Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Learning in Game-Based Environments

Certificate Level: Graduate
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher
Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
Number of Credits to Completion: 9.0
Instructional Delivery: Online
Calendar Type: Quarter
Expected Time to Completion: 1 years
Financial Aid Eligibility: Not aid eligible
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 13.0501
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 

About the Program

The Learning in Game-Based Environments certificate is a credential for those who want to be equipped with a working knowledge of game-based learning strategies. Students who complete this certificate will have opportunities to examine games, game genres as they relate to pedagogy, and how the design of games supports transformative experiences in any learning setting. 

Students explore the rationale of game studies, the history of games and learning, the role of digital media, and the social nature of games as an affinity space for social learning and demonstrate their understanding of why games are powerful environments for learning, identity formation, and motivation. Students also examine games, emerging media, and learning in the context of participatory culture. Study also focuses on play, its role in learning in social spaces, and the current research around these practices by focusing on the issues relating to how schools, organizations, and society are responding to the challenges of emerging technologies. Finally, students use the technological, pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) educational technology framework to explore game design systematically by framing game genres as forms of pedagogy as they consider educational content and demonstrate their understanding of the interplay of technology, pedagogy, and content in the game environment.

The Learning in Game-Based Environments certificate program is appropriate for current or future leaders, managers, and practitioners in organizations, non-profits, schools, and those in institutions of higher education, or any individual seeking to improve learning by creating effective environments and experiences for learners of any age-group from young children to adults. Entrepreneurs interested in this practice area are especially welcome.

The focused Learning in Game-Based Environments certificate may be taken as a stand-alone credential to supplement previous credentials. This affordable 9.0 credit stackable certificate can be completed in three quarters of part-time study. 

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution.

Program Requirements

Sample Plan of Study

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please visit the School of Education's website.