E-learning is an instructional model that allows instructors and students to take advantage of resources where learners have access to content, experts (the teacher and beyond), peers, and services that are independent of time and place. E-learning can occur within a classroom environment, with students located in different noncentralized locations as in distance learning, or in a hybrid mode of delivery. Understanding how to deliver e-learning effectively is a cornerstone of learning and technology today.

Portland State University's certificate of completion in E-Learning Systems is designed for pre-kindergarten through higher education teachers, instructors, instructional designers/technologists, and administrators who want to design, manage, and teach online. This certificate consists of four courses and a capstone project. All of the courses are offered entirely online; there is no requirement for campus residency to complete these courses. All courses may be taken for graduate credit and those credits may be applied toward a graduate degree from the Graduate School of Education or transferred to other university programs (with approval of the student's adviser). For those who do not desire graduate credit, but wish to participate in the certificate of completion program, these courses are also offered on a noncredit basis.

Portland State University is on a quarter system (10-week terms). Two courses in the certificate of completion program are offered most terms.