Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning

At a glance

Credential: graduate certificate
Credits: 9
Next start: see program details

Technology-based learning is an expanding field with changing needs. Get up-to-date on current theories and technologies with the online Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning.

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About Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning

The Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning from Athabasca University is a specialized 9-credit program designed for those looking to expand their skills in technology use for distance education and online learning environments. This online program offers 3 intakes a year and covers a range of topics such as teaching theory, program evaluation, and the latest online technologies, all geared towards modern distance education practices. Plus, the credits you earn can be a stepping stone, as they may be applied toward Athabasca University's Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education (MEd) program if you choose to continue your studies.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree or equivalent education and experience.

See full Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning admission requirements

Program details

Overview

This Athabasca University program is for practitioners who are interested in:

technology use in distance education and training settings
teaching and learning theory applied to online technology implementations
current online learning theory applied to distance uses of communications and delivery technologies
program evaluation in distance education
research into online uses of technology

As Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning courses are part of the Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education (MEd) program, you will take your courses with MEd students.

Why take the Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning?

As distance education and technology-based learning evolve, educators skilled in technology-based tools are in high demand. Completing the Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning can help you meet that demand.

You must complete at least 6 credits through Athabasca University to meet residency requirements. There are normally 3 intakes each year: in Sept., Jan., and April. All courses are online grouped study, with defined start and end dates.

Application deadlines and start dates

Application deadline	Start date
Jan. 15	spring
May 15	fall
Sep. 15	winter

Routes and options

Ladder to a degree

Once you have completed the Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning, you may apply to the MEd program. If you're admitted, your GCTBL credits may be applied towards the MEd degree.

Completion times

You can take up to 2 years to complete all requirements.

Tuition and fees

A non-refundable convenience charge will be charged when using Visa or Mastercard to pay student fees. American Express is no longer an accepted method of payment. For more information on the convenience charge, please visit the Financial Services website.

The following fees are effective for courses starting Sep. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.). G.S.T. is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.

program application and admission fees
Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies:	$197
Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable):	$255
Non-program application fee (non-refundable) required only once and waived if previously an AU student:	$124

Course tuition fees (includes all required materials)

fees for students living in canada and out
Students living in Canada:	$1,975¹
Students living outside Canada:	$2,220¹

¹Graduate Certificate – Technology-Based Learning (GCTBL) Course Tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology fee of $167, and a Course Materials fee of $37 per course, plus the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fee of $14 per credit.

Estimated program tuition cost (2024-2025)

The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University, would be $5,925 ($1,975 x 3, three-credit course equivalents). The AUGSA fees, Course Administration and Technology fee, and Course Materials fee are included in the above calculation. Application and admission fees are not included.

Other fees

other fees
Transfer credit evaluation fee (one time):	$348
Transfer credit evaluation fee (international)(one time):	$348
Letter of Permission fee:	$100
Western Deans' Agreement administration fee (non-AU visiting students)	$250/course
Course extension fee:	$334
Course withdrawal processing fee¹:	$453
Continuation (program extension) fee. Same as course tuition fees (see above).
AU Graduate Student Association Fee (per credit)	$14

¹The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees (see above) less the course withdrawal processing fee. Refer to Course Withdrawal.

Continuation fees

Continuation fees are the same as course fees. Continuation fees are normally assessed when program students do not register in the required six credits per academic year of course work. Continuation fees may be charged to students that exceed the maximum completion time limit.

Fee information effective Sep. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025.

Courses

The Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning is a structured yet flexible program, offered over three 13-week semesters each year, designed to be completed within 2 years. Students must complete a total of 9 credits through a mix of core and elective courses, with a minimum of 6 credits fulfilled at Athabasca University to meet residency requirements.

To complete the program, you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning.

Our program regulations can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program and how to plan the order you'll take them in.

Program Regulations

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program.

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Career options

With a Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning, you could find career opportunities as an instructional designer, e-learning consultant, or technology coordinator in various educational settings, from K-12 schools to higher education and corporate training programs. The skills you gain will make you a valuable asset in an evolving educational landscape increasingly dependent on distance learning and digital platforms.

Some careers you could pursue with this certificate could include:

instructional designer
e-learning consultant
technology coordinator in education
corporate training specialist
distance education program manager
curriculum developer for online learning
learning management system administrator
educational technology specialist
online course developer
digital learning strategist

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.

Program resources

Additional resources

Program contact

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