The Instructional Design Certificate program is an online noncredit professional development program  designed for anyone who wants to become an instructional designer. The hands-on, applied training method focuses on providing the opportunity to build out a portfolio of instructional design projects. Estimated time to complete the full three-course program is 10 months.

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Course 1: Foundations of Instructional Design

Course 1 is a prerequisite for continuing with the other two courses in the series.

Focuses on foundational knowledge for instructional designers, including major learning theory principles applicable to instructional systems design, analysis of learner needs, and use of authoring tools. 

1. Describe common development models for instructional design.
2. Describe major learning theory principles applicable to instructional design.
3. Demonstrate application of graphic and multimedia design principles for e-learning.
4. Evaluate application of universal design for learning principles to support accessibility.
5. Identify an authoring tool for instructional design projects.

Course 2: Curriculum Development for Instructional Design

Focuses on curriculum design, including alignment of learning objectives, practice, and assessments, and the evaluation of e-learning modules.

1. Analyze learner needs to inform the design of an e-learning module.
2. Create measurable learning objectives.
3. Design an e-learning module with aligned learning objectives, activities, and assessments.
4. Apply diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in the design of e-learning.
5. Plan the evaluation of an e-learning module.

Course 3: E-learning and Course Development for Instructional Design

Focuses on developing e-learning modules and applying multimedia design principles, instructional design frameworks, project management for designers, and addressing feedback for continuous improvement.

1. Leverage the ADDIE (analyze, design, develop, implement, evaluate) instructional design model to plan an e-learning project.
2. Design an instructional systems prototype according to multimedia design principles.
3. Manage the production timeline and scope of an e-learning prototype.
4. Provide collegial feedback on an e-learning prototype, including recommendations for improvements.
5. Generate feedback to inform the improvements to the design of an e-learning module.

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