US News Best Online Programs Grad Education 2023The Online Education emphasis area prepares you to design, develop, and provide effective online learning experiences in a variety of settings.

The Online Education emphasis area focuses on the following competencies:

  • Designing online learning environments, activities, and assessments to create engaging and effective online learning
  • Designing, facilitating and evaluating online discussions
  • Promoting student engagement and motivation in online learning environments
  • Designing instruction that addresses the unique characteristics of online learning environments
  • Selecting appropriate technology tools and learning objects to support online learners
  • Using learning management systems to support and deliver online learning
  • Seeking for and evaluating Internet-based information and resources that can be used to enhance online learning
  • Organizing course materials in an online format

Degree Requirements

The program requires 30 credit hours and includes course work in these categories:

  • Required (17 credit hours)
  • Approved Electives (13 cr. hr.)
  • Capstone Project (see below)

At least 15 credit hours must be at the 9000 level.

See Learning Technologies Advising Aid for the Online Education Emphasis Area for program details.

See descriptions of all SISLT Courses.
See Tentative LT Course Rotation.

Capstone

The Online Education (OE) emphasis area culminates in a capstone course project showing mastery of the OE competencies.

Students should enroll in the one credit hour 9483 Capstone: Online Education at the end of your program.

See Capstone Details file for more information.

Apply

Before You Apply

You may take up to nine hours of SISLT course work prior to being officially accepted into the program.

  • Taking courses prior to applying does not guarantee admission;
  • Take courses that will be included in your program of study — check with your academic advisor before enrolling.

Deadlines

  • May 1 for summer admission.
  • July 1 for fall admission.
  • Sept. 1 for second 8 week fall courses.
  • December 1 for spring admission.
  • Feb. 1 for second 8 week spring courses.

Course enrollment dates vary from semester to semester. For the most current information, visit the MU academic calendar for dates to remember.

Admission Requirements

  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher (A=4.0) on the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work
  • Some types of relevant experience
  • GRE scores are not required.
  • TOEFL (80) or Duolingo (105) scores (if applicable)

If you don’t meet one of the above standards, you could possibly be admitted on probation status. If this happens, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 during your first 12 hours of graduate course work, with no grade lower than a B.

How to Apply

  • Prepare electronic versions of your resume, statement of purpose (what you hope your degree will do for you), and two letters of recommendation.
  • Apply using our convenient online Graduate Application system. Upload the requested files.
  • Provide an official copy of your transcript from the college or university where you received your bachelor’s degree.
    • Official transcripts should be sent to MU Office of Research and Graduate Studies, 210 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211.
  • All international applicants, regardless of other study in Anglophone institutions or countries (including in the U.S.) will need to submit a TOEFL score of 80 or a Duolingo score of 105. The only exemptions are for students from the countries listed on the ITAP site as being exempt.

Admission Decisions

Once all your application materials are in place, we will review your credentials and notify you of the decision. Most decisions are made within a month. If you must have your admission decision by a certain date, please notify our student coordinator, providing the date and rationale. We will do our best to meet your deadline.

Planning

When you are accepted into the program, you will be assigned a faculty advisor. Email your advisor to begin the program planning process.

Use the Learning Technologies Advising Aid for the Online Education Emphasis Area to guide your program planning. Fill out the M-1 Program of Study Form. This form establishes the courses required for you to earn your degree and must be approved by your advisor. Submit the M-1 form by the end of your second semester in the program.

Student Resources

Contact

SISLT Student Services Office

Amy Adam

Program Manager IStudent Support Services adamae@missouri.edu

Breanne Meyer

Student Support Specialist II meyerbm@missouri.edu

303 Townsend Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
sislt@missouri.edu
877-747-5868
573-882-4546