Graduate Certificate in Workplace Learning
Prepare to design and assess learning programs and materials for business, corporate, government and industry contexts, including online training.
Design and Assess Effective Workplace-Based Learning
Whether you’re working in human resources, quality improvement or organizational leadership, Purdue University’s fully online Workplace Learning Graduate Certificate adds professional learning design skills to your resume. You can enhance your current role or move into a new position.
Gain Workplace Learning Skills that Apply Across Industries
Our online Graduate Certificate in Workplace Learning offers transferable skills for jobs in business, corporate, government and industry contexts. Learn to develop quality programs that help employees meet strategic goals.
Expert Courses Designed to Build a Solid Foundation
In this program, you will take the first steps in exploring current, proven learning methods and educational technologies through fully online courses taught by leaders in learning experience design and emerging educational technology.
The curriculum of this online graduate certificate incorporates the latest research in learning theory, educational technology and instructional design principles. It encourages students to use their work experience as a framework for their study. This program will give you the foundation to get started in the field or advance to our MS in Education in Learning Design and Technology program. Credits for the Workplace Learning certificate are applicable to the MSED program.
Program at a Glance
- Delivery: 100% Online
- Credits: 9
- Typical Course Length: 8 weeks
- In-State Rate: $450/credit
- Out-of-State Rate: $670/credit
- Start Date: Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer (May)
Explore Versatile Career Applications for Workplace Learning
With Purdue University’s online Workplace Learning Graduate Certificate, you can help employees develop skills, increase productivity and adapt to workplace changes. This in-demand expertise enables you to create a positive learning culture in the workplace and raise your salary potential in many roles.
For example, PayScale reports that Training Specialists earn an average base salary of $61,482 in 2024 — those with organizational development skills earned a 15% higher salary.1 Workplace learning skills can also enhance corporate trainer, learning consultant, learning specialist and training coordinator roles.
PayScale. “Average Training Specialist Salary.” August 26, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Training_Specialist/Salary
Admissions Requirements
Admissions decisions are based on individual experience and the applicant’s fit with the program.
We recommend that all applicants speak to an enrollment counselor to verify eligibility and document accuracy in applying for the program. Candidates must submit a completed application as well as the following items:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- An updated resume
- Official transcripts from all universities attended, including transfer credits*
- An application fee of $60 ($75 for international students)
*Coursework used to satisfy the requirements of a conferred master’s degree from an institution other than Purdue may not be used as transfer credit.
International Students
In addition to the admission requirements noted on the first tab, international students must also provide the following information.
- Official transcripts from all universities attended in the original language as well as English translation for transcripts and diplomas not in English.
- Non-native English speakers must also submit the following.
- TOEFL test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Overall: 80
- Writing: 18
- Speaking: 18
- Listening: 14
- Reading: 19
- IELTS test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Overall: 6.5
- Writing: 6.5
- Speaking: 6.0
- Listening: 6.0
- Reading: 5.5
- Duolingo test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
- Total score of 115 and 115 on each subscore
- TOEFL test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
How to Apply
Get started today by completing the online application.
If you have questions on eligibility or the documents required for your application, please call 877-497-5851 to speak with an admissions advisor.
Send All Other Application Materials To:
Purdue University Online Programs Admissions Processing Center
851 Trafalgar Court, Suite 420
West Maitland, FL 32751
Cost
| Current Tuition Rates and Fees* | In-State | Out-of-State |
| Tuition Rate | $381.20 | $601.20 |
| PO Infrastructure Fee (per credit hour) | $18.80 | $18.80 |
| Digital Education Fee (per credit hour) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Total Cost Per Credit Hour** | $450.00 | $670.00 |
| Total Credit Hours | 9 | 9 |
| Total Program Cost | $4,050.00 | $6,030.00 |
*Graduate Certificates at Purdue DO NOT qualify for financial aid.
**The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Courses
The online Graduate Certificate in Workplace Learning gives you a well-rounded approach to workplace learning, including topics in human performance technology (HPT), instructional communication, organizational evaluation, strategic assessment, workplace learning and development and more.
Because you can apply your knowledge and skills to a relevant role in any industry, this online graduate certificate benefits your career no matter what field you work in.
Required Courses
EDCI 52800 – Human Performance Technology
This course provides an introduction to human performance technology (HPT). It examines basic concepts and principles of human performance, the theoretical underpinnings of the field, research and application literature and various approaches to solving human performance problems. A systematic approach to the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of performance improvement interventions within organizations is emphasized.
Total Credits: 3
EDCI 57200 – Learning Systems Design
This course is an introduction to the principles of designing instructional materials and to instructional communication theory and techniques. Topics include objectives, student characteristics, media selection, communication variables, message design, and systematic evaluation.
