Graduate Certificate – Instructional Design

Overview

This program is intended for practitioners who are specifically interested in:

• applying learning theory to instructional design
• applying program evaluation concepts in distance education
• applying current Instructional Systems Design (ISD) models to distance education
• developing instructional materials in a project-based setting

The Graduate Certificate – Instructional Design is a 9-credit online graduate program. You must complete at least 6 credits through Athabasca University. All courses are online paced study, with defined start and end dates.

As Graduate Certificate – Instructional Design courses are part of the Master of Education – Open, Digital, and Distance Education (MEd) program, you will take your courses with MEd students.

Why take the Graduate Certificate – Instructional Design?

As distance education and web-based learning grows and evolves, so too does instructional design. Professional instructional designers and educators with instructional design skills are in demand.

With the Graduate Certificate – Instructional Design, you can upgrade your skills to meet this demand and get a graduate-level credential in 2 years or less.

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Routes and options

Ladder to a master’s degree

Once you have completed the Graduate Certificate – Instructional Design, you may apply to the MEd program. If you’re admitted, your Graduate Certificate – Instructional Design credits may be applied towards the MEd degree.

Completion times

You can take up to 2 years to complete all requirements.

Tuition and fees

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Courses

The Graduate Certificate – Instructional Design program at Athabasca University offers a structured learning path that spans three 13-week semesters each year, giving you up to two years to complete the requirements. To keep your program status, you'll need to complete 6 credits each academic year, adhering to specific grade requirements in both core and elective courses. And don't worry, you have the flexibility to ladder your earned credits into higher-level programs like our Master of Education – Open, Digital, and Distance Education if you choose to continue your educational journey.

Our program regulations plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program.

Program regulations

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.

Career options

Earning a Graduate Certificate – Instructional Design from Athabasca University can open doors to careers such as instructional designer, e-learning developer, or training consultant in various sectors including education, healthcare, and corporate settings. With the growing emphasis on online and distance education, your skills will be in high demand, offering you a versatile and fulfilling career path.

Depending on your experience and goals, careers may include:

• instructional designer
• e-learning developer
• training consultant
• curriculum developer
• learning and development specialist
• educational technologist
• content strategist
• project manager in educational settings
• online course coordinator
• user experience designer