pedagogic practices. 

College of Professional Studies

Northeastern University’s online Doctor of Education program provides experienced adult learners, working professionals, and scholar-practitioners from diverse backgrounds and perspectives with the practical knowledge and experience they need to transform the learning landscape. Students gain innovative approaches to create authentic change in their communities. The program was selected as the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate's Program of the Year for 2022-2023.

The Doctor of Education program is designed to be completed in three to four years of study—following a fast-paced quarter system in lieu of a traditional semester format. Students choose from five concentrations to create a curriculum that matches personal and professional interests. The program's dissertation in practice process will begin at the onset of your coursework as you identify your problem of practice and develop an action plan—incorporating cycles of data collection and analysis, collaboration, change work, and reflection—culminating in the dissemination of your action research findings. Our students come from diverse disciplines and professions, seeking more than just a degree. You'll gain a practical education that translates to your everyday working environment.

While all EdD courses can be completed online (except for hybrid courses in Seattle and Charlotte), annual in-person two-day residencies are held on campus. Residencies focus on networking and tools for career success and allow you to connect with faculty and fellow scholars to share knowledge and experience. You'll attend residencies* in your first and second years of the program at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.

The Northeastern Doctor of Education degree is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and was selected as Program of the Year by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Program for 2022-2023.

*Please note: International students enrolling in the online EdD program will be provided with an option to complete the residency through online participation in interactive sessions with fellow scholars offered during the residency period.

More Details

Unique features.

• You will choose one of five concentrations—higher education administration, innovative teaching and learning, transformative school leadership, workplace learning, and integrative studies—to focus your studies and further customize your curriculum.
• You'll begin dissertation in practice work at the onset of your program. You'll select a compelling educational/organizational challenge and will be assigned a faculty advisor to support your research throughout the program.
• All coursework is online—providing flexibility for working professionals. Your residencies will be fulfilled in person*, at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.
• You'll learn alongside faculty practitioners—engaging with respected leaders who contribute to the field as authors, journal editors, school board members, bloggers, and podcasters.

*In-person participation in the residency is also available for international students.

Concentrations

• Higher Education Administration: The higher education administration concentration provides an opportunity for experienced higher education professionals to expand their previous understanding of practices within all sectors of postsecondary education—and also advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their understanding of the roles of colleges and universities in our society. Sectors examined include community colleges, four-year colleges, for-profit institutions, and research universities.
• Innovative Teaching and Learning: The innovative teaching and learning concentration focuses on transforming education through innovation, justice, and policy, by providing engaging opportunities for current and aspiring teaching and learning specialists working in various education spaces. The concentration focuses on teaching and learning both inside and outside the bounds of P-20 schools and focuses on developing and leading innovative curricula as well as professional development.
• Transformative School Leadership: The transformative school leadership concentration provides innovative opportunities for experienced education professionals who are current and aspiring leaders of early childhood centers, public or private schools, or school districts. The concentration prepares students to lead and transform educational spaces and be equipped to shape the needs of education in K-12, higher education, organizational contexts, and beyond.
• Workplace Learning: The workplace learning concentration helps professionals gain a deeper understanding of, recognize, and influence real-life social inequalities faced by marginalized populations in the workplace. Courses allow students to advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their knowledge of workplace learning, organizational dynamics, learning strategy, and ethics.
• Integrative Studies: The integrative studies concentration provides an opportunity for students to design a program of study that fits their own professional goals and includes the required foundation and research courses, concentration courses from any EdD concentration, and electives from the Doctor of Education or Doctor of Law and Policy programs.

Program Objectives

Northeastern's Doctor of Education program is designed for experienced professionals interested in deepening their understanding of education, organizational development, and leadership. Throughout the program, students examine various approaches to critical, practice-based issues, learn research methods, and conduct a doctoral research study that investigates a compelling educational or organizational challenge.

2022-2023 Doctor of Education Program of the Year

The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate selected Northeastern's EdD program as the 2022-2023 Program of the Year, noting the “redesigned Dissertation in Practice Curriculum and the adoption of action research as its guiding methodology …” The committee praised “the program’s efforts to move beyond the typical five-chapter dissertation and engage scholarly practitioners in the acquisition of skills to realize meaningful change in their local contexts, emphasizing social justice.”

