In 2010, we launched TechChange with the aim of not only being able to provide training in technical skills and strategies, but to do it by building a new model for online learning. One that was collaborative, inclusive, and global in nature. One that took advantage of the latest in web and browser-based technologies to allow professionals in every corner of the world to dynamically interact with content, and with each other to share ideas and hone skills in a space where borders were no boundary. One that worked for individuals, communities, and organizations alike. We’re proud to say that we’ve designed an online learning model that does just that, and is used by people all over the world working to respond to disasters, confront global health challenges, build financial literacy skills, create social enterprises, and so much more. By participating in TechChange’s Diploma Track, you’ll gain the practical experience that often isn’t inherent in a program run by a traditional university along with a strong professional network in a field that you are choosing to immerse yourself in. Regardless of where you are in the world, you’ll feel connected and engaged with fellow participants, facilitators, and experts in an intimate way that massive open online courses can’t provide.

TechChange offers the opportunity to enroll in the diploma track two times a year. The Fall semester begins September 12th, with the Spring term beginning mid-January. Participants may take courses out of order and in different semesters for up to a year.

A career in international development is rewarding in so many ways, but the financial burden of graduate school can be very crippling when it comes time to decide whether to pay off debt, or to go after a dream job helping people. On one hand, our alternative experience provides specialized education in an area you are choosing to gain expertise in at a fraction of the cost and time required by traditional post-graduate programs. The alternative graduate school experience is designed to be taken instead of, or in addition to a graduate degree. The track includes personalized mentorship, a hands-on, guided capstone project, portfolio development, and tailored job placement services in addition to the features included in the working professional experience. This option will launch in January of 2016. Request more information above.

No, travel is not included, but we’re happy to help you think through options as you plan your trip to DC!

Yes. We’ve curated these courses specifically for this track in order to prepare participants for a career in Monitoring and Evaluation. The combination of the three provides a comprehensive understanding beyond the focus of each individual course, differentiating the diploma from a certificate of course completion. Participants must complete all facilitated courses and submit a final project in order to earn their diplomas.

We recommend spending roughly seven to nine hours a week for each facilitated course. On-Demand courses take between half an hour to two hours to complete, while live events, final projects, office hours, and simulations add additional time. The track is designed to be taken over the course of sixteen weeks in the same way a semester runs, but we understand that both pre-scheduled and surprise conflicts can come up. To help alleviate the stress that comes with making this kind of long-term commitment, our learning model is flexible and you have up to a year to complete the track.

In addition to the technical skills and knowledge you’ll pick up from your participation in the diploma track, joining the TechChange community will help expose you to an array of opportunities for professional development. TechChange has a fantastic network of partners, clients, alumni, and human resources that will become a part of your personal network as you complete your diploma. We have over 6,000 alumni representing 170+ countries and 1,300 organizations of all sizes, including UNICEF, the World Bank, USAID, Ashoka, and the State Department. Some of the smaller shops include the Malaria Consortium, Futures Group, Vera Solutions and more. TechChange has been fortunate enough to have some of these organizations sign on to be employment partners specifically for this diploma track.

Yes. For the Working Professional program participants can choose to make up to three payments. The program cost is $995 USD, and if you choose not to pay in full each payment is due the week before the next course in the program begins. For the Alternative Graduate School Experience TechChange is exploring which options make the most sense, so for the time being an advisor will work through payment plan discussions with applicants.