2024-2025

Educational Technology, Graduate Certificate

Department of Educational Specialties

College of Education

If you are a Pre-K-12 teacher or a technology coordinator who wants to enhance your technology skills, you may be interested in the Northern Arizona University certificate plan in Educational Technology. Our Educational Technology area is designed to help you explore the: 

  • use and integration of technology in instructional learning settings
  • design, development, and implementation of online and in-person curriculum based on higher-order thinking skills
  • pedagogical constructs to make technology a real tool for learning

The certificate program will provide you with experiential preparation in strategies for teaching in PK-12 classrooms and other professional development or training settings. 

This program is accredited by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

    • Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
    • No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
    • No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
    • A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
    • A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
    • A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
    • Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.

  • Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program).  See the “Details” tab for additional information.

In addition to University Requirements:

Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge and skills. These specific skills and knowledge are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in all courses.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 15
Some online/blended coursework Required
Student Learning Outcomes

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Education Technology Graduate Certificate is to provide students with the expertise and skills to integrate technology into their own teaching, model effective use of current technologies in diverse learning environments, and assist instructors in designing technology-enhanced learning experiences.

Student Learning Outcomes

For learning outcomes, see the International Society for Technology Education Standards for Coaches.

Graduate Admission Information

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

Certificate Requirements
  • Take the following 15 units:

    Adult Learing or K-12 Option - Select one (15 units)

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Under both circumstances, federal financial aid can be used for this certificate.

Additional Information

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.