ITS Certification Program

Instructional Technology Specialist (ITS) & 079 Special Endorsement In Educational Computing and Technology Facilitation (TF): An Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

*All MIT courses, including the internship, can be completed online/remotely.

Who Should Apply for the Program?

The ITS/TF Certificate Program is designed to address the needs of K-12 teachers, as well as instructional technology specialists, community college faculty/staff, and individuals interested in the design and development, implementation and management of educational and training materials. The Certificate program serves individuals who do not wish to earn a Master of Science degree but wish to expand their knowledge and skills in design, development, implementation and management of instructional materials for different delivery systems. It is also designed for students who are already enrolled in other graduate programs and desire the additional concentration in instructional technology to improve their employment candidacy. The certificate is not a license to teach but rather a University endorsement of instructional technology competence. The program uses an online delivery system for all of courses. Some courses may require real-time virtual or face-to-face meetings to provide hands-on activities for production purposes or to offer site visitations.

Who is qualified for Instructional Technology Specialist?

The Instructional Technology Specialist Certificate is open to all interested individuals with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in this country or its equivalent in a foreign institution based on a four-year program and have a strong overall academic record with a "B" average or better in the basic courses required in the area of the proposed certificate program. *GRE/MAT tests are not required for admission into any MIT certificate program.

Who is qualified for 079 Special Endorsement?

Students holding or qualified to hold, North Carolina class "A" teaching licensure in at least one area of education prior to admission or completion of the Certificate program are qualified to apply for 079 Special Endorsement in Educational Computing and Technology Facilitation (TF) upon completion of the IF Certificate program.

Individuals in other fields that do not hold teaching licensure may be admitted to the program and complete the certificate Instructional Technology Specialist, but will not be recommended for 079 Special Endorsement in Educational Computing and Technology Facilitation (TF).

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What are Program Goals and Objectives?

The certificate program seeks to develop creative professionals who:

  1. Have developed knowledge of computer utilization practices and the ability to apply them in instructional settings
  2. Have developed conceptual and practical understanding of principles of instructional design and development.
  3. Are skilled in instructional design processes.
  4. Have developed production skills in the development of Web-based resources and distance education programs.
  5. Provide leadership to educational environments and facilitate planning and implementation of instructional technology innovations.
  6. Are skilled in multimedia development.
  7. Are sensitive and aware of various organizational, ethical, cultural and pedagogical issues related to utilization of media/emerging technology.

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What are the Program Requirements?

The Certificate Program requires completion of 18 credit hours graduate level courses. Students must complete two core courses and twelve hours from a list of approved electives to complete the certificate program.

Option I: Certificate in instructional technology specialist (ITS) and 079 Special Endorsement in Educational Computing and Technology Facilitation (TF)

Required Courses (15 credit hours)

  • MIT 500: Instructional Systems Design: Theory and Research (3 credit-hours)
  • MIT 511: Multimedia Design and Production (3 credit-hours)
  • MIT 512: Computer Applications in Education (3 credit-hours)
  • MIT 522: Organization Management of Instructional Technology Programs (3 credit-hours)
  • MIT 595/542 Internship (1-3 credits)

Select one course from the following courses (3 credit hours)

  • MIT 513: Computer-based Instruction (3 credit-hours)
  • MIT 514: Distance Education (3 credit-hours)
  • MIT 515: Web Teaching: Design and Development (3 credit-hours)

Option II: Certificate in instructional technology specialist (ITS)

Required Courses (6 credit hours)

  • MIT 500: Instructional Systems Design: Theory and Research (3 credit-hours)
  • MIT 511: Multimedia Design and Production (3 credit-hours)

Select 12 credit hours from the following approved elective courses

  • MIT 520: Managing Instructional Development (3 credits)
  • MIT 513: Computer-based Instruction (3 credit-hours)
  • MIT 514: Distance Education (3 credit-hours)
  • MIT 515: Web Teaching: Design and Development (3 credit-hours)
  • MIT 522: Organization & Management of Instructional Technology Programs (3 credit-hours)
  • MIT 502: Systematic Approach to Performance Improvement (3 credit-hours)
  • MIT 595/542 Internship (1-3 credits)

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What is the expected course offering?

All required courses for the students who are seeking 079 Special Endorsement in Computers in Education are offered on a regular basis each year. The elective courses are offered every other academic year unless there is an identified demand for the course.

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What should a TF applicant know?

All credit for courses taken in the Certificate Program are part of the approved course work of the Masters of Science in Instructional Technology (MIT) program.

No Praxis Specialty Area tests are required for this program.

Graduate students currently admitted and enrolled in a graduate degree program may simultaneously pursue the Certificate Program if approved by graduate program director and the certificate program director. No other application is necessary.

Students who are currently enrolled in the Graduate School and who wish to pursue the Certificate Program must apply for admission to the program before one-half of the required credits are completed.

A Certificate graduate student may enroll on either a part-time or a full-time basis.

Individuals may take up to 10 semester hours as non-degree students provided they meet the admission requirements for the Certificate program.

Individuals who wish to enter into the M. S. in Instructional Technology graduate program must apply to the graduate school before the completion of 10 credit hours.

Graduation rate is 100% (students often transfer to M.S. in IT program), Job Placement rate is 100%

Students have five years to complete the program - full time student could complete the program in one year.

Graduate tuition and fees per university schedule for full and part time study - https://www.uncw.edu/studentaccounts/tuition_fees.html

Books and supplies ~ $400, additionally recommend personal computer (not included in estimate)

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate certificate in ITS must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in this country, or its equivalent in a foreign institution based on a four-year program, and have a strong overall academic record with a "B" average or better in the basic courses required in the area of the proposed certificate program.

To apply for admission to the graduate certificate you must submit the following:

  1. An application for admission to the graduate school;
  2. Official transcripts of all prior university or college coursework (undergraduate and graduate);
  3. A letter describing educational and professional experiences, reason for pursuing the certificate, and the contributions you hope to make after completing the program;
  4. International students: TOEFL minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based exam, 197 on the computer-based exam, or 525 on the paper-based exam. Scores older than two (2) years will not be accepted.

    *GRE/MAT tests are not required for admission into any MIT certificate program    .

Applicants who plan to apply for 079 Special Endorsement must currently have (or be eligible for) a NC teaching license.

Students may transfer up to 9 semester hours as a non-degree student at UNCW toward this certificate program.

Individuals who fall short of one of these criteria may be admitted if other factors indicate potential for success. The courses in this certificate program are all project-based with individual and team collaboration. There is close mentoring from faculty in the hands-on design of online courses. These factors help in the successful completion of the program.


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