About the Center for Online Education
The Center for Online Education (COE) leads the development and coordination of online courses and programs at North Park University. These offerings support undergraduate, certificate, and graduate-level programs. The COE provides resources for faculty and support services for online students, including clear points of contact for assistance. It also administers the University’s learning management system, Canvas.
The COE operates in close partnership with academic departments, Information Technology, Brandel Library, the Dean of Institutional and Academic Technology, and the Office of the Provost. Together, these teams support high-quality online learning across the University.
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Quality Matters™ and Instructional Design at North Park University
North Park University is committed to offering high-quality, engaging online and hybrid courses. This work is supported by our partnership with Quality Matters™ (QM) and the instructional design services of the COE.
For more information about getting started or to view our full course development timeline, please contact the COE or visit the Quality Matters™ website.
What Is Quality Matters™?
North Park has been a QM member since 2009 and uses the Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric (7th edition) to guide course design. QM is a faculty-driven, research-based peer-review process focused on structure and alignment.
Courses are reviewed across eight standards, including objectives, assessments, materials, interaction, technology, and accessibility. Certified reviewers—Master Reviewers and Subject Matter Experts—provide constructive, collegial feedback.
Course Design Process
All online and hybrid courses follow a COE-led process:
- Pre-Review: Internal review by a certified Master Reviewer
- Faculty Support: One-on-one help and access to the COE 102 design course
- QM Review (Optional): Formal three-person external review for mature courses
- Certification: Courses scoring 85 out of 101 and meeting 44 standards earn QM certification
Faculty Benefits
- Support from instructional designers and certified reviewers
- Structured feedback to strengthen course design
- $500 per credit for new courses; $400 for redesigns
- Professional recognition and alignment with accreditation standards
Instructional Design Services
- Technical support with Canvas
- Fast-track course templates
- COE 101A and 102 online modules
- Annotated QM Rubric access
- Post-launch support
Mission
The mission of the Center for Online Education (COE) at North Park University is to assist with the development and design of flexible course offerings and to provide support for a variety of delivery methods for students seeking an alternative to the traditional classroom environment.
Accreditation & Quality Control
North Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Quality Matters (QM) quality assurance program, committed to best practices in online course development and delivery.
Canvas for Classes
North Park University uses Canvas as our Learning Management System (LMS). The Center for Online Education work with faculty, staff, and students to provide training via workshops, webinars, and self-paced online tutorials.
NC-SARA Participant
North Park University has been approved by Illinois to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.
*Open a complaint with Project Type: COE-Canvas
Admissions
Admissions is through the School of Professional Studies, School of Business & Nonprofit Management, and North Park Theological Seminary.