Graduate Diploma in Distance Education Technology*
Program Regulations

* This program was previously called Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Distance Education Technology (PBDDET).

Completion Time Limits

Students have a maximum of three years from their first registration as a program student to complete the Graduate Diploma in Distance Education Technology (GDDET) program.

Program Delivery

The program is offered during three semesters each year. The fall semester begins the first Tuesday in September. The winter semester begins the second Monday in January. The spring/summer session begins the last Monday in April. Each semester is 13 weeks in length. All course work should be completed during the semester periods. Extensions to these timelines may be granted, if circumstances warrant, through the granting of a course extension (refer to Course Regulations and Procedures).

Program Status

To maintain program status, students must complete six credits of course work during each academic year (September 1 to August 31).

In core courses, the lowest acceptable grade is B-. Students who receive a grade lower than B-, or receive more than one grade of B- or lower, may be required to withdraw from the program.

In elective courses, the lowest acceptable grade is C+. Students who receive a grade lower than C+, or receive more than one grade of C+ or lower, may be required to withdraw from the program.

Residency

To meet the residency requirements, students must complete a minimum of three courses (nine credits), including the two core courses, through Athabasca University.

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete eighteen credits (six courses) in the GDDET. Students should complete the core courses in the prescribed sequence. Elective courses may be taken on completion of the core courses or concurrently with the core courses offered in any term.

Required Core Courses

Electives (Three required)

Permission of the program director is required before other courses may be taken for GDDET program credit.

Note: Generally, core courses should be taken first in the program (particularly if the student has limited distance education background).

Laddering

Students completing the Graduate Diploma in Distance Education Technology (GDDET) may apply for admission to the Master of Education in Distance Education (MEd) program.

If admitted, credits completed by the student towards the GDDET will be accepted for credit towards the MEd degree in accordance with the MEd program regulations.

Program Withdrawal

Students may withdraw from the program by submitting their request in writing to the program director. Students who withdraw may be re-enrolled in the program by following the application procedures. Students requesting re-admission to the program will be competing against all other applicants and will not receive special consideration.