The School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh is renowned nationwide, and through Pitt Online, students can earn a Master of Education in Instruction and Learning without ever stepping foot on campus.
Students in this program are assigned an adviser and may access all of the university's resources that are available to on-campus students, including library databases which can be accessed from off-campus. Pitt's program does not require that students attend time-specific online lectures---there are no set times that students must meet online either. Most courses require only that students complete assignments on time. Courses are taught by the same instructors that teach on-campus courses, and students are able to interact with each other via distance communication like online discussions.
Pitt Online
4227 5th Avenue
820 Alumni Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-3335
online.pitt.edu/programs/education.php
Though it differs from a traditional teaching certificate, Penn State Online offers a certificate program in distance learning---it is a program that both utilizes and teaches online teaching methods. Its 18 credits may be applied toward a master's or a Ph.D, and since many of the courses required for this certificate are also required for Penn State's master's in adult education, it can be used as a head start on that academic path. Students are able to access Penn State's library system online, meaning that students anywhere in the world can utilize the academic resources required to complete the program. The certificate bears the Seal of Recognition of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, which may be incentive for in-state students to use this program.
Penn State World Campus
The Pennsylvania State University
128 Outreach Building
University Park, PA 16802
(800) 252-3592
worldcampus.psu.edu/
The Secondary Teacher Certification Program at Clarion University is designed to accommodate career-changers and full-time students alike. This online certification program allows its students not only to complete their studies remotely but also to choose for themselves the schools at which they would like to complete their field work---the only condition is that they do so in Pennsylvania.
Students in this program earn a teaching certificate, but not a master's---the program typically leaves students only four courses shy of an master's of education, though, so it can be used as a stepping stone toward that end. Despite being web-based, this program does require that students complete a 40-hour early field experience and a 12-week practicum semester of student teaching.
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
840 Wood Street
Clarion, PA 16214
(814) 393-2000
clarion.edu/29364/