Testimonials

– sara ewell, phd, assistant dean, graduate school of education, – frawn morgan, current student, doctor of education, – aaron b., program graduate, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Online application
• Academic transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
• Describe the problem of practice
• Explain why you want to investigate it
• Provide a strong rationale for the significance of the problem
• Minimum work experience: Three years in a related field
• Professional resumé: Must summarize work and education history, include an outline of your educational/academic skills with examples such as research and teaching experience, affiliations, publications, certifications, presentations, and other professional skills.
• Faculty recommendation: Must be from a faculty member in your previous graduate program who can attest to your readiness for doctoral work. If you are no longer acquainted with a faculty member, please choose a professional who can speak of your academic capabilities to engage in doctoral-level research and writing. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Two professional recommendations: Must be from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, a supervisor, mentor, or colleague. It is preferred that one letter of recommendation come from your current employer and/or supervisor. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines *

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The core of the mission of the program is to allow educators to remain in the places they work, focus on a problem of practice, and through experiential learning and site-specific research opportunities in the program, make an immediate impact in their professional environments. The program explicitly integrates research and practice for professionals so they develop the requisite skills for conceiving, designing, conducting, and producing original site-based research in order to effect ethical change related to real-life problems of practice.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Joseph McNabb, PhD

Cherese Childers-McKee, PhD

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• Boston Public Schools
• Chicago Public Schools
• NYC Department of Education
• Lockheed Martin
• Veterans Affairs
• Johns Hopkins
• Columbia University

What They Do

• Media Consultant
• College President
• Chief Information Officer
• Instructional Designer
• Diversity Officer
• Founder-CEO
• VP of Student Services
• Community Services Director

What They're Skilled At

• Experiential Learning
• Team Building
• International Education
• Change Agency
• Entrepreneurship
• Urban Education
• Strategic Management
• Student Engagement

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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Online and distance learning in Canada

If you want a Canadian education, but you’re unable to leave home for all or part of your studies, virtual studies may be the right option for you. Canada’s commitment to innovative and universal education has made us a leader in online learning and distance education. Thanks to technology, international students have never been closer to a Canadian education.

Connect online, anytime

Distance education allows international students like you to gain remote access to our world-class universities and colleges and learn from our renowned academic faculty. Virtual learning gives you the benefit of a Canadian education when you are unable to be physically present in the classroom. It also offers opportunities for flexible learning, often at your own time and pace.

Find online programs in Canada

Many Canadian universities and colleges welcome international students into their online and distance education programs. Search for your academic program to find out whether you can complete part or all of your studies via distance education.

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Cost of online and distance education

Fees for online learning vary based on whether the program is part of a college diploma, bachelor’s degree or at the graduate studies level. Costs can also vary depending on the institution and program you choose. Use our search tool to calculate the costs of your distance education program.

Language and academic requirements

You must have good French or English skills before you can participate in a Canadian online program. Language requirements can change depending on the program and the institution. Learn more about the language requirements of your program on the institution’s admissions page.

There may also be some academic or entrance requirements. Check with your chosen college or university to find out more. If you’ve completed part of your studies in your home country, you may be able to transfer credits to an online program at a Canadian institution.

How to enroll

To enroll, complete an application to the university or college you wish to attend as an online or distance student. If you have any questions, contact the international office at the Canadian institution you’re interested in applying to.

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UMA Earns 2 U.S. News “Best Online” Awards

UMA, a leader in distance learning for over 30 years, is proud to announce that UMA has been awarded two U.S. News Top 100 Best Online Program rankings in the categories of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans .

U.S. News conducted vigorous, in-depth evaluations of U.S. based degree programs designed to be administered online. “Highly ranked programs have strong traditional academic foundations based on student-instructor access, graduation rates, and instructor credentials. They also excel at educating distance learners while offering robust career and financial support” proclaims the U.S. News website. With a student to faculty ratio of 16:1; 29 degrees available fully online; tutoring; academic advising; career advising; job search resources; and numerous financial aid options, the University of Maine at Augusta continues to prove itself worthy of this honor.

In line with UMA’s mission to provide high-quality distance education and innovative professional programs, these outstanding rankings underscore UMA’s dedication to academic excellence and commitment to U.S. veterans. Jennifer Cushman, UMA President, shared, “University of Maine at Augusta is honored to be recognized both for our long-time expertise in online education and our strong support of veterans. We are proud of the relevance of our approach to higher education in the twenty-first century. Our historic mission to meet all populations of students where they are, to get them where they want to be, is achieved through providing workforce training for today’s economy, in multiple locations and modes, and cultivating bachelor’s and master’s level essential skills for tomorrow’s economy, like problem solving and communication.”

In addition to the Best Online Bachelor’s criteria, schools rated best for veterans have, “the best online bachelor’s degree programs that help veterans reduce the cost of school,” announced U.S. News. Vice President of Enrollment Management, Jonathan Henry, stated, “UMA is proud to again be recognized for our continued support of veterans and our strength in delivering quality higher education that is both accessible and affordable.”

