Online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design — Courses

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Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design Program

Get Started in Instructional Design

With our new Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design, you can get started in this program with a strong foundational understanding of core learning design competencies. The 2-semester program consists of nine credit hours designed to get you started on your journey. 

This expert-taught program will expose you to some of the hottest topics in the design world such as learning systems design, learning theories, development and management of technology and more. With an elective option built into the program, students can focus on areas of personal interest such as educational video game design, motivational instruction design, or developing instruction with specific leading technology platforms. 

Instructional Design Graduate Certificate Courses

Required Courses

  • EDCI 53100 - Learning Theories And Instructional Design

      This course helps students learn how theories of human learning and motivation can be applied to the instructional process in order to make the process more effective, efficient, and/or appealing. The focus of the course is on two areas: 1) the theoretical principles that have contributed to the field of Instructional Design (ID), and 2) how those principles can be applied within practical settings.

        Total Credits: 3

      • EDCI 57200 - Introduction To Learning Systems Design

          This course is an introduction to the principles of designing instructional materials and to instructional communication theory and techniques. Topics include objectives, student characteristics, media selection, communication variables, message design, and systematic evaluation. (Pre-requisite for EDCI 67200, EDCI 56900 & EDCI 57300)

          Total Credits: 3

        Electives Options

        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

          This course provides an historical overview of the field and delineates the foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed by professionals in the field of educational technology and instructional design. Students explore the field by engaging in collaborative projects along with thinking and writing about various aspects of educational technology and the underlying instructional design theories.

          Total Credits: 3

        • EDCI 52800 - Human Performance Technology

          This course provides an introduction to the field of human performance technology (HPT). It examines basic concepts and principles of human performance, the theoretical underpinnings of the field, research and application literature, and various approaches to solving human performance problems. A systematic approach to the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of performance improvement interventions within organizations is emphasized.

          Total Credits: 3

        • EDCI 55600 - Educational Video Game Design

          This course has been designed to provide you with an introduction to the design of educational computer and video games. Computer and Video games have been gaining increased recognition as potentially powerful media for engaging and effective learning. The focus of the course throughout the semester will be on two areas: 1) the learning, instructional design, and game design theories that can inform the design of effective and engaging educational computer and video games, and 2) how to apply those theories within practical settings. Key theories will be introduced through course readings and discussion. Students will be asked to play and analyze educational games outside of the classroom. Students will apply the theories through the design of their own educational computer or video games. 

          Total Credits: 3

        • EDCI 56000 - Educational Technology For Teaching And Learning

          This course addresses the fundamentals of educational/learning technologies within both the traditional classroom, as well as the corporate/business training environments. Students will explore and evaluate various tools/technologies and determine how, when, and why such technologies can/should be infused into normal, hybrid, or fully online learning situations. The goal of the course is to help the student plan, implement, and evaluate technology for teaching and learning.

          Total Credits: 3

        • EDCI 56400 - Integration And Management Of Technology For Learning

          This course focuses on techniques for and issues related to integrating computers in learning environments. Topics covered stem from literature in the field and include (1) theoretical foundations of technology integration, (2) teaching and learning issues with technology integration, (3) designing the application of learning technologies for use in educational settings, and (4) emerging issues in research and practice with technology integration. Class activities are designed to model applications of learning technology, while class projects allow individuals to develop skills and knowledge in areas of your personal need or interest. The goal of the course is to help you develop an understanding of important issues associated with the integration and management of technology in learning and to effectively plan, design, implement, and evaluate technology-based instruction.

          Total Credits: 3

        • EDCI 56600 - Educational Applications Of Multimedia

          This course involves the exploration of educational applications of multimedia. Examination and application of related research is a key component of the course. Projects involve the creation of instructional materials incorporating multimedia (e.g. sound, photographs, video, and/or interactive elements). Usability and usability testing considerations are explored.

          Total Credits: 3

        • EDCI 56900 (prerequisite EDCI 572 required) - Introduction To E-Learning

          This course examines how the design and development of instruction are impacted by the use of the computer as delivery system. A primary focus is on effective learning design strategies for e-learning. Learners will identify and apply effective design practices with emphasis on project management, planning, and implementation. Education or training materials will be developed using appropriate authoring tools as determined by the instructional context. Learners will design an E-Learning module with end-to-end documentation of the design process (Project Plan, Design Document, Storyboard). Opportunities for collaborative feedback and evaluation will also be featured elements of the course experience. (Prerequisite: EDCI 57200).

          Total Credits: 3

        • EDCI 57500 - Foundations Of Distance Learning

          An introduction to the field of distance learning/education. Examination of basic concepts and principles of distance learning, the theoretical underpinnings of the field, research and application literature, and distance education delivery technologies. A systematic approach to the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of instruction for learners at a distance is emphasized. Special attention is given to course management systems.

          Total Credits: 3

        • EDCI 57700 - Strategic Assessment And Evaluation

          This course explores principles and techniques that can be used to carry out evaluations within an organization. The course also examines several aspects of conducting evaluations, including planning and designing an evaluation, developing appropriate instruments, using various methods to collect information, analyzing information obtained from those methods, and communicating results and recommendations. This course is designed to help learners understand the multiple ways that evaluation is used in instructional systems and provides opportunities to design various types of evaluation instruments. A portion of the course will examine the study of learner assessment as part of the evaluation of instructional programs; however, the course's focus is dedicated to the study of program evaluation.

          Total Credits: 3

        • EDCI 58800 - Motivation And Instructional Design

          This course has been designed to provide an in-depth study of motivation as one of the fundamental variables underlying human learning, behavior and instructional design. The focus of the course is on two areas: 1) theories of motivation and the general principles that have contributed to the field of instructional design, and 2) how those principles are selected and applied within practical design settings.

          Total Credits: 3

        • EDCI 63300 - Instructional Design Project Management

          This course focuses on the application of project management ideas, concepts, and strategies in instructional design settings. Students will be asked to consider the relationship between instructional design and project management, tools that can assist with managing instructional design projects, and factors influencing the instructional design project management process. Students will explore these topics by creating deliverables for instructional design cases and other interactive assignments.

          Total Credits: 3

        • EDCI 67200 (prerequisite EDCI 572 required) - Advanced Practices In Learning Systems Design

          This course focuses on the application of learning systems design to real-world educational situations through the in-depth consideration of key instructional design processes (e.g., analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation). Additionally, a key focus of the course is on the development of instructional design expertise. (Prerequisite: EDCI 57200).

          Total Credits: 3

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        Learn more about the online Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University. Complete the form or call us
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