College of Education and Human Development

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Learning analytics graduate certificate

With the rise of “big data,” knowing how to effectively and ethically use educational data to inform research and practice is crucial. The Learning Analytics Graduate Certificate will allow you to effectively incorporate analytics into educational practice and research while gaining an understanding of the fundamentals of learning analytics.

This program offers both hybrid and in-person components for flexible and interactive learning experiences.

“Learning Analytics provides researchers with exciting new tools to study teaching and learning. Moreover, as data infrastructures improve — from data capture and analysis, to visualization and recommendation — we can close the feedback loop to learners, offering more timely, precise, actionable feedback. In addition, educators, instructional designers and institutional leaders gain new insights once the learning process is persistent and visible.”
— Society for Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR)

Quote from Xinran Zhu

I love exploring how big data can inform pedagogical decisions and technology innovations. The program really fits my interests and provides opportunities to learn about the underlying theories and methods/techniques in learning analytics and to get my hands dirty through various activities and projects. This program also trained me to think as a learning analyst in both research and technology innovation practices.

Xinran Zhu Doctoral Student, Learning Technologies

About this program

Timeline

You can take this certificate at your own pace. Most students complete the four classes in one to two years depending on individual schedules and course offerings.

Experience

Through this program, you will gain knowledge and skills in learning analytics by:

  • Developing expertise in learning analytics research and practice
  • Understanding key learning theories and applying them in learning analytics
  • Integrating learning analytics in research and/or practice
  • Participating in and contributing to communities of research and/or practice

How to apply

    Application deadline and instructions

    Currently enrolled students: If you are enrolled in another program at the University, you need to apply to earn this certificate. Note: Transfer credits may not be applied to this certificate program.

    Application priority deadlines:

    • December 15 - Spring start
    • April 30 - Summer start
    • July 31- Fall start

    You can also contact the faculty adviser for the program, Angel Pazurek.

    Tuition and funding

    Tuition varies depending on your degree program, student status, and residency. If you are seeking only the certificate, you pay the CEHD departmental master's tuition rate. More cost information is on the CEHD site.

    Certificate-only students are not eligible for financial aid.

    Application requirements

    Before applying online, make sure you have all the required materials. We are here to help! If you have questions, please contact the academic advisor in your program area. Even if you are a currently enrolled student, you must apply to earn a certificate. We also require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or foreign equivalent with at least a 2.8 GPA.

    To apply you will need:

    • Unofficial transcripts: Upload your transcripts into the application system; please do not mail your transcripts. Official transcripts are required only after you are admitted.
    • Resume: Upload in the Program Supplementary Information - Graduate Program Additional Application section.
    • Statement of purpose: Explain the relationship of courses and research to your professional goals. (Recommended length: two pages).

    Additional admissions information

    International applicants

    This program does not support VISA requirements; if you need a VISA, please view our Master of Education degree option instead.

    International applicants may also need:

    An English translation of your transcripts, if the transcript is not in English. A course by course evaluation may be required.
    TOEFL scores. Official TOEFL scores are required. You may qualify for an exception if you have completed 16 semester or 24 quarter credits within the past 24 months in residence as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States.
    UMN TOEFL score requirements and submission guidelines

    TOEFL registration and score submission
     

    Contact and advisor

    Contact

    We’re here to help. Simply complete one of these forms and a member of our department will be in touch.