Programs, Certificates, and Licensure Programs
ONLINE LEARNING
U.S. News and World Report (2025)
BEST ONLINE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
(tied with Indiana University Bloomington)
(tied with Indiana University Bloomington)
Purdue quality. Flexible schedule.
Purdue’s College of Education offers online and hybrid graduate degree programs to help you advance your knowledge and career. Our programs provide access to our world-renowned faculty and top-quality academics in a convenient, flexible format.
Online and hybrid students enjoy the same rigorous academic programs as on-campus students, but with a much more flexible class schedule. Assignments, discussions, and other coursework are posted each week in the virtual classroom. We have the program for you!
The College of Education is a leader in online education at Purdue University
Interim Dean Phillip VanFossen and Professor Tim Newby tell the story.
Master’s Degrees
Applied Behavior Analysis
The Purdue University College of Education’s online Master’s in Educational Studies with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares future behavior analysts who apply the science of behavior analysis across educational systems. The 30-credit program is an online program.
Career and Technical Education
The graduate program in Career and Technical Education prepares leaders who are concerned with education and training that enables youth and adults to pursue their careers. The program serves professionals from the Career and Technical Education curriculum disciplines, guidance and counseling, special education, academic content areas, adult education, training and development, as well as human resource development and management in the public and private sectors.
Corporate Training and Communication
Training and learning new skills in professional environments will undoubtedly be essential as we face new challenges. Purdue University’s online Master’s Degree in Graduate Studies in Corporate Training and Communication is designed to teach professionals charged with communicating and leading training efforts in a variety of organizations and contexts. The degree emphasizes the uses of strategic communication and of instructional design and technology in corporate training and development.
Curriculum and Instruction
This 18-month, 30-credit program provides you with essential knowledge to incorporate social justice issues and K-12 STEM education into your role within modern curriculum — two key topics now proven to develop successful learners. The program offers five concentrations in Gifted, Creative and Talented Studies, English Language Learning, Mathematics Education, Educational Technology, and Integrated STEM Education.
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
This program is for K-12 teachers interested in school administration. The Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) degree is coordinated with the requirements for the Indiana Building Level Administrator license. Students complete 21 credits of licensure coursework across three consecutive semesters and then take nine additional credits in research methodology and electives to earn the master’s degree.
Higher Education
Purdue’s Higher Education Systems, Policy, and Leadership concentration is a non-licensure master’s concentration that focuses on preparing leadership-ready graduates who challenge the status quo of PK-22 education both domestically and internationally. This concentration engages students in critical thinking about PK-22 educational systems, leadership, and governance, as well as current issues and policies impacting the internal and external PK-22 educational environments.
Learning Design & Technology
Develop, implement and evaluate multimedia instructional materials, and explore ways to bring instructional design to industries outside of the educational field. You’ll graduate ready to make a positive impact on each and every one of your students in settings from nonprofits to government, and traditional classrooms to conference rooms.
Special Education
Purdue’s online M.S.Ed. in Special Education program combines a unique view of the entire education landscape with practical experience for teaching students with disabilities. In as little as 20 months, this program will give you the skills to plan and administer special education curriculum, facilitate a safe and effective classroom environment, and meet the needs of exceptional children who require highly-skilled educators.
Doctoral Degrees
Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (Hybrid)
The K-12 Cohort Ph.D. program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Purdue University develops leaders for the schools of Indiana and the nation. The graduate program at West Lafayette offers preparation in educational leadership for K-12 schools and school districts. The Cohort Doctoral Program concentrates on K-12 superintendent preparation and features the use of hybrid distance learning technologies.
Higher Education (Hybrid)
The PhD in Higher Education is for post-Master’s degree students who are interested in preparing for service and leadership in a broad range of roles in Colleges and Universities. Program graduates will understand the administrative, political, financial, legal, and socio-cultural aspects of higher education and be prepared to be change agents in 21st century institutions of post-secondary education, including community colleges, 4-year degree granting institutions, and comprehensive graduate and professional degree granting universities.
Educational Specialist Degrees
Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (Hybrid)
The Ed.S. degree in Educational Studies with a concentration in Educational Leadership is a post-master’s degree program designed to advance the career of building level school administrators and prepare them for a district level leadership role. The degree is coordinated with the requirements for the Indiana District Level Administrator license. A cohort is admitted each fall semester. Coursework for the Ed.S. and licensure will be completed in 2.5 years.
Licensure Programs
Educational Leadership Building Level Licensure
The Building Level Administrator Licensure program prepares you for the position of school principal. The 21-credit licensure program, offered in an hybrid format, consists of six graduate core educational leadership courses offered over three consecutive semesters, with a one-credit internship each semester.
English Language Learning Licensure
The English Language Learner Licensure Program Graduate provides teachers with the professional preparation to assist English language learners in developing their English language and academic skills in K through grade 12. This program provides a path for certified Indiana educators who wish to earn the add-on license in English Language Learning (ELL).
