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School of Arts, Humanities & Education

K-12 Online Learning

Online Graduate Certificate in K-12 Online Learning

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Program Requirements Related Programs Admission Requirements Paying for School

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$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation

0 Entrance Exams
No GRE/GMAT Required

About This Program

Develop personalized learning techniques and understand the ethical and legal issues associated with online learning by enrolling in the K-12 online learning certificate program at American Public University (APU).

APU’s graduate program focuses on the teaching approaches, technology tools, and pertinent skills needed to teach in online, face-to-face, and hybrid instructional settings. The program itself is provided online.

You will analyze how to make online teaching more effective, learn appropriate technology tools to facilitate online classes, and create educational activities that align with diverse needs of learners using technology. Coursework includes animation-based assignments, case studies, and problem-based scenarios. Subject matter can focus on your interests—from grant writing for technology funding to technology integration across content areas.

This graduate certificate program does not lead to state certification or licensure, nor can it be used to maintain state licensure or certification. 

NOTE: This program has specific admission requirements.

What You Will Do

  1. Analyze effective teaching and assessment approaches
  2. Evaluate ethical and legal issues related to online learning
  3. Apply various tools to facilitate effective online learning
  4. Create instructional activities that support the diverse needs of online learners

Program at a Glance

Number of Credits
18
Transfer up to 9 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$455 | $250*
$386.75** | $409.50***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4355

|
This course examines the similarities and differences of the learning needs and abilities of adult and younger learners. The course emphasizes differentiated instruction and course development as applicable to adult and K-12 learners in traditional, virtual, and hybrid contexts. Topics include a historical perspective, diversity, andragogy versus pedagogy in the online classroom, trends and issues with technology education and online education, LMS elements, and basics of grant writing/technology grant writing.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4356

|
This course will focus on the issue of ownership of certain types of intellectual property on the internet, which has become a critical issue with different technological platforms, digital tools, and apps becoming so prevalent in our schools and culture. In this course, online, face-to-face, and hybrid educators will learn about the different types of potential copyright infringement, fair use, and privacy aspects for students, exploring the implication for course development and instruction.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4357

|
In this course, educators will develop an understanding of the structure of the different types of digital tools and their effect on raising student achievement. Evidence-based practices that address student achievement gains via technology will be examined. The course guides course participants in evaluating and applying technology across disciplines (e.g., math, science, language arts, social studies, music, art, P.E., and health) and to support students with special needs or who need remediation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4358

|
In this course, educators will examine various approaches to the assessment of online learning. Topics include types of assessment, technology-enhanced assessment, assessment challenges, and using assessment data to inform instruction. Additionally, course participants will analyze assessment accommodations and explore program evaluation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4984

|
This course examines various digital tools, apps, and emerging technologies appropriate for online, face-to-face, and hybrid learning environments, with a focus on online learning integration. Course participants learn about the potential for using social networking sites as vehicles for effective communication that can promote as well as inform. Educators will be exposed to cloud computing, WebQuests, and collaboration tools to be better prepared to integrate technology into K-16 instruction in ways that promote learners connecting, engaging, interacting, creating, problem-solving, and experiencing immersive learning.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Choose 3 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 4359

|
In this course, participants will explore and evaluate the different types of online learning platforms, as well as study the different components of asynchronous and synchronous instructional delivery from the perspective of an educator. Educators will evaluate basic course design principles, activities that foster student engagement, authentic assessment, and integration of media enhancements.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4361

|
This advanced graduate course will examine the evidence-based practices for individual and collective student personalization in K-16+ classrooms and similar settings. Personalization is closely related to two additionally important approaches: individualization and differentiation. All three require a shift from a teacher-centered approach to an authentic student-centered approach. An effective student-centered focus requires tailoring of lessons to the abilities, interests, preferences, future life dreams, socio-emotional attributes, and other individual and collective needs of diverse students. The course examines motivation, assessment, and technological tools and how they pertain to personalization in online, face-to-face and hybrid contexts.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Dec 2
Register by Nov 29
Apply Now Request Info

Admission Requirements

All APU master's degree and graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

In addition, the following is required for admission into this program. All documentation must be provided prior to course registration:

  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5
  • Official bachelor’s or master’s transcript showing conferral of degree
  • Graduate writing sample
  • Statement of Understanding (SOU)

Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation including a legible copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (civilian students) or government-issued JST or CCAF transcript (military students).

If you have a non-U.S. transcript, please view our International Admissions page for more information.

There is no fee to complete the APU admission application. View steps to apply.
 

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • This graduate certificate program does not lead to state certification or licensure, nor can it be used to maintain state licensure or certification. We strongly encourage you to explore your state-specific requirements prior to applying here in order to make an informed decision. In addition, you may email our coordinator of certification and licensure at [email protected]
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 is required for admission into this program
  • You are required to take EDUC621 as the first course in this degree program, but other courses may be taken in conjunction with EDUC621

An APU admissions coach will contact you via email or phone to assist you with the enrollment process, review your documentation, and notify you when you have been admitted into the program and may register for courses.

Materials Cost

Technology fee: $85 per course 

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.