UMA helps all students find ways to fund their education. Utilizing the broad range of financial aid resources available, such as federal grants, the Pine Tree Pledge and the UMA 10K programs, over 80 different scholarships, and more, many students end up paying zero tuition. Qualifying active and veteran students can apply for all the financial aid options above, as well as the Montgomery G.I. Bill® or Post 9/11 G.I. Bill®. Jamie Santiago, Director of Financial Aid at UMA advises,“to be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid possible, it is important to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov as early as you can.” To learn more about financial aid options, please visit Financial Aid .

Since its founding in 1965 when a simple “Welcome Veterans” sign encouraged Vietnam-era Veterans to enroll, UMA has continued a rich tradition of supporting military-experienced students. Amy Line, UMA Director of Military and Veterans’ Services expressed, “we are pleased to receive the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans again this year. UMA’s commitment to educating and providing opportunities to our military, veterans, and families continues to be a priority and it shows!” Hundreds of veterans, active military personnel, and members of the national guard now study at UMA, and all of UMA’s Admissions staff members are trained to work with the unique needs of veteran and military students. More information about military and veteran services .

With its multiple locations and long-term expertise in online and distance learning, affordability, and dedication to student success, UMA is widely considered the university of choice for Mainers of all ages who want to attend college without uprooting their lives.

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Online Programs

Convenient Learning for Every Career Stage

You never stop learning. Considering how quickly technology evolves, it’s imperative that you keep your skills up to date to adapt to current developments and effectively tackle new challenges. At the same time, you don’t just want to stay afloat — you want to soar and excel in your field.

Clarkson University’s fully online degree programs, courses and continuing education options drive your progress through every stage — whether you’re an undergraduate building your toolkit for the workforce or a seasoned professional ready for leadership.

Explore all online programs now to take the next step:

Request Info Apply Now

• Find an Online Program
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• Graduate Admissions

Graduate Admissions Email: [email protected] Phone: 518-631-9831

Interested in learning more about our online graduate programs? Contact us today with your questions.

Online Graduate Programs

Clarkson gears our online and hybrid graduate programs to professionals who are balancing a full-time job with other obligations and seek to move up in their field or upgrade their skills. As you have unique, personal objectives for advancing your education, our online programs take a number of forms: you can choose to study among other working professionals to grow as a leader or collaborate with our esteemed faculty on influential research.

Fully Online

Prepare for licensure or build upon your professional experience through fully online master’s and certificate programs in engineering, computer science, data science, bioethics, business, education and other areas.  

Attend select courses on our Capital Region or Potsdam campus and the remainder online. Programs span from business and education to engineering, bioethics and healthcare.

How Online Learning at Clarkson Works

We’re a community of collaborative innovators striving to make an impact through our work — whether in the lab, the boardroom or the field. That mindset remains steadfast no matter where we are: in our online courses, students continue growing their skills alongside other driven, creative individuals while learning from world-renowned faculty.

Our online graduate degree programs combine synchronous and asynchronous learning. Typically, you’ll sign in for one live virtual class each week; however, we record the lecture for those unable to attend this time slot. As a result, some students end up completing their degrees entirely asynchronously.

For programs offering online and in-person classes, Clarkson’s full-time on-campus faculty teach both formats. For fully online and hybrid programs, adjunct faculty — many of whom hold industry positions — enrich these courses with their real-world insights.

Home Campus

Administrators and faculty from our Capital Region and Potsdam campuses oversee your program of study from the time you apply until you prepare for graduation.

Online Courses and Professional Development

We’re here whenever your skills need a refresh. And, as America’s Corporate Partner University, we collaborate with employers to create fully online professional development programs for their workforce.

Individual Courses

Clarkson offers fully online or paired online courses to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. Check availability for the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Micro-Credentials

Specialize your engineering and technical knowledge, explore the foundations of leadership or get a glimpse of what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. Taught by Clarkson faculty, our micro-credentials are open to alumni and working professionals, as well as current students.

Advanced Certificates

Broaden your knowledge base or pivot to an emerging field. For candidates holding a bachelor’s degree, our advanced certificates introduce you to business fundamentals or applications in supply chain management, human resources, data analytics, healthcare management and other areas.

Industry-Relevant Credentials

Managed by the Coulter School of Engineering, these courses are taught asynchronously, in a hybrid format or in-person and blend theories with real-world learning to help current students, alumni and working professionals refine their soft and hard skills for today’s competitive global marketplace.

Take the Next Step

Access a Clarkson education at any professional stage, in a format convenient to you.

