Graduate Certificate in Online Learning and Teaching (COLT)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-06-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2024-12-01 | - |
| 2025-03-01 | - |
| 2025-06-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2025-12-01 | - |
| 2026-03-01 | - |
| 2026-06-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2026-12-01 | - |
| 2027-03-01 | - |
| 2027-06-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Online Learning and Teaching (COLT) program at the University at Albany equips individuals with the skills to create and teach online courses effectively. The program offers a flexible curriculum with core and elective courses, allowing students to tailor their learning to their career goals. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in online education, including course development, instructional design, and online teaching.
Program Outline
Outline:
The COLT program is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to create and teach online courses effectively. It focuses on areas like online curriculum development, instructional delivery, and assessment methods. The program is structured around a total of 15 credits, divided among three core courses, two elective courses, and one additional choice course. Students can choose from a variety of course options to tailor the program to their individual needs and career goals.
Core Courses (choose three):
- Introduction to Online Teaching
- Introduction to Distance Learning
- K-12 Online Teaching and Learning
- Teaching and Learning in Immersive Environments
- Educational Computing and Instructional Design
Elective Courses (choose two):
- Educational Computing
- Systematic Design of Instruction
- Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum
- Educational Theory and Practice
Additional Choice Course (choose one):
- Contemporary Patterns in Teaching
- Seminar in Instructional Technology
- Graduate Internship in Online Learning
Sample Course Topics:
- History and Technology of Educational Media
- Immersive Environments for Education
- Educational Software Applications
Teaching:
The COLT program is delivered entirely online through interactive, cohort-based courses. Faculty actively facilitate discussions, guide inquiries, answer questions, and provide feedback to students. The program emphasizes a collaborative learning environment where students can share experiences and learn from each other.
Careers:
The COLT program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in online education, including:
- Online Course Developers
- Instructional Designers
- Online Teachers and Trainers
- Educational Technology Specialists
- Curriculum Developers Graduates can find employment opportunities in various educational settings, including K-12 schools, higher education institutions, corporate training programs, and government agencies.
Other:
- All credits earned in the COLT program can be applied towards the Master's program in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology.
- The program offers an optional internship opportunity to gain practical experience in online learning environments.
- Students interested in pursuing careers in education can contact the Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center for guidance and support.
Conclusion:
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Online Learning and Teaching program at the University at Albany provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the growing field of online education.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
Entry Requirements:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required. However, applicants with a lower GPA may be considered if they have other strong qualifications, such as relevant work experience, professional certifications, or a strong personal statement.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. This can be done by submitting a score from a standardized English language proficiency exam, such as the TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum acceptable scores vary depending on the exam taken.
- While the program is open to both domestic and international students, there may be different application requirements for each group.
- The program offers an optional internship component, which can provide students with valuable hands-on experience in the field.
- Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible to apply for the master's program in curriculum development and instructional technology.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a score from a standardized English language proficiency exam.
- The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 80 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- The minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5 overall, with no individual band score below 6.0.
