The 18 Best Instructional Design Certificate Programs and Courses

The instructional designer role is one of the trendiest positions in today’s job market. The eLearning market is expected to grow to $1 trillion by 2032, and the content provider segment is massively important to this growth. That’s why tons of educational organizations and platforms have started offering the best instructional design certificate programs online in the last few years.

With so many certificate and degree options out there, how do you choose the right program? Should you invest in a master’s degree, go for a short course, or even pursue certification at all? It’s easy to feel stuck, especially when the path into ID isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. The truth is, certification does give you a competitive edge. It helps you stand out to employers, validate your skills, and fast-track your transition into the field.

In this article, you’ll get practical, data-backed guidance on the best instructional design certificate programs that are worth your time and money. Plus, we’ll provide insights into which credentials actually matter to ID employers today.

How We Selected the Best Paid and Free Instructional Design Certificate Programs and Courses

In selecting the top training programs to help you gain instructional design skills, we carefully considered several key criteria:

• Duration. Both short-term and long-term options were explored to suit different preferences and time commitments.
• Transfer credit policy. We examined whether the programs accepted credits from previous coursework or experience.
• Tuition fees. Costs were compared across different programs to ensure that they were reasonable and aligned with the value provided.
• Curriculum. We carefully examined the contents of each program and course. Also, we looked for a diverse range of topics, ensuring that the programs provided comprehensive coverage of instructional design principles and practices.
• Admission requirements. Prerequisites and requirements were reviewed for each program. Moreover, we evaluated the level of difficulty and compatibility with varying educational backgrounds.
• Accreditation. We made sure that the programs meet certain standards of quality and credibility, which is essential for learners looking for reputable certifications.

Comparison of the Best Instructional Design Certificate Programs and Courses

Here’s a comparison chart of the instructional design certificate programs and online courses addressed in this article. This is followed by a more detailed explanation of each program, its strengths, and some use cases.

The Best Non-Academic Online Instructional Design Certificate Programs

We’ll start with high-quality, non-academic programs. Some of them are self-paced, and most take over 1 month to complete. Finishing these programs will earn you an official instructional design certificate. The certificates are guaranteed to make you a much more valuable hire in the eyes of potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

1. How to Create an Interactive Online Course (iSpring Academy)

Vendor: iSpring Academy
Level: Any
Cost: $270 (Standard), $570 (Pro)
Duration: Self-paced

Instructional Design Course by iSpring Academy

This online instructional design certificate program is provided by a world-renowned eLearning software company, iSpring. It has established itself as a reliable online education expert in the market. iSpring Academy regularly offers relevant courses on ID, L&D, and eLearning for both novice and seasoned professionals.

If you need to explore the practical side of instructional design, this course development certificate is definitely what you’re looking for. The program includes 20 short, interactive video lessons that will help you master every stage of course development. You’ll learn the ropes — from identifying learning objectives and creating a storyboard to publishing your project online.

It starts out with fundamental theories, such as instructional design models and adult learning theory. The program then provides a deep dive into eLearning content creation. You’ll examine real-world projects by global ID experts and create your own course. Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll have all the knowledge and skills needed to design impactful learning experiences and effective assessments.

What you will learn

• Fundamental principles for creating effective courses
• Instructional design methodology
• How to create a design document
• Storyboarding and scripting courses
• How to build pro-looking courses without a graphic designer
• How to design application-based assessments
• The building of interactive role-play simulations
• How to record professional training videos
• How to evaluate the effectiveness of eLearning courses

Alumni reviews

Best for

Aspiring course developers who would like to receive hands-on experience in course creation and secure a job in instructional design right after completing the training.

Pricing

This course comes in two plans: Standard and Pro. The Standard plan provides you with ID theory that you can take at your own pace. Their Pro plan allows you to put theory into practice and get hands-on experience by completing practical assignments after every training module. Pro learners complete these tasks with iSpring Suite (they get a 3-month free trial), then receive expert feedback, and polish their work. By the end of the program, all Pro students will have a ready-made interactive course created under the guidance of a Senior Instructional Designer.

2. Instructional Design Academy (IDOL Courses)

Vendor: IDOL Academy
Level: Any
Cost: From $1,997
Duration: 8 weeks

Instructional Design Academy by IDOL Courses

This is an online training program on instructional design that functions as cohort-based learning, with supervision and assistance from the creator of this curriculum, Dr. Robin Sargent. The course promises to provide learners with an adequate amount of theory, stressing the practical application of knowledge.

During the training, you’ll get hands-on experience with a range of authoring tools and other software to bring design concepts to life. They include Articulate Storyline, Vyond, Canva, Camtasia, among others.

The program has a strong social learning element, with graduates and fellow subject matter experts taking part in reviewing finished projects. They provide feedback and answer students’ questions.