School of Education

• Our research interests
• Advanced Certificate in Teaching

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

• PGDip & MEd in Higher Education Studies
• PGDip in Adult and Community Education (ACET)
• PGDip in Educational Technology
• BEd Honours
• Master's
• Becoming a teacher
• FAQs for Prospective PGCE Students
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• Emeritus Professors
• Honorary Research Associates
• Research Ethical Clearance
• Staff & students support
• Teaching & learning resources for schools

For admission queries & enquiries, please contact:  [email protected]

Phase Coordinator:

• Senior & FET Phase ( Dr Kate Angier )
• School Experience ( Dr Warren Lilley )

The PGCE is a one-year qualification to train graduates who wish to become school teachers. It is the ONLY qualification that provides professional registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) for graduates with degrees other than the BEd.

2024 Year Planner

Registration Subject Selection for PGCE programme 2024

Admission to the PGCE is based on what subjects have been studied for the undergraduate degree, according to guidelines issued by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Teacher training is in accordance with appropriate prior degree courses in the subjects to be taught.

Download the PGCE admission criteria

Applications are considered in order of receipt and admission to any PGCE or method course will be closed when the available places have been filled. Early application is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions by both prospective and current students.

Watch this admissions video , which was a webinar hosted by the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Group. It is relevant to all prospective PGCE students.

PGCE help with VULA and PeopleSoft .

Online applications for admission for the following year usually opens in April.

Fees:  Details about fees are available  here .

Bursaries : View the available options and have a look at the Financial Assistance Handbook for Postgraduate students .

RN and LPN Independent Study Refresher Courses

Refresh your knowledge.

This self-study refresher course was developed to assist the inactive nurse in updating knowledge and skills. It allows one to move with confidence into a nurse orientation program and return to practice.

The independent study refresher course is offered as a nursing continuing professional development distance education program and may be completed in one's home community at a pace and time that best meets the individual’s needs. The refresher course is not a college credit-granting program. This course is taken to pursue professional recertification of a nursing license or receive continuing education credit.

• Enroll in the Refresher Course Today!

number of theory hours (completed online)

Maximum time for course completion, minimum number of clinical hours, program fee, course structure.

The objectives of the course are to provide an opportunity for the participant to:

• Recognize current philosophy, objectives and social and cultural implications of nursing.
• Review selected nursing skills and identify their evidence base for practice.
• Recognize the role of the LPN/LVN/RN in assessing clients’ needs, planning and implementing individualized care.
• Review and identify therapies, procedures, current diagnostic and treatment measures and patient care needs for selected medical and surgical conditions.
• Demonstrate dosage calculation to selected client situations.

The program is ongoing. Participants may enroll at any time.

A desktop or laptop computer is required when taking exams. iPads, iPhones, tablets, etc. are not permissible. Chromebooks are not recommended. The system requirements are:

• Windows 10, 11.
• Mac OS 10.12 or higher.

It may not be possible to access exams when using a computer operating system that is not listed above.

All course materials and theory module exams are delivered online through Desire2Learn (D2L) and Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) supported modules. The participant will complete course review and exams at a time and location of their choosing. Participants are required to have camera access on their computer when taking a module exam in the D2L. This webcam may be included in the participant’s computer or an added accessory. A webcam is not provided by SDSU and will be an additional cost to the participant. When logging in to take an exam in the course delivery system D2L, the participant will initially download the safe and free software application Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser. This application will provide participant verification and testing security measures and video the participant while an exam is taken. Once an exam is accessed, the participant’s browser will be locked to prevent other software applications or web pages to run or be accessed.

Theory Component

The theory component is based on a textbook to help direct and reinforce learning. The theory portion has been organized into 10 major instructional modules with an examination after each module. ATI products are integrated in the theory modules and include Skills, Pharmacology Made Easy and Dosage Calculation – Dimensional Analysis, with a final medication calculation test. After successful completion, the RN refresher participant is awarded 160 theory hours. Completion of theory involves successful completion of all module tests, ATI skills, ATI pharmacology, ATI dimensional analysis modules and the final medication calculation test.

Modules one through nine contain multiple choice examinations. Each examination contains 25 questions in varying formats such as true/false, multiple choice or multiple select. Two opportunities are allowed to successfully complete each module post-test with a score of 76% or greater. If a score of less than 76% is attained on post-test A, the participant will re-enter test A submission to review incorrect answers, refer to textbook content as noted in rationale and review the module material again before completing post-test B. If a score of 76% or greater is not obtained on either posttest A or B, the participant will be dismissed from the program.

The 21 required ATI skills provide learning opportunities related to the requirements of a registered nurse in various clinical settings and are assigned in modules five through 10. The ATI skills provide in-depth information and visual cues for each learning experience and should be completed as assigned. ATI skills modules are designed with a pre-test, completion of learning modules, then followed by a posttest. The modules are self-paced and interactive, contain audio and video clips as well as step-by-step procedures. Case studies in the form of practice challenges are included in each module. The modules will support participant’s skill-building, apply the theoretical and evidence-based information and instill confidence in understanding of skills. Participants should allow time to complete the pretest, review the tutorial including the overview, step-by-step viewing, accepted practice components and posttest.

