Why is Course Certification valuable?
Course certification demonstrates a commitment to quality course design, student success, and continuous improvement. It provides a structured opportunity for faculty to examine how their courses support learning, receive constructive feedback from peer reviewers, and make meaningful improvements using Quality Matters (QM) standards.
Through the certification process, faculty strengthen alignment among learning objectives, assessments, instructional materials, learning activities, and course tools. The review also emphasizes clear navigation, accessible content, learner support, and opportunities for interaction. Together, these elements help students understand what they are expected to learn, how to participate, and where to find the resources they need to succeed.
Certification recognizes the intentional work faculty put into designing effective learning experiences. It also establishes a foundation for ongoing course refinement as student needs, instructional practices, and technologies evolve.
Digital Learning supports this work through internal course certification and national QM certification pathways, with instructional design guidance and peer feedback throughout the process. Explore each pathway to learn more about eligibility, requirements, the review process, and how long certification remains valid.
Faculty Benefits
QM Certification provides faculty with:
- Improved course design that supports student engagement, learning, retention, and success
- Constructive, peer-based feedback from QM-certified peer reviewers and/or Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) nationwide
- Opportunities for continuous improvement and ongoing course refinement
- Practical strategies to strengthen course quality and digital learning experiences
- Recognition on the Quality Matters and the Division of Digital Learning websites