Online Education Minor: Educating for the 21st Century

A certificate program for those who are not currently enrolled UC Berkeley students

Interested in a career in education or want to learn more about teaching and learning? With the Online Education Minor, “Educating for the 21st Century,” you can earn a certificate for a Minor in Education in just two summers (courses are often available during the academic year as well). You will gain experience not just learning about educational theories, but also real-word experience as teacher-mentors through our unique practicum experience. Our online courses explore a range of topics related to key issues in education, such as digital literacy, virtual learning environments, and global education.

To receive a certificate for a Minor in Education, individuals must complete one required course (EDUC W190); three electives; plus three units of practicum experiences. If you choose not to complete the entire certificate program, you are welcome to enroll in individual courses.

For Berkeley Summer Sessions class fees, dates, and information please visit the Summer Sessions website or Student Housing.

How to Enroll in the Online Education Minor

Before you begin your course work, fill out the Virtual Education Minor Declaration form.  Please note that there is no application – this is simply so that we can keep track of your certificate progress.

Choose your courses and enroll in summer courses via Berkeley Summer Sessions.

Completing the Summer Minor: Fill out the Completion of Virtual Minor form within two weeks of the start of your final course.

Once it’s confirmed that your course requirements are completed, you will receive a Certificate of Completion document signed by the Dean of the School of Education. Note: Please make sure you've filled out the Declaration form before submitting your Completion Form.  


Summer Courses in Education 

One required core course:
EDUC W190 Critical Issues in Education
Instructor: Christyna Serrano 
Learn about democratic education and critical theory while exploring solutions to educational inequality. Engage in collaborative projects in exploring key readings and concepts while developing critical perspectives. 

Choose three electives:

EDUC W140A The Art of Making Meaning
Instructor: Professor Glynda Hull  
Learn about theories of literacy and learning in digital, networked environments, as well as research methods in education. Students work on a number of creative activities to represent key course ideas, as well as author a final Case Study paper documenting their field work experience. This course satisfied one practicum experience and UC Berkeley’s American Cultures requirement.

EDUC W141 Exploring Digital Pedagogy
Instructor: Professor Glynda Hull  
Over the past decade, online education and classroom-based education have begun to converge in the form of digital pedagogy. What does this mean for the role of the instructor, how a student learns, the design of a learning experience, the structure of education and the impact on society overall? This course provides the opportunity to explore issues that are impacting 21st century education and pedagogy due to the disruptive force of technology.

EDUC W142 Education in a Global World
Instructor: Professor Erin Murphy-Graham
What is globalization? What are the implications of living in a "global world" for education? How can education be used as a tool to promote global social justice and prosperity? In this course, we will address these and other related questions through collective reading assignments, class discussions, and online collaboration.

EDUC W153 Research in Education: Studying Educational Inequality and Possibility
Instructor: Professor Kris Gutierrez
The goal of this web-based course is to introduce students to educational research and the methods and frameworks used to examine key educational topics related to educational inequity and educational possibility. Students also will develop robust understandings of relevant theories and methods by engaging with research focused around the set of core topics. In this way, students will become ‘re-searchers’ of enduring educational issues.

EDUC W161 Digital Learning Environments
Instructor: Professor Zachary Pardos
Learn about the history and development of digital learning environments, from smart tutoring systems to open educational resources. Student projects include designing prototypes for mediating an online learning experience.

EDUC W144 - Practicum in Education (1-3 units)

Practicum in Education is designed to provide an opportunity for undergraduates to gain knowledge of qualitative research methods through critically reflecting on practicum work conducted in an educational setting. Students have the option of conducting practicum work in one of four course strands: (1) working with K-12 youth or peers; (2) conducting guided research; (3) working in an education-providing institution; and (4) course assistance in a university class. Students will be guided in these activities via the on line practicum course. Our Ed Minor team can help place you at a field work site. Students must complete 3 practicum course units for the Minor, either in one semester by enrolling in 3 units or over 2 or 3 semesters by enrolling multiple times for 1 or 2 units.

Please note that a practicum experience is included as a part of EDUC W140, so students who complete this course will be required to complete only two additional practicum units.

APPLYING TO THE ONLINE EDUCATION MINOR CERTIFICATE PROGRAM*

When you are ready to apply to the online Minor in Education Certificate Program, apply here.

For questions, contact the Ed Minor Advisor: edminor@berkeley.edu.

*Currently enrolled UC Berkeley students must apply to the Education Minor through the process described on the webpage, "Applying to the Education Minor."

Contact Information

Undergraduate Minor in Education
Student Services
2121 Berkeley Way
Berkeley CA 94720-1670
edminor@berkeley.edu