BER Online Learning for Educators

University Credit

Brandman University Logo
Participants attending any trainings sponsored by the Bureau of Education & Research have the opportunity of earning graduate level professional development credit through Brandman University, part of the Chapman University system, with an additional fee. For specific information regarding university credit, See our information about Brandman University. For a list of online courses available for credit, click here.

on-demand iconOn Demand Video-Based Online Courses

For 1 credit, participants need to enroll in and successfully complete a BER On Demand Video-Based online course, then register for the credit at the Brandman University website. In addition, participants must complete a follow-up practicum project. A full explanation of the project, along with a detailed rubric and grading scale can be found at the Brandman University website. The fee in all states and provinces is $70 (in U.S. funds) for 1 credit.

For 2, 3, or 4 credits, participants must enroll in and successfully complete a BER On Demand Video-Based online course, then register for the credit at the Brandman University website.  In addition, participants must complete a follow-up practicum project and additional topic-based research. A full explanation of the project, along with a detailed rubric and grading scale can be found at the Brandman University website. The fee in all states and provinces is $70 (in U.S. funds) per credit.

To download the registration form for applying for graduate level professional development credit from Brandman University BER for On Demand Video-Based online courses, click here.

instructor-led iconScheduled Instructor-Led Online Courses

For 1 credit, participants need to enroll in and successfully complete a BER Scheduled Instructor-Led online course, then register for the credit at the Brandman University website  and submit a Progress Report from BER after completing the online course final exam. NO ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK IS REQUIRED. The fee in all states and provinces is $70 (in U.S. funds) for 1 credit.

For 2, 3, or 4 credits, participants must enroll in and successfully complete a BER Scheduled Instructor-Led online course, then register for the credit at the Brandman University website . In addition, participants must complete a follow-up practicum project. A full explanation of the project, along with a detailed rubric and grading scale can be found at the Brandman University website. The fee in all states and provinces is $70 (in U.S. funds) per credit.

To download the registration form for applying for graduate level professional development credit from Brandman University for BER Scheduled Instructor-Led online courses, click here.

Brandman University, Part of the Chapman University System

In 2010, Chapman University established Brandman University to best meet the unique needs of working professionals and other non-traditional students. Brandman remains a non-profit institution part of the Chapman University System, and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to additional questions beyond those which follow, you may wish to call the School of Extended Education at Brandman University at 1-800-632-0096 or email at k12@brandman.edu. Detailed information regarding Brandman University credit is also available at the Brandman University website.

Which online learning courses are eligible for college level professional development credit?

For a list of online courses available for credit, click here.

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How soon may I expect to receive confirmation from Brandman University after I've registered with them for course credit?

You will receive an email confirmation letter from Brandman University within 30 days of Brandman University's receipt of your registration paperwork and fee. Your confirmation will also include the name and address of the specific reader assigned to evaluate your course project for mailing your completed project.

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How do I submit my final project to Brandman University?

If you are registering for the 1-credit On Demand Video-Based online courses or the Scheduled Instructor-Led online courses, the confirmation email you receive from Brandman University will include the name and address of the specific reader assigned to evaluate your course project. Do NOT send your completed project directly to Brandman University. If you no longer have access to that information, please email Brandman University directly at k12@brandman.edu or phone 1-800-632-0094.

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What is Brandman University's accreditation?

Brandman University is accredited by, and is a member of, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Brandman University is also a member of the American Council on Education and the American Association of Colleges for Teachers.

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What are the requirements for receiving graduate level professional development credit?

To earn up to 4 credits from an On Demand Online Course, participants must:

  1. Enroll in and successfully complete an On Demand online course.
  2. Register for the credit at the Brandman University website.
  3. Send  a copy of your online course Certificate of Completion that is received when you’ve completed the course to the grader that will be assigned to grade your coursework.
  4. Complete a follow-up practicum project. The participant must develop three practical projects per credit based on the online course. The projects should be designed to be implemented in the participant’s program, i.e. worksheets, lesson plans, center activities, or plans for implementation of any topics presented. A three-page paper per credit is required based on the projects.  A detailed rubric and grading scale can be found at the Brandman University website.

NOTE: A letter grade will be assigned based on the score received on the practicum project.

To earn 1 credit from a Scheduled Instructor-Led Online Course, participants must:

  1. Enroll in and successfully complete a Scheduled Instructor-Led online course.
  2. Register for the credit at the Brandman University website.
  3. Send in a copy of their online course Progress Report from BER.

NOTE: Participants must receive a score of 70% or higher on the final online exam to earn 1 credit. 
A score of 70%-79% = C; 80%-89% = B; 90%-100% = A.

