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Online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design

Purdue University West Lafayette (Main Campus)

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Explore the Core Concepts Behind Powerful Instructional Design

In this program, you'll explore up-to-date ideas and methods behind implementing learning design and technology. You'll graduate prepared to pursue a variety of career paths in an industry that's constantly growing and looking for professionals with relevant educational backgrounds.

100% Online Coursework

9 Credit Hours

Complete in 2 Semesters

Expert Faculty

Create Exciting New Methods for Learning

Instructional design is a practice that touches a range of industries and learners. By completing this certificate program, you will be prepared with the core knowledge necessary to create concise, informative and accurate learning methods.

Expert Courses Designed to Build a Solid Foundation

In this program, you will take the first steps in exploring current, proven learning methods and educational technologies through fully online courses taught by leaders in learning experience design and emerging educational technology.

The curriculum of this online graduate certificate incorporates the latest research in learning theory, educational technology and instructional design principles. It encourages students to use their work experience as a framework for their study. This program will give you the foundation to get started in the field or advance to our MS in Education in Learning Design and Technology program. Credits for the ID certificate are applicable to the MSED program.


Instructional Design Certificate Courses:

Required Courses:

  • EDCI 53100 - Learning Theories And Instructional Design
  • EDCI 57200 - Introduction To Learning Systems Design


Elective Courses:

Elective options are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. In some instances, only one elective is offered in each term. 

  • EDCI 51300 - Foundations Of Learning Design And Technology
  • EDCI 52800 - Human Performance Technology
  • EDCI 55600 - Educational Video Game Design
  • EDCI 56000 - Educational Technology For Teaching And Learning
  • EDCI 56400 - Integration And Management Of Technology For Learning
  • EDCI 56600 - Educational Applications Of Multimedia
  • EDCI 56900 - Introduction To E-Learning (prerequisite EDCI 572 required)
  • EDCI 57500 - Foundations Of Distance Learning
  • EDCI 57700 - Strategic Assessment And Evaluation
  • EDCI 58800 - Motivation And Instructional Design
  • EDCI 63300 - Instructional Design Project Management
  • EDCI 67200 - Advanced Practices In Learning Systems Design (prerequisite EDCI 572 required)

To view course descriptions click here.

Program Resources

How Has Technology Changed Education?

What Is Instructional Design?

What Do Instructional Designers Do?

Additional Resources

Purdue in the News

LDT Instructional Designer Receives National Award

LDT Ranked No. 8 in Best Online Programs by US News & World Report

A World of Career Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of training and development specialists is projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for other occupations.1

Earning your graduate certificate in instructional design will set you on the path to pursue a variety of in-demand roles, such as:

  • E-Learning
  • Instructional Development
  • Multimedia Design
  • Training and Development, E-Learning
  • Project Management
  • Instructional Development
  • Content Design

Admissions decisions are based on individual experience and the applicant's fit with the program.

We recommend that all applicants speak to an enrollment counselor to verify eligibility and document accuracy in applying for the program. Candidates must submit a completed application as well as the following items:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • An updated resume
  • Official transcripts from all universities attended, including transfer credits*
  • An application fee of $60 ($75 for international students)


*Coursework used to satisfy the requirements of a conferred master’s degree from an institution other than Purdue may not be used as transfer credit.

In addition to the admission requirements noted on the first tab, international students must also provide the following information.

  • Official transcripts from all universities attended in the original language as well as English translation for transcripts and diplomas not in English.
  • Non-native English speakers must also submit the following.
    • TOEFL test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
      • Minimum Overall: 80
      • Writing: 18
      • Speaking: 18
      • Listening: 14
      • Reading: 19
    • IELTS test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
      • Minimum Overall: 6.5
      • Writing: 6.5
      • Speaking: 6.0
      • Listening: 6.0
      • Reading: 5.5
    • Duolingo test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements: 
      • total score of 115 and 115 on each subscore

We recommend that all applicants speak to an enrollment counselor to verify eligibility and document accuracy before applying for the program. To schedule your phone interview, call 877-497-5851.

Once you have connected with an enrollment counselor, you are ready to complete the online application.

If you have any questions about filling out the application, request more information or call 877-497-5851 to speak with an admissions advisor.

Send All Other Application Materials To:


  • Purdue University Online Programs Admissions Processing Center
    851 Trafalgar Court, Suite 420 
    West Maitland, FL 32751

What’s It Like to Learn Online?

  • Will my diploma look different from the on-campus programs?

    No. Both on-campus and online programs earn the same diploma.

  • How do online classes work?

    Most coursework is asynchronous, meaning there are no specific times you need to be online. When you start the program, you will be given access to a virtual classroom interface. Your instructor will post coursework, syllabi, assignments and messages every week. You will also use discussion boards, email and chat to communicate with your classmates and instructor. You can log on and complete coursework at any time that is convenient for you, but you must turn in assignments by the deadlines your instructor sets.

  • How much time should I allow for doing homework and completing assignments?

    Online courses generally require the same amount of time as an on-campus program. Plan to devote 15 to 20 hours a week to coursework, depending on your study habits.

  • What if I have a question about homework or need help with a technical issue?

    The faculty and staff at Purdue are dedicated to your success at the University and in the future. You can schedule to meet with your instructors online, and instructors will answer emails in a timely fashion. Technical support is available to help you handle hardware and software issues. We have dedicated staff to talk to you about financial aid, scheduling, or other administrative matters.

Helpful Links

Current Tuition Rates and Fees* In-State Out-of-State
Tuition Rate $381.20 $601.20
PO Infrastructure Fee (per credit hour) $18.80 $18.80
Digital Education Fee (per credit hour) $50.00 $50.00
Total Cost Per Credit Hour $450.00 $670.00
Total Credit Hours 9 9
Total Program Cost $4,050.00 $6,030.00


*Graduate Certificates at Purdue DO NOT qualify for financial aid.

**Tuition and fees are charged on a per credit hour basis and are subject to annual increases. Annual increases may change the total program cost. Purdue faculty and staff fee remissions may not be available to the online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design.

Get Started

To learn more about Purdue University's Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design, request more information or call 877-497-5851 to speak to an admissions advisor.

NOTES AND CONDITIONS - PLEASE READ

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Instructional Coordinators, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm (visited October 25, 2022).