High Ability Licensure
The High Ability (Indiana Additional Instructional License) program is no longer accepting or enrolling new students. Current eligible licensure students have been notified with instructions on how and within what timeline to complete the program to qualify for licensure. For all other students, please note that any course(s) shared between licensure and non-licensure programs/tracks cannot be applied toward a High Ability license in the future or retroactively.
Special Education – Licensure Only
Gain advanced teaching and intervention skills in your chosen area of special education and take the next steps in your career with one of Purdue University’s online licensure programs. Choose from five fully online, career-focused licensure programs and open the door to professional advancement opportunities today.
Transition to Teaching Licensure
Already have a bachelor’s degree and want to become a teacher? Consider our Transition to Teaching program. Transition to Teaching (TTT) is based on the premise that you already have the subject matter expertise and focuses on teaching you how to teach. This 18-credit program supports your development as an effective teacher and provides a pathway for initial licensure in your content area in Indiana.
Director of CTE Licensure
The Director of Career and Technical Education (Indiana District Level Administrator – Director of Career and Technical Education License) Advanced Licensure Program is no longer accepting or enrolling new students. Current eligible licensure students have been notified with instructions on how and within what timeline to complete the program to qualify for licensure. For all other students, please note that any course(s) shared between licensure and non-licensure programs/tracks cannot be applied toward a Director of Career and Technical Education license in the future or retroactively.
Graduate Certificates
These graduate certificates are not tied to Indiana educator licensure. For a list of programs tied to Indiana educator licensure, please visit the “Licensure Programs” tab.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate
The Purdue University College of Education’s online certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares future behavior analysts who apply the science of behavior analysis across educational systems. The 21-credit program is an online program and requires a completed master’s degree for admission consideration.
Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE) Certificate
The purpose of the dual language bilingual education (DLBE) graduate certificate is to address the growing need of schools and teachers in meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students, including the rapidly growing English language learner student population, through the provision of high-quality dual language and other bilingual education programs.
Gifted, Creative, and Talented Studies Certificate
The Gifted, Creative, and Talented Studies Certificate Program (GCT) provides professional preparation to identify students’ learning strengths and interests to maximize high-quality, differentiated curriculum and instruction. The certificate does not constitute a teaching license but posts to the student’s transcript as a program of study. This program does not lead to licensure in the state of Indiana or elsewhere. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with program application if you have questions regarding licensure.
K-12 Integrated STEM Education Certificate
The K-12 Integrated STEM Education Grad Certificate allows students to advance their understanding of integrated STEM education approaches, learn how to design curriculum materials for integrated STEM education, and teach their disciplines using integrated STEM approaches. Students will be provided with a conceptual understanding of integrated K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and the philosophical underpinnings/nature of the disciplines of STEM.
Leadership Development Program (Career and Technical Education) Graduate Certificates
The Career and Technical Education area is offering six graduate certificates. Each year a different certificate will be offered.
Amplify the effectiveness of your teaching with the online Leadership Development Program from Purdue University. This graduate program is conceptualized within and around the major leadership functions and practices in the field of Career and Technical Education that include: curriculum planning, organization, and coordination; instruction; administration and supervision; research and evaluation; history and philosophy; special populations; diversity; career development, career education, career pathways; technology preparation; and school-to-career transition.
Instructional Design Certificate
Instructional design is a practice that touches a range of industries and learners. By completing this certificate program, you will be prepared with the core knowledge necessary to create concise, informative and accurate learning methods.
Teaching English Language Learning Certificate
The Teaching English Language Learning Graduate Certificate Program (TELL) provides teachers with the professional preparation to assist English language learners in developing their English language and academic skills in K through grade 12. The certificate does not constitute a teaching license, but posts to the student’s transcript as a program of study. Certified Indiana educators who wish to earn the add-on license in English Language Learning (ELL) should choose the licensure path.
Workplace Learning Graduate Certificate
The Workplace Learning Graduate Certificate focuses on identifying and addressing performance gaps, and then strategically assessing and evaluating solutions. This certificate will provide individuals currently working in learning, training, human resources, quality improvement, and a variety of other roles in business with core performance improvement and learning design skill sets.
Professional Development
Online and Blended Badge Repository
The Online and Blended Badge Repository is a set of digital badges that have been developed to allow teachers and other users to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and competency in teaching within blended and online environments. It is closely aligned with the Online and Blended Hub of topics and resources for teachers. There is no cost and teachers can use this towards their professional development.
Professional Development Portal
The Professional Development Portal is designed to provide a one stop shop for K-12 teachers, online instructors, and university instructors. This professional development portal offers training to educators at all levels. Expect to distinguish yourself in the education industry with a superior credential from an institution with global recognition and impact, learn tools & highly relevant techniques for successfully implementing into industry standards, & advance and network with an experienced and motivated peer group for mutual support, team exercises, and enhanced learning.
Teacher of Record
This stand alone, fully online course in English Language Development can be completed in as short as 8 weeks to ensure compliance with new IDOE standards.