The Certificate Program

What is a Certificate?
An academic certificate is comprised of a series of post-baccalaureate courses that enables a student to explore a specific area of study. Like a master's or doctoral degree, a certificate is offered by a host academic department, is approved by UNC's Graduate School, and is related to an academic area of study. Some credits earned in a certificate program are eligible to be applied to graduate-degree programs. Certificates are noted on University transcripts, and no distinction is made between certificates earned online and those earned on campus.

Are the programs and courses offered through online learning technologies the same quality as those offered on campus?
Yes. Courses in this certificate program were designed under the supervision of full-time faculty members in the UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Additionally, students are asked to complete evaluations to assess the quality of their instructors and course material. These evaluations are reviewed by school administrators, who make adjustments to course and program requirements as needed.

How much time will I need to spend on this program?
Students should expect to spend an average of eight to ten hours per week on readings, class discussions and other assignments for each class in which they are enrolled. Students with full-time jobs and other commitments could have a difficult time taking two online courses in the same semester.

How long do I have to complete the certificate program? May I take a semester off once I enroll?
Most students complete the program within three years of enrolling in their first course. Some students take one course after another; others take a semester or two off depending on their home or work circumstances. Both approaches are acceptable. However, the work required to earn the certificate must be completed within five consecutive calendar years from enrollment in a student's first course.

Does course credit transfer?
Credit hours earned in this program may be transferred to a graduate-degree program. The amount and type of credit granted is at the sole discretion of that program. Certificate students who are accepted into the UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s graduate program may apply credit as follows:

All credits must have been earned within five years of admission to the graduate program.

Will admission into this certificate program help me get into the school's graduate program?
Admission into the certificate program has no bearing on admission to the school's graduate program. However, outstanding performance in certificate courses might be viewed favorably by the admissions committee. Recent certificate graduates have been admitted to the school's master's and doctoral programs.

Will the certificate be listed on my transcript?
After completing the program, a student's transcript will indicate having earned a Certificate in Technology and Communication from UNC. Transcripts can be obtained from the registrar.

Does the School of Journalism and Mass Communication offer an online master's degree?
Yes. The School now offers an online master's program. The first class began in Fall 2011.

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Course Structure and Management

I have never taken an online course. What is it like? Do I have to be online at a certain time?
Courses in the certificate program are taught on a 15-week semester schedule, meaning that courses are taught within the time frame of the UNC fall and spring semesters. Students enrolled in a course must complete the course within the given semester. However, students generally do not need to be online at a certain time of day. Each course consists of a mix of readings, discussion forum postings, individual assignments and audio/visual tutorials. Several courses also teach students how to create and use a blog, in addition to other digital media tools.

Is online education right for me?
The Certificate program is a distance-education program that allows students to take advantage of a Carolina education from anywhere in the world. However, distance learning is not for everyone. It requires self-motivation and discipline. Students will have greater interaction with fellow students and less interaction with instructors than is typical in on-campus classes. Written communication — whether in e-mail, discussion forum postings or assignments — is the primary avenue for learning. Check out Online Learning Essentials for common myths and tips for success as an online student.

Are any courses taught during the summer?
No.

Will I ever have to physically visit the UNC campus?
No. The certificate program is completed entirely online.

How do I communicate with my instructor and classmates?
Communication methods vary from course to course, but most instructors use e-mail and discussion forums in Sakai. Please note that courses are taught in English and students need to be proficient in reading and writing English. The best way to request specific help from an instructor is via e-mail. Instructors try to respond to e-mail within 24 hours when possible. During weekends and holidays, response times may be longer. Instructors communicate via a student's UNC e-mail account.

Do I need to know a lot about computers?
Courses are designed to be accessible to people with a wide range of experience using computers. Students will need to be comfortable sending e-mail and using the Internet. Students will become familiar with posting messages to a discussion forum in Sakai, and likely will create documents and attach them to e-mail messages. Courses also teach students how to create a blog.

I would like to familiarize myself with HTML before starting classes. Can you recommend some online tutorials?
While prior knowledge of HTML is not a requirement — nor is in necessary to succeed in the certificate program — some courses do discuss HTML as part of the course curriculum. Some students prefer to familiarize themselves with HTML before starting classes. Many find the following sites useful: HTML Tutorial and Webmonkey.

Can I utilize UNC library resources?
Yes. The Library provides a proxy service that authorizes students to connect to electronic resources (databases, indexes, electronic journals, etc.) from off-campus. An Onyen and password is necessary when connecting to these resources. The library has a Web site dedicated to distance education.

When will I receive my grades?
Grades should be available about one week after the end of the semester, if not sooner. Grades are available from MyUNC with an Onyen and password.

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Financial Concerns

Do you offer tuition assistance or scholarships?
Unfortunately, there are no grants or loans at this time available through UNC for students in the certificate program. Students in the certificate program are not eligible to receive Federal Student Aid. In general, students must be pursuing a degree in order to be eligible for Federal Student Aid. However, students can apply for private educational loans. An example of one such loan is the Education Connection Loan from Wells Fargo.

Does the UNC Cashier’s Office offer an installment payment plan?
Yes. Contact the Cashier’s Office for details. Deadlines for enrolling in the payment plan are July 31 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring.

Does UNC accept military tuition assistance?
Yes. Please contact the Cashier’s Office.

Do students living outside of North Carolina pay a different tuition rate?
Yes. Students living outside of North Carolina must pay out-of-state tuition rates. Since UNC is a state-supported institution, resident tuition is subsidized by N.C. taxpayers, and the different rate scale affects distance as well as residential students.

Is tuition tax deductible?
In many cases, students can claim a tax credit or deduction for some or all of their higher education expenses. Consult a tax adviser or preparer for more details.

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The Certificate Student Handbook (PDF) contains a detailed guide for students and may have the answers to many of your questions.