Instructional Design, Professional Certificate

Program Overview

Gain New Opportunities with the UNC Charlotte Instructional Design Certificate

UNC Charlotte’s Instructional Design certificate program is designed for aspiring instructional designers. Our 3-month online program will teach you the essential skills you need to create world-class courses for corporate or educational use. You’ll learn the fundamentals of course design and develop a portfolio of your work to showcase to future employers.

The growing profession of instructional design is waiting for you.

Developed in conjunction with award-winning instructional design experts who understand the demands of the job, our program is offered 100 percent online. As a working professional, you can earn your certificate in only 13 weeks.

Program Contact

  • Delivery
    Online
  • Duration
    13 Weeks
  • Admits
    Spring

What is an Instructional Designer?

Instructional designers may have different titles, but their job is the same: to create engaging and aligned learning experiences for learners. They help to design learning management systems, evaluate e-learning materials, perform employee training, research new innovations, and more!

Courses

Key Topics and Outcomes

Module 1: What is Instructional Design

  • Outline the history of instructional design
  • Identify career opportunities associated with instructional design.

Module 2: Learning Theories and Models of Instructional Design

  • Define terms and acronyms associated with the instructional design field.
  • Describe theories and models commonly applied in instructional design.
  • Outline the steps of a design and development process.

Module 3: Writing Learning Objectives and Alignment

  • Write measurable learning objectives.
  • Choose assessment strategies that align to learning objectives.
  • Create a module planning map based on instructional design learning theories and models.

Module 4: Instructional Design Technology and Media

  • Recognize the role of the TPACK Framework within the implementation of technology in a course.
  • Explore commonly used tools that instructional designers use in their work.

Module 5: Working with Clients and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

  • Practice working with a client/SME on an instructional design project.
  • Create a module planning map based on instructional design learning theories and models and technology that enhances the learning.

Module 6: Develop Your Course

  • Develop a course based on a course planning map using a learning management system.

Module 7: Next Steps

  • Rank your level of expertise with instructional design competencies.
  • Create a resume and cover letter based on your experiences.

Please note: The estimated homework time commitment is 5 hours a week.

Admissions

Who is this course for?

Individuals interested in developing training and development courses in organizations including corporations, government agencies, non-profits or higher education institutions.

Do I need previous experience?

No, regardless of whether you have done some training and development work in your past or if you are just starting out, we have built this course to give you the educational foundation and necessary skills in 13 weeks.

Outlook

What can you do with your Instructional Designer Certificate?

With your certificate in instructional design from UNC Charlotte, you’ll learn the foundations you need to begin in the field. Instructional designers are in high demand as the popularity of remote training and education continues to rise. According to Zippia, the need for instructional designers is expected to grow by 7% through 2028.

Our graduates will go on to hold job titles such as:

  • Instructional Designers
  • Academic Course Designers
  • Corporate Trainers
  • Curriculum Coordinators
  • Instructional Technologists
  • Curriculum Specialists
  • Instruction Specialists
  • Education Specialists
Why UNC Charlotte?

Why earn your certificate in Instructional Design Online from UNC Charlotte?

Earning your Instructional Design Certificate from UNC Charlotte offers you advantages such as:

Earn your certificate fully online in just three months, without ever having to set foot on campus. Our bichronous format lets you learn the skills that organizations are looking for, while also receiving regular feedback and live coaching from your instructor. You will receive 6.5 Continuing Education Units (CEU) from the 65 course hours of instruction.

Learn from experienced professionals who know the job inside and out. Our faculty includes instructional designers and subject matter experts who are flexible, caring, and supportive. They will mentor you every step of the way, helping you achieve your goals.

Dive deep into career-enhancing coursework. Our program will teach you everything you need to know to create your own course, including how to use an LMS and a planning map or storyboard. You’ll also learn to identify your soft and hard skills, which will help you become a successful instructional designer and find the right ID job for you.

Access to software needed for course development. As part of the course, you will be given subscriptions to three different popular software platforms used for developing online courses, including Articulate 360, an award winning course creation app.

Program Cost

Registration fee for this program is $2,250.00. Payment Plan is available. Reserve your seat with a $500 deposit.

Contact our enrollment specialists for more details.

Instructional Designers on Spotify

Would you like more insights on the life and journey of an Instructional Designer? Follow the podcast of award winning creator and course instructor Dr. Blair Stamper.


Not the right program for you? Consider these related programs

Instructional Design Professional Certificate

The Call for Instructional Designers Continues to Grow

Interested in a career in instructional design? We’re not surprised. This booming field ticks a lot of boxes: creative outlet, increased salary for many, the chance to impact others’ learning. Plus, it’s never boring because it’s always evolving.