A post-test score of 76% or greater must be achieved on each of the 21 mandatory ATI Skills. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will retake the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved. Participants will document their test activities on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

Participants will also complete five virtual ATI Skill scenarios: HIPAA, nutrition, blood administration pain assessment and vital signs. The participant will document time spent and date completed on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

ATI Pharmacology Made Easy

There are 11 modules assigned in modules five through nine. Each pharmacology module includes a welcome/introductory, lessons, activities and case study. There is one module, Introduction to Pharmacology, that must be completed in its entirety followed by as posttest. The posttest contains 25 NCLEX-style questions to assess knowledge acquisition. Participants will receive immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices to reinforce learning. Participants must receive a score of 76% or greater on the test. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will retake the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved.

Module content will be reviewed for the other 10 pharmacology modules, with no posttest required. The participant will identify one medication from the module content that they are familiar with and document it on the provided form. Participants will document their test activity, familiar medication and date on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

Note: Review of two modules is optional – hematologic and immune system.

ATI Dosage Calculation

This ATI product is an interactive, media-rich, online tutorial that is designed to help participants learn the basics of safe medication administration. The dosage calculation series improves comprehension and critical-thinking skills in relation to safely calculating medication dosages. The seven modules include activity questions interspersed throughout the material to provide practice problems, in which the participant receives immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices along with equations to reinforce learning.

Participants must receive a 76% or greater score on each of the seven required module tests. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will re-take the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved. The participant will document their test activities on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

Final Medication Calculation

The participant will take a Medication Calculation Test in D2L at the end of theory in module ten, and before proceeding to clinical. The test includes 10 questions that require the participant to calculate and document their answer. A practice medication calculation test is available for the participants to help prepare for the final test and may be utilized as many times as needed.

Three opportunities are allowed to successfully complete the medication calculation test with a score of 100%. The participant will take test A. If a score of less than 100% is attained on test A, the participant will reenter the submission, review questions answered incorrectly noting their rationale and review ATI modules as needed. After review, the participant will take test B. If a score of less than 100% is attained on test B, the participant will reenter the submission, review questions answered incorrectly noting their rationale and review ATI modules as needed. When participant is ready for the final attempt, test C, the participant will email instructor the date and time they request to take test C. The instructor will open test C for participant completion. If a score of less than 100% is attained on medication calculation tests A, B and C, the participant will be dismissed from the program.

Theory Overview

Professional Concepts

• Unit A – The Profession of Nursing.
• Unit B – The Nurse’s Role In Health Care Quality and Patient Safety.
• Unit C – Values, Ethics and Legal Issues.
• Unit D – Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Care.
• Unit E – Nursing Process: Foundations for Clinical Judgement.

Nursing Process

• Unit A – Nursing Assessment.
• Unit B – Nursing Diagnosis.
• Unit C – Outcome Identification and Planning.
• Unit D – Implementation and Evaluation.
• Unit E – Healthcare Team Communication: Documenting and Reporting.
• Unit F – Focus Studies in Leadership and Management, Delegation, Informatics.

Healthcare Delivery Concepts

• Unit A – Health, Wellness and Integrative Healthcare.
• Unit B – Healthcare In the Community and Home.
• Unit C – Culture and Diversity.
• Unit D – Communication in the Nurse-Patient Relationship.
• Unit E – Patient Education and Health Promotion.
• Unit F – Caring for the Older Adult.

Psychosocial Concepts

• Unit A – Self-Concept.
• Unit B – Families and Their Relationships.
• Unit C – Cognitive Processes.
• Unit D – Sexuality.
• Unit E – Stress, Coping and Adaptation.
• Unit F – Loss and Grieving.
• Unit G – Spiritual Health.

Clinical Care Competencies - Part One

• Unit A – Safety.
• Unit B – Health Assessment.
• Unit C – Vital Signs.
• Unit D – Asepsis and Infection Control.

Concepts Involving Protection and Movement - Part One

• Unit A – Hygiene and Self-Care.
• Unti B – Skin Integrity and Wound Health.
• Unit C – Infection Prevention and Management.

Concepts Involving Protection and Movement - Part Two

• Unit A – Mobility.
• Unit B – Pain Management.
• Unit C – Sensory Perception.

Concepts Involving Homeostasis and Regulation - Part One

• Unit A – Nutrition.
• Unit B – Urinary Elimination.
• Unit C – Bowel Elimination.
• Unit D - Sleep.

Concepts Involving Homeostasis and Regulation - Part Two

• Unit A – Respiratory Function.
• · Unit B - Cardiac Function.
• · Unit C – Fluids, Electrolytes and Acid-Base.

