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University of Houston Instructional Technology Certificates

Over the last decade, the high need in schools for teachers trained in instructional technology was matched by multiple funding opportunities, both local and federal, making it possible for schools to sponsor key teachers for full Masters preparation in Instructional Technology. These technology leaders returned to their respective schools to instruct and share their knowledge with their faculty and staff, thus furthering the learning. In recent years, however, local and federal funding for technology-related initiatives has essentially vanished.

For this reason, as well as a variety of others, we have found that teachers in the public schools, and at times professionals in other technology and training-related vocations, frequently have an interest and a need in developing expertise in a particular focus area, yet are not—or not yet—interested in pursuing a masters degree. Often these students—representative of a growing group of individuals across the Houston area—enroll in our courses as post-baccalaureate students without emphasis on particular areas and formal guidance.

In direct response to this need, the instructional technology faculty has developed three graduate certificates centered on meaningful focus areas reflecting the immediate issues in education.

IT Certificate Flyer (PDF format)

	Certificate in Designing and Developing Educational Graphics
	Certificate in Multimedia
	Certificate in Distance Education

Both Graduate and Certificate students share the same courses.  Each certificate is composed of 4 courses (12 credit hours) and are very focused on one aspect of the field like Educational Graphics, Distance Learning or Multimedia Design and Development.  In contrast, the Masters Degree is 36 credit hours in length and is much broader and extensive in nature. All IT Masters Degree and Graduate Certificate students receive program specific administrative and technical support. 

Since application requirements are somewhat different, acceptance into a Graduate Certificate cohort does not guarantee acceptance into the Masters Degree.

These certificates are both Direct Entry (for students with no intention of earning a graduate degree but who seek some graduate level work to enhance their knowledge and skill in a particular area), and Specialization (for graduate students at the University of Houston who would like a formal recognition of a specialized area of study in addition to their degree).

DIRECT ENTRY	SPECIALIZATION
If you are NOT a graduate student at the University of Houston	If you are a graduate student at the University of Houston
1. Apply for a certificate program:
Applicants who are not currently enrolled at the University of Houston will be required to apply as “temporary graduate students” and meet the requirements. For more information about the different categories of admission to graduate programs, visit the UH website: http://www.uh.edu/admissions/graduate/how- apply/admissions-categories/index.php	Graduate students currently in a Masters or Doctoral program should check with their academic advisor to see whether any or all of these courses can be used as electives for their degree objective.
2. Review certificate admissions requirements: Certificate admission requirements are consistent with the graduate school standards at the University of Houston. In addition, there are the following requirements: completion of a college degree; college transcripts with an undergraduate average reflecting the ability to achieve a 3.0 average in graduate courses; a statement from the applicant explaining why this Certificate is appropriate; and work experience and career goals that indicate the appropriateness of this Certificate.
3. Contact the Program Coordinator Email Dr. Sara McNeil (smcneil@uh.edu) for more information or to receive an application.

Q: How do I get an advisor?
A: Upon acceptance into a certificate program, students will be assigned a faculty advisor. After meeting with their advisor, students may then enroll in classes.

Q: How long does it take?
A: The time required for completion of each certificate is based on the number of courses offered and how many courses that a student is able to complete each semester; the average duration of study is one year

Q: Can these courses count as credit toward an M.Ed.?
A: Students in a certificate program are encouraged to adhere to the admission criteria for UH College of Education graduate programs so that they may apply the courses in a certificate program toward a Master's Degree in Instructional Technology, if they choose.  However, completion of the MTT program does not guarantee acceptance to a M.Ed. Program.