What you will learn

• Planning, scheduling, budgeting, reporting, and managing risks
• How to use different instructional design methodologies
• Mapping a course plan for learning needs and company goals
• Running productive SME interviews and getting quality learning content
• How to write scripts that are structured and meaningful for learners
• Drafting detailed design blueprints and instructional design documents
• How to craft a storyboard and prepare for eLearning development
• Managing the rollout of new training solutions in a corporate setting
• How to read reports and analytics to identify learning gaps

Alumni reviews

Best for

Course developers who are ready to invest their time to master software solutions for building courses and visuals.

Pricing

You can choose from three plans: Essential ($1,997), Plus ($3,497), and Elite ($4,997). The basic plan doesn’t include one-on-one mentorship, but provides the full curriculum and certification. The Elite plan is a fast track: you’ll get a 12-week curriculum and priority feedback from experts.

3. Professional Certificate in Instructional Design (Digital Learning Institute)

Vendor: Digital Learning Institute
Level: Any
Cost: From $2,800
Duration: 8 weeks

 Instructional Design Certificate Program by Digital Learning Institute

This is a globally recognized, industry-approved instructional design certificate program delivered by the Digital Learning Institute (DLI). It’s also credit-rated by Glasgow Caledonian University. 

The course promises to provide learners with all the knowledge they need to become professional instructional designers. It covers the fundamentals of digital learning design, core design principles, the systematic instructional design process of creating eLearning content, and hands-on experience using Articulate Storyline.

During the training, learners work on an actual project, which allows them to apply their knowledge in practice. Learners are offered monthly live synchronous sessions where they can interact with peers and course tutors. They also have an opportunity to connect with one of their educational professionals post-program to discuss their instructional design career paths.

What you will learn

• How to design, build, and roll out high-quality eLearning
• Core online learning design principles and their underpinning theories, with practice
• How to work seamlessly with SMEs to map out your online learning experiences
• Ways to design a storyboard for an interactive, engaging eLearning course
• How to build an eLearning prototype using authoring tools like Articulate Storyline

Alumni reviews

Best for

People who are new to digital learning or need baseline knowledge of the fundamentals.

Pricing

This is another cohort-based program. You can buy the course for $2,800 or pay extra and purchase the Professional Development Subscription for $3,300. In this plan, you can get access to additional programs and various post-course benefits.

The Best Academic Instructional Design Certificate Programs

These are academic programs that take less than two years to complete and don’t offer as much depth as a bachelor’s or a master’s, yet are still highly valuable to employers. It should be mentioned here that academic institutions don’t usually put alumni reviews on display.

4. Instructional Design Certificate – 4 courses (University of Wisconsin-Stout)

Vendor: University of Wisconsin-Stout
Level: Any
Cost: $5,712
Duration: 9 months

Instructional Design Certificate Program by the University of Wisconsin-Stout

This is a highly praised and extremely popular instructional design certificate program. It comprises four courses, each encompassing a broad topic:

• Course 1: Trends and Issues in Instructional Design
• Course 2: Instructional Strategies and Assessment Methods
• Course 3: Designing Computer-Based Training (CBT)
• Course 4: Project Management for Instructional Development

The program is sequential: you need to finish one course in order to take the next one. Each course provides three semester hours of graduate credit. To enroll in the program, you should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

These courses are not informal introductory lectures like the ones that can be found on Coursera or Skillshare. Taking an academic certificate program like this one is a legitimate way to become a high-value asset in the instructional design job market. After finishing the program, each student receives a signed professional certificate with the University of Wisconsin-Stout official seal entitled “Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design.”

What you will learn

• Designing effective instruction for any delivery method
• How to align instructional activities and assessments
• The application of computer-based training
• Matching technology tools to instructional problems
• How to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional design
• Management of the systematic instructional design process
• How to tap into volunteer and career instructional design network opportunities

Alumni reviews

Best for

This course is ideal for those who already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and are interested in getting an academic education in instructional design.

Pricing

The total cost of the certificate is $5,712 ($476 per credit).

5. Learning Design and Technology Graduate Certificate (Harvard Extension School)

Vendor: Harvard Extension School
Level: Any
Cost: $13,360
Duration: 1.5 years

The Learning Design and Technology Graduate Certificate Program by Harvard Extension School

This program also consists of four extensive curricula. Upon completion, which requires you to get at least a “B” in each of the required courses, you will receive a professional graduate certificate in learning design and educational technology.

During this program, you will gain relevant skills for various careers. You might land a job in K–12 education, higher education, corporate training, nonprofit education, or related organizations.

What you will learn

• Instructional design theories and frameworks
• Their application in developing digital learning experiences (e.g., project planning, content expertise, communication, writing, and technology skills)
• Interactive media, video production, editing, digital design, and digital storytelling
• Extra skills, including website development and web programming

Best for

Individuals who would like to gain a comprehensive understanding of instructional design and go even further by studying programming and website development. 

Pricing

The price of one course stands at $3,440. The entire program will cost you $13,760 as of 2025.

