Program Overview

This independent study course is designed for educators who participate in professional development in a variety of different formats such as seminars, workshops, trainings, online courses, or webinars. This course will guide educators through further research and provide practical knowledge they can apply directly in their classroom. Educators will create a lesson plan or professional development initiative to demonstrate their ability to apply the strategies they discovered.

Register Now

At a Glance

Extended Education
Approximately 15 to 45 hours
Up to 6 months to complete coursework
1-3 PDUs per course
Graduate Level Professional Development Credits
$150-$400

Program Highlights

Fully Accessible

Flexibility and Accessibility

Courses are 100% online and self-paced. Access textbooks and course materials completely online.

Credential test

Your Own PD experience

Ability to choose your own PD experience.

Data

Your Lesson Plan

Gain practical teaching experience and develop a lesson plan or professional development initiative.

Standards

Earn Credits

Earn graduate-level professional development credits for salary advancement.

What is an independent study course?

This self-paced, online, project-based course provides educators with a framework for exploring a topic that allows teachers the freedom to choose their own focus and readings.

How it works:

  1. Participate in a professional development experience such as an online course, reading a book, attending a seminar, workshop, training, or watching a live or recorded webinar (View UMass Global Webinars)
  2. Register for the course and select the number of credits you would like to earn (1-3 PDUs)
  3. Select your project(s) type (create a lesson plan or professional development initiative) and complete coursework. Download a step-by-step guide.

Who Should Enroll? 

  • 6-12th grade teachers
  • Teacher candidates,
  • School administrators
  • Para-educators
older female teacher who has her credential teaching a group of older elementary school children

Earn your credit in 3 simple steps

Step 1: Register online.

Step 2: Complete the course.

Step 3: Receive credits and obtain an official transcript.

older female teacher who has her credential teaching a group of older elementary school children

What are Graduate-level Professional Development Credits?

Graduate-level professional development credits are not part of a degree program but instead are primarily used for professional advancement such as salary increment steps and recertification. Students should seek approval from appropriate district officials before enrolling in these courses.