This instructional design certificate prepares you to further or shift your career in training and development, learning design or instructional design. Using various e-learning platforms, you’ll learn how to design, develop, deploy and manage advanced technical learning techniques. Starting with a foundation in modern learning theory, you’ll learn how to apply instructional design principles and practices to create learner-centered instructions.
In this program, you'll have opportunities to apply theory to real-world scenarios with the use of existing and emerging technologies. Examples of this may include designing online courses, e-learning programs and other digital learning experiences. Upon graduation, you can apply what you’ve learned in higher education, corporate learning, governmental organizations, museums, nonprofits and other organizations that emphasize innovative learning experiences.
Who’s a good candidate for this certificate program?
As an ideal candidate for this program, you’ll be interested in instructional design, learning design and technology development for education. You may have experience working in educational settings focused on the training and development of new technologies to improve learning experiences. You could also work in roles related to learning design within nonprofits, government organizations or non-governmental organizations (NGO’s). Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role or make a career change, this graduate certificate can help you achieve your goals specific to learning/instructional design and technology.
Please note, this certificate focuses on the theories and practices of learning design and technologies, which are predominantly oriented toward adult learners. Therefore, the information covered in this program is not directly intended for K-12 classroom teachers. However, if you’re interested in transitioning from K-12 teaching to instructional design, explore this article to hear from two teachers who made the switch.

Are you interested in advancing or starting your career in the field of learning design and emerging technologies? Arizona State University’s online graduate certificate in learning design and technologies emphasizes designing and developing online or blended learning experiences. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to apply learning design principles to a variety of industries.
In this program, you’ll combine theories you’ve learned in your courses to applied projects that can be used in various educational settings. Upon completion, you’ll be ready to lead learning initiatives such as designing online courses, coaching faculty members and developing innovative learning methods.
The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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Applicants to the instructional design and performance improvement program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master's program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
You're required to submit short answers to questions to provide the admission committee with information regarding your personal or professional goals and how they align with the instructional design and performance improvement graduate certificate. You’ll respond to three of the four questions and particular attention will be paid to the quality of writing and ideas expressed in these responses as well as evaluating the relevance of goals to the aims of the program.
- Describe one or more personal or professional goals that motivate you to apply for this degree. How will completion of the Instructional Design and Performance Improvement graduate certificate help you fulfill this/these goals?
- Describe a quality you believe is critical to working in the field of instructional or learning design and at least one situation in which you have demonstrated this quality.
- Briefly describe an activity or practice you have implemented that reflects your philosophy of learning as it relates to your current professional or educational setting.
- Briefly discuss why you're interested in pursuing a graduate certificate at this time. What steps have you taken, or will you take, to ensure that you will be successful in the program?
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
The personal statement should describe the applicant's interests and reason for seeking this certificate.
GRE scores are not required for admission.
View the college’s graduate program application deadlines.
No, Arizona State University’s certificates and diplomas don’t specify whether you earn them online or in person. All certificates, diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”