Clinical Care Competencies - Part Two

• Unit A - Medication Administration.
• Unit B - Intravenous Therapy.

Integrated Material Throughout Modules

• Air-way Management.
• Blood Administration.
• Central Venous Access Devices.
• Closed-Chest Drainage.
• Concepts of Medication Administration.
• Diabetes Management.
• Enteral Tube Feedings.
• Infection Control.
• Injectable Medication Administration.
• Intravenous Therapy and Peripheral Access.
• IV Medication Administration.
• Nasogastric Intubation.
• Oral and Topical Medications.
• Oxygen Therapy.
• Pain Management.
• Physical Assessment – Adult.
• Surgical Asepsis.
• Urinary Elimination.
• Vital Signs.
• Introduction to Pharmacology.
• The Neurologic System Part 1 and 2.
• The Gastrointestinal System.
• The Reproductive and Genitourinary Systems.
• The Respiratory System.
• The Cardiovascular System.
• The Endocrine System.
• The Musculoskeletal System.
• Pain and Inflammation.
• Optional: The Hematologic System and The Immune System.

ATI Dosage Calculation - Dimensional Analysis

• Safe Dosage.
• Medication Administration.
• Oral Medications.
• Injectable Medications.
• Powdered Medications.
• Parenteral (IV) Medications.
• Dosage by Weight.
• Optional: Pediatric Medications and Critical Care Medications.

The online theory component of the LPN independent study refresher course utilizes a textbook and online interactive ATI products. The theory portion is arranged into 10 major modules in D2L, with an examination at the end of each module. ATI activities are assigned in modules five through 10 to augment the textbook learning. Three ATI products included with the course will focus on skills, pharmacology and dosage calculation. Completion of theory involves successful completion of all D2L and ATI module tests

Module 1 – Foundations and Settings.

Module 2 – Personal, Environmental Health and Safety.

Module 3 – Development Throughout the Life Cycle.

Module 4 – The Nursing Process and Focus Studies.

Module 5 – Adult Care Nursing (Part 1) and selected ATI pharmacology.

Module 6 – Adult Care Nursing (Part 2) and selected ATI pharmacology.

Module 7 – Adult Care Nursing (Part 3) and selected ATI pharmacology.

Module 8 – ATI Skills/Client Care (Part 1).

Module 9 – ATI Skills/Client Care (Part 2).

Module 10 – ATI Pharmacology and Dosage Calculation and Safe Medication Administration

Module Tests: A reading outline is provided for the participant to use to guide learning, for test preparation and may be used for testing. Modules one through nine contain multiple choice examinations. Each examination contains 25 questions in varying formats such as true/false, multiple choice or multiple select. Participants get two opportunities to successfully complete each module post-test with a score of 76% or greater . If a score of less than 76% is attained on posttest A, the participant will re-enter the test A submission to review incorrect answers, refer to textbook content as noted in rationale and review the module material again before completing posttest B. If a score of 76% or greater is not obtained on either posttest A or B, the participant will be dismissed from the program.

ATI Pharmacology Made Easy: There are eleven pharmacology modules are assigned in modules 5 through 7. Each pharmacology module includes a welcome/introductory, lessons, activities and case study. The posttest contains twenty-five NCLEX-style questions to assess knowledge acquisition.

ATI Dosage Calculation:  This ATI product is an interactive, media-rich, online tutorial that is designed to help participants learn the basics of safe medication administration. The dosage calculation series improves comprehension and critical-thinking skills in relation to safely calculating medication dosages. The seven modules include activity questions interspersed throughout the material to provide practice problems, in which the participant receives immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices along with equations to reinforce learning.

Final Medication Calculation: The participant will take a Medication Calculation Test in D2L at the end of theory in module ten, and before proceeding to clinical. The test includes 10 questions that require the participant to calculate and document their answer. A practice medication calculation test is available for the participants to help prepare for the final test and may be utilized as many times as needed.

ATI Skills: Nineteen required ATI Skills provide learning opportunities related to the requirements of a nurse in various clinical settings and are assigned in modules 8 through 10. The ATI Skills provide in-depth information and visual cues for each learning experience. ATI Skills are designed with a pretest, completion of learning modules, then followed by a posttest. Case studies in the form of practice challenges are included with each module. The modules will support the participant’s skill-building, apply the theoretical and evidence-based information and instill confidence in the understanding of skills. Participants will also complete four virtual ATI Skill scenarios: HIPAA, nutrition, pain assessment and vital signs.

Clinical Component

Arranging for the clinical experience is the responsibility of each prospective participant. Work to secure a verbal commitment from a clinical site is required prior to requesting enrollment in the course. The prospective participant must employ professionalism in all phone or email communication with the health care site.

