Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design

At a glance

  • Credential: graduate certificate
  • Credits: 9
  • Next start: see program details

If you want to improve your instructional design expertise in a short time, the online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design is an excellent way to build your skills and knowledge.

Be a part of the AU student community

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Sign up to receive more information from AU and start your education with us.

About Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design

Elevate your skills in distance education with Athabasca University's online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design. This 9-credit program focuses on key aspects like applying learning theory, program evaluation, and developing materials in a project-based setting—perfect for practitioners eager to meet the rising demand for instructional design expertise. With a flexible timeline of up to 2 years to complete the program and the option to ladder your credits into our Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education, you can tailor your learning journey to fit your life.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree or equivalent education and experience.

See full Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design admission requirements

Program details

Overview

This program is intended for practitioners who are specifically interested in:

  • applying learning theory to instructional design
  • applying program evaluation concepts in distance education
  • applying current Instructional Systems Design (ISD) models to distance education
  • developing instructional materials in a project-based setting

The Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design is a 9-credit online graduate program. You must complete at least 6 credits through Athabasca University. All courses are online grouped study, with defined start and end dates.

As Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design courses are part of the Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education (MEd) program, you will take your courses with MEd students.

Why take the Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design?

As distance education and web-based learning grows and evolves, so too does instructional design. Professional instructional designers and educators with instructional design skills are in demand.

With the Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design, you can upgrade your skills to meet this demand and get a graduate-level credential in 2 years or less.

Application deadlines and start dates

Application deadline Start date
Jan. 15 spring
May 15 fall
Sep. 15 winter

Routes and options

Ladder to a master’s degree

Once you have completed the Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design, you may apply to the MEd program. If you’re admitted, your Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design credits may be applied towards the MEd degree.

Completion times

You can take up to 2 years to complete all requirements.

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.


Take your first step to online learning

We'll send you helpful information about programs, financial options, applying, and studying at AU.