Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

What you'll study

The curriculum focuses on practical skills and instructional theory needed to design, deliver, and evaluate online learning. Topics explicitly covered by the program include:

• Designing effective online courses using current learning, technology, design and instructional theories
• Practices for engaging and empowering learners through technology
• Fundamentals of instructional design
• Developing curriculum, authentic learning experiences, and accurate assessments
• Selecting and applying appropriate tools and technologies to maximize student potential

Program courses are listed as EDUO-601, EDUO-602, EDUO-603, EDUO-604 and EDUO-605; for course descriptions and any prerequisites consult the IWU course catalog.

Entry requirements

• Completed baccalaureate or graduate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA, verified by official transcripts sent directly to IWU.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 from the degree-granting institution (with at least 30 hours completed there).
• Experience in an education environment.
• Transcripts from foreign institutions may require an external evaluation at the student’s expense.

To earn the certificate students must successfully complete the curriculum, maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 (and a minimum grade of B- in each course), and satisfy all tuition and fee obligations.

Career prospects

This certificate prepares educators for roles that require online instructional skills within P–12 contexts, such as online/blended classroom teachers, instructional coaches supporting digital learning, curriculum developers focusing on virtual delivery, or district-level staff coordinating online programs. The emphasis is practical: participants gain tools to create engaging online courses and assessments that meet contemporary learner needs.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

IWU lists financial aid options including grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits and employer reimbursement. The program states a tuition rate of $525 per credit hour and notes that a student’s tuition rate is locked when they begin the program, with an estimated cost of attendance available via the financial aid webpages or an enrollment counselor.