Prospective participants will make the initial contact to request and secure that the facility can provide a clinical experience. After a verbal commitment is achieved, enrollment in the course can begin. SDSU staff will contact the clinical site to establish the required affiliation agreement after participant enrollment.

Clinical sites must be within the United States or on a U.S. Military base in a health care setting operated by medical staff licensed within the US. Examples of SDSU accepted clinical settings include but are not limited to hospitals, nursing homes, surgery centers, urgent care centers, rehabilitation centers, home health or hospice agencies.

Hours Required

A minimum of 80 clinical hours is required for course completion. If the respective state board of nursing requires more than 80 hours, this requirement will be adhered to during the clinical experience.

Where required, a limited license must be obtained from the state board of nursing during the clinical component of the refresher course. The limited license allows nursing practice under the direct personal supervision of a licensed registered nurse identified as the clinical preceptor. The limited license is only valid for a specific time period and may not be used for gainful employment.

Clinical Plan and Preclinical Requirements

When preparing for clinical, the participant will submit a completed Clinical Plan to SDSU. This one-page form is reviewed and may be approved after the following preclinical requirements are uploaded and approved in the participant’s CastleBranch account. When all preclinical requirements are met, the Clinical Plan is approved and a date range for clinical hours will be set. The start date for clinical will be a minimum of 10 business days after approval, or longer if work to complete a required affiliation agreement with the site is still underway.

Pre-Clinical Requirements

• Copy of government issued photo identification card (submitted with enrollment).
• FBI background check with fingerprinting (completed with enrollment application).
• Online background check (completed with enrollment application).
• Multi-waiver release form.
• Measles (rubeola) immunity.
• Mumps immunity.
• Rubella (German measles) immunity.
• Varicella immunity.
• Hepatitis B immunity or waiver.
• TB skin test.
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis immunity.
• Influenza vaccination – required during flu season October - March.
• COVID-19 vaccination (where required).
• CPR certification for the professional rescuer/health care provider.
• Proof of personal health insurance coverage.
• Professional liability insurance.
• Drug screening (10 panel – current within three months of beginning clinical).
• Temporary permit or limited license (where required).

Participants that elect to complete only the theory portion of the course will not open a CastleBranch account to obtain the above preadmission background checks or preclinical requirements. A copy of a government-issued identification card may be submitted with the enrollment application.

Successful Course Completion

The participant must successfully pass both the theory and clinical components to complete the refresher course. Upon successful completion, a certificate will be mailed to the participant. A copy of the certificate will be sent to the participant’s board of nursing to document successful completion of the course.

If a participant is unable to successfully complete either the theory or the clinical portion, this will result in failure of the refresher course. Appeals for the opportunity to retake course exams or the clinical experience are not guaranteed and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. No participant will be allowed more than two opportunities to successfully complete clinical. Any dismissal from the course for academic reasons is appealable pursuant to University Policy 2:4.

Completion Time Frame

The participant is permitted one year to successfully pass both the theory and clinical components to complete the refresher course. If the course is not completed within the one-year deadline, the participant may purchase a one-time extension for $500. The extension adds three months for course completion. A request to extend must be received within 30 days of the course end date. After this period, re-enrollment with payment of the full program fee and background checks is required.

Course Enrollment and Cost

Admission criteria.

The refresher course considers enrollment from prospective participants in the following circumstances:

• Formerly licensed LPN/RNs who wish to reactivate their nursing licensure.
• Currently licensed LPN/RNs who desire to refresh their knowledge or skills in the profession due to time away from practice.
• Unlicensed LPN/RNs that have successfully completed an education program, however, have not yet successfully completed the NCLEX exam. Admission for this participant is accompanied by the requirement that s/he must successfully complete the NCLEX exam prior to receiving approval to begin the clinical component of the course.

Conditional Admission

Applicants must answer all questions in full on the program application. Supplemental information or documents may be provided via email to the CNE office . Information provided will be reviewed by course leadership. Admission to the Independent Study Refresher Course may be denied if it is determined that SDSU Cannot fully support the applicants needs through distance education in any aspect of the program.

Admission to the clinical portion of the refresher course is conditioned on the results of the background checks completed through CastleBranch and acceptance into clinical placement determined by a health care agency.

If a prospective participant has been convicted, pled guilty or no contest to, or received a suspended imposition of sentence for a felony or other criminal offense or is under disciplinary action with their current or former Board of Nursing, the participant is advised it may not be possible to be accepted into the refresher course at SDSU. Participants may be denied reinstatement from their state Board of Nursing, from taking the required licensure exam, and/or may be prevented from gaining employment in the field of nursing.

Participants that elect to complete only the theory portion of the refresher course are not required to open a CastleBranch account to complete the background checks.