Total Credits: 3
EDCI 57700 – Strategic Assessment and Evaluation
This course explores principles and techniques that can be used to carry out evaluations within an organization. The course also examines several aspects of conducting evaluations, including planning and designing an evaluation, developing appropriate instruments, using various methods to collect information, analyzing information obtained from those methods and communicating results and recommendations. This course is designed to help learners understand the multiple ways that evaluation is used in instructional systems and provides opportunities to design various types of evaluation instruments. A portion of the course will examine the study of learner assessment as part of the evaluation of instructional programs; however, the course’s focus is dedicated to the study of program evaluation.
Total Credits: 3
This program does not lead to nor result in an educator license within or outside the State of Indiana. For licensure inquiries contact the College of Education, Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Explore how Purdue’s faculty for the online Graduate Certificate in Workplace Learning can prepare you for leadership and advancement.
Faculty
Marisa Exter, Associate Professor
Wanju Huang, Clinical Associate Professor
Adrie Koehler, Associate Professor
Victoria Lowell, Clinical Professor
Jennifer Richardson, Professor
Sunnie Watson, Professor
William Watson, Professor
Peg Ertmer, Professor Emerita
James Lehman, Professor Emeritus
Timothy Newby, Professor Emeritus
Instructors
Erin Besser, Instructor
Mary Bonhomme, Instructor
Sangeetha Gopalakrishnan, Instructor
George Hanshaw, Instructor
Carole Hruskocy, Instructor
Woori Kim, Instructor
Nilufer Korkmaz, Instructor
Jennifer Lee, Instructor
Judith Lewandowski, Instructor
Christopher Mong, Instructor
David Paredes, Instructor
Dana Ruggiero, Instructor
Valerie Schmitz, Instructor
Shaun Scott, Instructor
Heidi Watson-Held, Instructor
Maryshannon Williams, Instructor
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer financial aid?
No, graduate certificates at Purdue DO NOT qualify for financial aid.
Can this certificate be applied to another degree program?
Your online Workplace Learning Certificate helps you get a head start on your next degree — you can apply your certificate credits toward Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology.
Will my diploma look different from the on-campus programs?
No. Both on-campus and online programs earn the same diploma.
Do I need work experience for admission?
No. Work experience is not required for admission; our online students come from diverse backgrounds and have a variety of career goals.
How many credit hours can be transferred into the online Graduate Certificate in Workplace Learning?
A maximum of 3 credit hours may be transferred from other institutions toward the online Workplace Learning Graduate Certificate. Transfer credits must be from a graduate level course with a grade of B or higher and cannot come from another conferred degree. You should discuss any potential transfer credit with your enrollment counselor as soon as possible during the admissions process. A final decision on eligibility of transfer credit is made after review by program faculty.
What are the faculty like in the online Workplace Learning Graduate Certificate?
All faculty members who teach for Purdue University have a strong presence in their online courses. They hold consistent virtual office hours, making sure you have ample time and space to address any questions or concerns you may have. With their years of experience in their respective fields, faculty members bring a wealth of tips, pointers and insights into current challenges and innovations in workplace learning.
How do online classes work? Do I have to be at my computer at a specific time?
Most of the coursework is asynchronous, meaning that there are not specific times that you need to be in the course. However, interaction with your instructor and peers is a major component of our classes. As an online student at Purdue University, you’ll log into a virtual online classroom interface that includes areas for assignments, discussion boards, e-mail, and more. Just like in a traditional classroom, you’ll complete coursework and exams and interact with your instructor and classmates, but it will all be online. You can access and work on your coursework at any time. You are generally required to post assignments and check in several times per week and then you just need to complete your assignments according to the schedule posted by your professor.
How many total credits are required?
The online Graduate Certificate in Workplace Learning at Purdue University requires 9 credit hours.
How much time should I plan to spend on the coursework each week?
The academic experience varies by student; however, we recommend that students plan to spend 15-25 hours per week for each course they take.
What if I have a question about homework or need help with a technical issue?
The faculty and staff at Purdue are dedicated to your success at the University and in the future. You can schedule to meet with your instructors online, and instructors will answer emails in a timely fashion. Technical support is available to help you handle hardware and software issues. We have dedicated staff to talk to you about financial aid, scheduling, or other administrative matters.
Is support available to all students?
As an online student, you will have access to a multitude of support resources when you need help or guidance, starting with new student orientation to familiarize yourself with the online learning environment. Other services include a help desk for technical issues, a student services coordinator and more.
How are the online programs different from the on-campus programs?
Purdue University’s online programs are just as rigorous and challenging as their on-campus counterparts. The main difference is the online format, which allows you greater convenience as to when and where you learn.
Can I visit campus?
Yes. Students are always encouraged to visit campus and experience all that Purdue has to offer. For visitor information, visit www.purdue.edu/visit