Professional organizations across the country have repeatedly emphasized the importance of technology in the classroom for both educators and students. As a result, the New Hampshire Department of Education has created standards for Digital Learning Specialist certification. The Digital Learning Specialist program prepares educators to use digital resources to improve their ability to integrate technology into their curriculum and classroom, while simultaneously enhancing the educator’s professional growth and productivity. This concentration is designed around International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) competency standards as well as the competencies for New Hampshire certification for Digital Learning Specialists.
PSU also offers students a dual certification option in this area. This program enables students to earn Digital Learning Specialist K–12 Certification and Library Media Specialist K–12 Certification. See information about this program in the MEd in Library Media chapter of the catalog.
Requirements for certification may change, subject to changes made by the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE). Teacher candidates can find the latest NHDOE standards at education.nh.gov/index.htm.
Curriculum & Requirements
Optional Concentrations in this Major
Digital Learning Specialist MEd, Non-Certification
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Core Component | ||
| ED 5000 | Understanding Social Behaviors | 3 |
| IN 5400 | Imagination, Creativity and Innovation | 3 |
| ED 5030 | Research Design | 3 |
| Education Component | ||
| ED 5060 | Exploring Learning Theories and Cognitive Growth | 3 |
| SE 5581 | Technology for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Specialization Component | ||
| CE 5010 | Leadership & Management | 3 |
| CE 5040 | Technology & Innovation | 3 |
| CE 5050 | Media Literacy: Information Agency for Digital Citizens | 3 |
| CE 5120 | Digital Learning in K-12 Schools | 3 |
| Capstone Experience | ||
| ED 6900 | Graduate Capstone Project | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Digital Learning Specialist MEd, K–12 Certification
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Core Component | ||
| ED 5000 | Understanding Social Behaviors | 3 |
| IN 5400 | Imagination, Creativity and Innovation | 3 |
| ED 5030 | Research Design | 3 |
| Education Component | ||
| ED 5060 | Exploring Learning Theories and Cognitive Growth | 3 |
| SE 5581 | Technology for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Specialization Component | ||
| CE 5010 | Leadership & Management | 3 |
| CE 5040 | Technology & Innovation | 3 |
| CE 5050 | Media Literacy: Information Agency for Digital Citizens | 3 |
| CE 5120 | Digital Learning in K-12 Schools | 3 |
| Capstone Experience | ||
| CE 5960 | Digital Learning Specialist Teaching Internship | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Digital Learning Specialist, K–12 Certification Only
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Education Component | ||
| ED 5060 | Exploring Learning Theories and Cognitive Growth | 3 |
| SE 5581 | Technology for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Specialization Component | ||
| CE 5010 | Leadership & Management | 3 |
| CE 5040 | Technology & Innovation | 3 |
| CE 5050 | Media Literacy: Information Agency for Digital Citizens | 3 |
| CE 5120 | Digital Learning in K-12 Schools | 3 |
| Capstone Experience | ||
| CE 5960 | Digital Learning Specialist Teaching Internship | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Digital Designer: Candidates will effectively use technology with differentiation, rigor, relevance, and engaging learning experiences in their practice of teaching, learning, and assessment.
Digital Learner: Candidates will continue to deepen knowledge and expertise with technological concepts and pedagogy.
Digital Citizen: Candidates will model responsible and safe participation in the digital world.
Collaborative Coach: Candidates will develop innovative professional learning opportunities and evaluate the impact on instructional practice and learner competencies.
Visionary Leader: Candidates will promote and participate in the development and implementation of collaborative strategies for the comprehensive integration of technology to foster excellence to support transformational change throughout the instructional environment.
Candidates in this Master's level online program are prepared to become digital learning specialists, technology integrators, and/or digital learning coaches. Candidates complete the program with certification as a Digital Learning Specialist in the state of NH.
Admission Information
Requirements
The Digital Learning Specialist programs require the following materials to be submitted through our online application
- Recommended 3.0 or better GPA in undergraduate coursework
- Official transcripts from any/all college level work
- Three professional recommendations
- Current Resume
- Statement of interest
- NH Residency Verification form (NH residents only)
Deadlines
Students pursuing Digital Learning Specialist programs can apply for admission to any of the upcoming semesters. Here are the annual application deadlines:
- Fall semester – August 1
- Spring semester – December 1
- Summer semester – April 15
*We suggest submitting your documentation at least two weeks prior to the posted date to ensure your application is complete and can be reviewed by the deadline.
2024-25 Estimated Graduate Per Credit Tuition and Mandatory Fees
| New Hampshire Resident | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Mandatory Fees | Per Credit Total | ||
| Master’s Degrees/Certificates | $584 | $43 | $627 | |
| CAGS | $625 | $43 | $668 | |
| EDD | $681 | $43 | $724 | |
| Out-of-State Resident | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Mandatory Fees | Per Credit Total | ||
| Master’s Degrees/Certificates | $809 | $43 | $852 | |
| CAGS | $782 | $43 | $825 | |
| EDD | $866 | $43 | $909 | |
More information is available through the Student Financial Services Office.
Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of student loans only. You will need to complete the FAFSA at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester you wish to begin taking classes. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid – please review our international admission requirements to learn more.
More information can be found on the Student Financial Services website.
Each year, Plymouth State offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to admitted graduate students. Selection criteria include academic and professional achievements, commitment to graduate study, and achievement or pursuit of personal or professional goals. Visit the PSU Scholarship Opportunities webpage for additional information.
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