Technical Standards

CNE program participants must be able to independently, with or without reasonable accommodation, meet identified technical standards for enrollment in and successful progression through the refresher course program. These requirements pertain to participant conduct regardless of the setting (i.e. didactic, clinical, phone or email communication, etc.). Please review the identified technical standards .

See the enrollment for details.

• Full payment of the program fee is due when the participant is accepted for enrollment. Payment plans are not available. Payment may be made via check, money order or credit card. The accepted credit cards are MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover.
• All refresher course participants must establish an account with CastleBranch , the chosen vendor for document management. CastleBranch is endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and is the source to submit program preadmission and the aforementioned clinical requirements. The pre-enrollment package price for CastleBranch covers the two background checks. The post-enrollment package is required for clinical preparation. These are additional costs to the participant and will be paid directly to CastleBranch. The participant will experience variable expenses as they prepare for clinical. Participants that elect to complete only the theory portion of the course are not required to open a CastleBranch account to submit the background checks or preclinical requirements.
• RN Course: " Fundamentals of Nursing – Concepts and Competencies for Practice," 9th edition by Craven, Hirnle and Henshaw. ISBN-13: 978-1975120429. The textbook may be purchased locally.
• LPN Course: " Rosdahl's Textbook of Basic Nursing 12th edition by Caroline Rosdahl," ISBN 978-1975171339. The textbook may be purchased locally or online.
• If the participant receives the course materials and decides against continuing, s/he is allowed 30 days from the date of enrollment to notify the CNE office of their intent to withdraw and receive a refund of 70%. After 30 days, no refund will be granted. No refund will be extended to the participant if s/he is dismissed from the refresher course.
• Participants in this course will not be issued a 1098T from SDSU for qualified educational expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• A verbal commitment from the clinical site must be received by the participant before enrolling in the refresher course. This is a requirement of enrollment, and will not be waived.
• After enrollment, SDSU reaches out to the contact person from the clinical site and begins work to establish a needed affiliation agreement.
• When applying for enrollment, the participant must indicate if they are completing the clinical component of the course. A participant is not allowed to enroll and add the clinical component later.
• The clinical component will be completed at a health care provider of your choosing in your local area. We encourage prospective participants to consider what area of health care nursing they wish to return to, and pursue clinical in that direction. SDSU approves a wide variety of clinical settings, ranging from the hospital location and acute care, to long term care, home health and hospice, etc. Hands-on nursing practice is required. Each state Board of Nursing may define parameters for refresher course clinical practice.
• Communication with the desired clinical site should be in the same manner that one uses when seeking employment.  Professional communication via phone, email and in person is essential. Update a resume and have it available to reference former nursing experience. Discuss the desired direction of the next phase of a nursing career. Follow-up to an inquiry with patience and professionalism. Understand it is at the health care providers discretion if they are willing and able to accept a clinical student.
• Do not attempt to find a clinical site using Facebook or other social media platforms.

Participants experience expenses for the course at:

• Clinical preparation

Clinical Preparation

The expenses for clinical preparation vary per participant. Review the below list to identify what pieces you need, and determine a close estimate for the cost of this segment of the program.

On average, participants complete the refresher course in approximately seven to eight months. Consider that some participants will move more quickly, and some will take longer.

No. While the course is an independent study course, understand that there are multiple parties working together for the benefit of each participant. Not all progression through the course is at the complete control of the participant.

The drug screen is required prior to clinical, not prior to enrollment. The purchase of a 2nd package with Castle Branch is made when clinical preparation begins. This package includes the checklist of items needed for transition into clinical. At this time, the nearest Lab Corp or Quest Diagnostic testing laboratory is identified for the completion of the panel. The drug screen must be current within three months of beginning clinical.

All students and participants in a Nursing program at SDSU are required to utilize Castle Branch as their document manager. Castle Branch provides detailed instructions for completing each requirement, and reviews all documentation submitted. SDSU does not accept required documentation directly from each student.

SDSU does not place a time limit on the absence from the nursing field. We assist nurses that have been out of the field for 5-10-25 years.

• Please email Continuing Nursing Education department to request a ten-minute phone conference.
• Indicate your name, phone number, state in which you are calling from and a date/time during regular business hours that would work well for you. When the call is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email.

No. Full payment of the program fee can be made after all enrollment requirements are met, and prior to beginning your course.

"I loved the program. Linda and instructor Schardin did a great job and everything was explained well and thoroughly. I feel fully prepared to jump back into nursing." -Former RN refresher course participant, Washington

"This was a very good and challenging course. It has been 27 years since I first attended nursing school, completing this course has given me the confidence that I need to continue my nursing career." - Former LPN Refresher Course participant, Louisiana

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