Courses
Courses
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 two-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.
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.
Total Credits: 3
Elective options are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
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 55201 – AI Integration In Education
This course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and utilize Generative AI in education. Students will acquire fundamental coding skills and develop technical expertise in using and comprehending AI. By engaging in hands-on activities and analyzing real-world case studies, students will design and create their own AI applications using Google Teachable Machine to solve a specific problem of their choosing. Additionally, the course will examine ethical issues related to AI/GenAI, allowing students to establish guidelines for the meaningful integration of AI/GenAI in teaching and learning.
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 – 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 – 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
Careers
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
Admissions Requirements
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.
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.
- 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 items outlined in the Application Requirements section, international applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Purdue Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars.
Get started today by completing the online application.
If you have questions on eligibility or the documents required for your application, please 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
| Semester | Priority Application Deadlines* |
|---|---|
| Spring | December 1 |
| Summer | April 1 |
| Fall | August 1 |
*Applications submitted after the priority deadline will still be considered.
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Cost
Program Costs
| Tuition* | Indiana Resident | Non-Indiana Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Credit Hour | $450 | $670 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | 9 |
| Estimated Tuition Costs** | $4,050 | $6,030 |
Full-time Purdue-West Lafayette employees may be eligible for a 30% tuition discount. If applicable, indicate your PWL employee status when speaking to an admissions counselor.
Additional Information
*The program is billed per credit hour; depending on the number of credit hours will determine your per semester cost. Total Estimated Tuition Cost is based on the total required credit hours. Tuition costs are subject to increase based on approval by the Purdue University Trustees.
*Textbooks and course materials are not included
*Faculty and staff fee remissions are not valid with this program.
**The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Licensure
Licensure Information
This program does not lead to nor result in an educator license within or outside the State of Indiana. For licensure inquiries contact the College of Education, Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL).
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.
Frequently asked questions
All three courses for this certificate can count toward MSEd in Learning Design and Technology as well as the MSEd in Curriculum & Instruction Ed-Tech concentration. At least two courses, EDCI 53100 and EDCI 57200, can be applied to the Corporate Training and Communication Master’s degree program.
A maximum of 3 credit hours may be transferred from other institutions toward the online Instructional Design Graduate Certificate. Transfer credits must be from a graduate level course with a grade of B or higher and cannot come from another conferred degree. You should discuss any potential transfer credit with your enrollment counselor as soon as possible during the admissions process. A final decision on eligibility of transfer credit is made after review by program faculty and the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars.
Yes! Nearly all students complete the program while working full time. The academic experience varies by student; however, we generally recommend that students plan to spend 15-25 hours per week for each 3-credit course.
Purdue University’s online programs are just as rigorous and challenging as their on-campus counterparts. The main difference is the online format, which allows you the convenience to earn this certificate from anywhere in the world without temporarily relocating to complete a residential program
Coursework for this certificate is asynchronous, meaning that there are not specific times that you need to be in the course. However, interaction with your instructor and peers is a major component of our classes. As an online student at Purdue University, you’ll log into a virtual online classroom interface that includes areas for assignments, discussions, and more. Just like in a traditional classroom, you’ll complete coursework and interact with your instructor and classmates, but it will all be online. You can access and work on your coursework at any time—you just need to complete your assignments according to the schedule posted by your professor.
As an online student, you will have access to a multitude of support resources when you need help or guidance, starting with new student orientation to familiarize yourself with the online learning environment. Other services include a designated student services coordinator, help desk for technical issues, and more.
No, graduate certificates at Purdue DO NOT qualify for financial aid.
