OVERVIEW

Program Overview

Discover all of the skills necessary to develop dynamic, focused training and instruction. This 9-credit graduate certificate in Instructional Design will give you the foundation you need to learn best practices for designing engaging learning by using the most current tools and techniques. Focus areas of the curriculum include Learning Theory and Instructional Design and Learning System Design. Students can choose from a variety of electives to personalize and customize their certificate. Credits from the certificate program may be applicable to programs for further graduate study in the field. See the Related Programs section for related Learning Design and Technology programs.

The residential certificate program accepts applications from Purdue University West Lafayette residential graduate students. For international students who are current Purdue graduate students, applications are accepted for the priority deadlines listed on this page. Applications submitted after these deadlines may be processed for a future admission term. Any applicant who is not a residential graduate student may apply for the online Instructional Design Graduate Certificate.

9
Credit Program
Jul 1
Fall Application Deadline
Nov 15
Spring Application Deadline
Mar 15
Summer Application Deadline

Courses

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Required Coursework

Focuses on the theoretical principles that contribute to the field of Instructional Design and how they can be applied to make the process more efficient, effective and appealing.

Design effective learning strategies that are motivating, efficient and effective. Practical aspects of designing instructional learning systems in the classroom and workplace are addressed while completing project work.

  • EDCI 52800, Human Performance Technology (3 credit hours)
  • EDCI 55201, AI Integration in Education (3 credit hours)
  • EDCI 56000, Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning (3 credit hours)
  • EDCI 55600 Educational Video Game Design (3 credit hours)
  • EDCI 56400, Integration and Management of Computers in Education (3 credit hours)
  • EDCI 57500, Foundations of Online and Blended Learning (3 credit hours)
  • EDCI 63300, Instructional Design Project Management (3 credit hours)
  • EDPS 53300 Introduction to Educational Research I: Methodology (3 credit hours)

*Elective options are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. In some instances, only one elective is offered in each term. Students may need to consider alternative offerings to complete the program in a timely manner

Careers

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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.

Job Titles

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
  • Content Design

Admissions

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Admissions

A graduate application must be submitted and application fee paid (if applicable) by the application deadline. In addition, the materials listed under the Application Requirements section below must be submitted by the application deadline in order for an application to be considered complete and for the application to be reviewed for admission consideration. Please review the How to Apply section below before submitting an application.

Below are the materials required for this application. Visit the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) website for more information about the requirements below.

  • Resume
  • Current, unofficial Purdue University transcripts

This residential certificate is available as a dual degree option to students already enrolled in a residential graduate degree program at Purdue West Lafayette. If you are not currently pursuing a graduate degree and are interested in this certificate as a standalone option, please visit the page for the Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design through Purdue University Online.

Full-time, Purdue-West Lafayette employees who are interested in online classes should review the online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design, including the Cost tab for information about potential employee discounts.  

When submitting your application for this program, please select the following options:

  • Campus and Program Tab:
    • Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
    • Select your proposed graduate major: Curriculum and Instruction
  • First Choice Program Details Tab:
    • Please select an Area of Interest: Learning Design and Technology
    • Please select a Degree Objective: Instructional Design Graduate Certificate
    • Primary Course Delivery: Residential

Start Your Giant Leap with One Small Step

Licensure

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Licensure Information

This program does not lead to licensure in the state of Indiana or elsewhere. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) before continuing with the program application if you have questions regarding licensure or contact your state Department of Education about how this program may translate to licensure in your state of residence.

program FACULTY

Learn From the Experts

The full-time Learning Design and Technology faculty at Purdue West Lafayette are internationally recognized leaders for their contributions to instructional design and learning technology research. They publish in top journals, present at global conferences, and shape the field through innovation and scholarship.

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