To earn 2, 3, or 4 credits from a Scheduled Instructor-Led Online Course, participants must:

  1. Complete the above steps required for 1 credit.
  2. Complete a follow-up practicum project. The participant must develop at least three practical projects per additional credit based on the online course. The projects should be designed to be implemented in the participant’s program, i.e. worksheets, lesson plans, center activities, or plans for implementation of any topics presented. A three-page paper per credit is required based on the projects. A detailed rubric and grading scale can be found at the Brandman University website.

NOTE: A letter grade will be assigned based on the final online exam score together with the score received on the practicum project.

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How long do I have to complete the final project for the course?

The project is due six months from the online course completion date.

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How do I register for credit after completing an On Demand Video-Based online course?

By mail: Within 30 days of the online course completion date, submit your completed Brandman University course registration form and your $70 per credit (U.S. funds). Checks are payable to Brandman University, or include your Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card number and expiration date and mail to: Brandman University, Extended Education, BER Practicum, 16355 Laguna Canyon Rd, Irvine, CA 92618. Be sure to submit your completed registration before submitting coursework.

By fax: Within 30 days of the online course completion date, fax the information above with your credit card number to the Brandman secure fax server at 949-754-1337.

Online: Register at www.brandman.edu/ber. Check that your pop-up blockers are off. Use the current date as the start date. Search for your BER course number at the Course List link.

To download the registration form for applying for graduate level professional development credit from Brandman University for BER On Demand Video-Based online courses, click here.

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How do I register for credit after completing a Scheduled Instructor-Led online course?

By mail: Within 30 days of the online course completion date, submit your completed Brandman University course registration form, Progress Report – for the 1-credit option that you will receive at the end of the online course from BER, and your $70 per credit (U.S. funds). Checks are payable to Brandman University, or include your Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card number and expiration date and mail to: Brandman University, Extended Education, BER Practicum, 16355 Laguna Canyon Rd, Irvine, CA 92618. Be sure to submit your completed registration before submitting coursework.

By fax: Within 30 days of the online course completion date, fax the information above with your credit card number the Brandman secure fax server at 949-754-1337.

Online: Register at www.brandman.edu/ber. Check that your pop-up blockers are off. Use the current date as the start date. Search for your BER course number under the Course List Link.

To download the registration form for applying for graduate level professional development credit from Brandman University for BER Scheduled Instructor-Led online courses, click here.

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Where can I find the registration form and directions for applying for graduate level professional development credit from Brandman University for BER online courses?

You can find more information about how to apply for graduate level professional development credit at the Brandman University website.

To download the registration form for applying for graduate level professional development credit from Brandman University BER for On Demand Video-Based online courses, click here.

To download the registration form for applying for graduate level professional development credit from Brandman University for BER Scheduled Instructor-Led online courses, click here.

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What kind of credit is it?

The semester credit the participant will receive upon the successful completion of the follow-up practicum project is graduate level professional development credit. These are units that are not part of a degree program but instead are primarily used for professional advancement purposes such as salary increment steps and recertification.

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Will my district or state accept Brandman University Credit?

It is the responsibility of the individual participant to verify with his/her district or state prior to enrollment whether Brandman University graduate level professional development credit will be acceptable or not.

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What are the grading criteria for the final project?

At the time of enrollment, students will be provided with a list of all requirements and grading criteria for the written project. The specific grading rubric used to assess the written projects can be found on the Brandman University website.  For the 1 credit On Demand Video-Based online course, the final grade will be based on the online final exam. For the 2, 3, or 4  credit Scheduled Instructor-Led online course, the final grade will be based on the grade obtained on the online final exam in addition to the written projects.

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What is the equivalent to one semester credit in quarter credits?

One semester credit equals 1.33 quarter credits.

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If I have additional questions, how can I contact Brandman University?

By phone: Call the School of Extended Education, (800) 632-0094
Online: Brandman University website

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What is the cancellation/refund policy in regard to Brandman University credit?

Participants who request cancellation in writing within thirty (30) days of their course completion date will receive a full refund.

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How can I obtain an official Brandman University transcript?

Specific directions for requesting an official transcript can be obtained at the Brandman University website.

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I am completing my Brandman University course during my school vacation period / hiatus and do not have access to students. How do I complete my project in light of the requirements for evaluating student learning, my own self-evaluation and the need to include documentation?

All components of the course requirements must be addressed. If you do not have access to students to practice your activities on, you may approach your paper in the following way:

  • Explain your situation on the title page.
  • Describe the methods you intend to use for evaluating your students’ learning experience.
  • For self-evaluation, comment on your strengths and weaknesses as pertaining to the implementation of the activities. Discuss what you expect to happen in terms of your own abilities.
  • Documentation could include handouts, an example of the activity, charts for evaluation, lesson plans etc.

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For a list of courses available for credit click here.