6. MicroMasters Program in Instructional Design and Technology (University of Maryland)

Vendor: University of Maryland
Level: Any
Cost: $1,196
Duration: 8 months

The MicroMasters Program in Instructional Design and Technology by the University of Maryland

This program promises to teach you the theory and practice of ID, plus additional competencies like data analytics. With an emphasis on preparing students for the challenges of the mobile-oriented online learning world, it’s definitely worth your while.

This is also a four-course certificate program:

• Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories
• Instructional Design Models
• Instructional Design: Digital Media, New Tools, and Technology
• Instructional Design Course Evaluation and Capstone Project

The program content and course projects are sequential. In order to pass each of the four required courses in the MicroMasters program, you must earn a grade of 80% or higher.

After you complete this four-course certificate program, you will receive a MicroMasters program certificate. Learners who earn this instructional design certificate may apply for admission to a master’s program.

What you will learn

• Contemporary and fundamental learning theories for developing online learning experiences
• Relevant technologies that support online learning
• The implementation process for online learning experiences
• Data mining techniques for the design and evaluation of online learning experiences
• The creation of digital media that supports online learning

Best for

Instructional designers seeking a comprehensive academic background in their field.

Pricing

The course costs $1,196, but you can often get a discount that slashes about $100 off the price.

7. Certificate in Instructional Systems Technology (Indiana University Bloomington)

Vendor: Indiana University Bloomington
Level: Any
Cost: From $539.36
Duration: 15 hours

Instructional Systems Technology Certificate Program by Indiana University Bloomington

This instructional design and technology certificate program provides the fundamentals of analyzing, designing, developing, and evaluating educational tools. It introduces you to concepts in instructional technology and design. With a professional certificate in instructional design, you can enhance your professional prospects or prepare for a master’s or doctoral program in learning systems technology.

To enroll in the program, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. 

What you will learn

• Evaluation and analysis of instructional materials
• Effective writing for educational technology
• Strategies for computer-mediated learning

Best for

Those who would like to advance their career or prepare for a master’s or doctoral program in instructional systems technology.

Pricing

Indiana residents have a lower fee of $539.36, while it will cost non-residents $639.43.

8. Online Teaching Knowledge and Skills (Ohio University)

Vendor: Ohio University
Level: Any
Cost: From $496
Duration: Not specified

Instructional Design Certificate by OHIO University

This program is suitable for people from diverse backgrounds who want to specialize in designing instruction for their particular field of expertise. Those interested in focusing on online learning in general will also find it solid.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive 9 semester hours of graduate credit. These credits can be used to make progress toward a Master of Education in Computer Education and Technology degree. Up to 8 hours can also count toward the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Technology at Ohio University.

What you will learn

• Teaching and learning online
• Principles of instructional design
• The fundamentals of computer education

Alumni reviews

“In the program, you will not only develop competencies in research methodology and engage in research projects and presentations, but also build strong relationships with your professors, advisors, and fellow students.” (Xinyue Ren)

Best for

Those who want to transition to the field of instructional technology.

Pricing

Non-residents of Ohio pay $496 per credit hour, while it will cost Ohio residents slightly more – $583.

The Best Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Instructional Design 

Bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees typically provide the highest return on your investment and provide you with advanced competencies needed in the field.

9. Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design (University of Arizona / Ashford)

Vendor: University of Arizona / Ashford
Level: Any
Cost: Not specified
Duration: 2 years

Bachelor’s Program in Instructional Design by the University of Arizona

To earn your bachelor of arts in instructional design in this program, you will need to complete 120 credits. Out of these, 30 must be at the upper-division level, with 18 coming from the major program. You must also complete a minimum of 30 credits at the University of Arizona Global Campus to fulfill the residency requirement.

What you will learn

• How to design instructional and training interventions and assessments for online, place-based, and blended delivery
• Management of collaborative processes and participants involved in an instructional design project
• How to respond appropriately to ethical, legal, and political factors that influence ID projects for diverse learners and contexts

Best for

Those who want to earn a solid bachelor’s degree in instructional design.

Pricing

You’ll need to talk to the university advisor to get the exact fee.

10. Online Master’s Degree in eLearning & Instructional Design (Northeastern University)

Vendor: Northeastern University
Level: Advanced
Cost: $41,355
Duration: 1-2 years

Master’s Program in Instructional Design by the Northeastern University

According to the program overview, an online master’s degree from Northeastern University would be a strong next step for someone who already works in a higher education, corporate, or non-profit setting. The authors emphasize the importance of practice and creating instructional design projects for your ePortfolio during the entire length of the program. They highlight that enrolling in this master’s degree program should make you a qualified professional in “next-generation and mobile learning.”

What you will learn

• Application of learning design models, theories, practices, and technologies to develop engaging environments
• The ability to effectively present ideas in multiple mediums and to diverse audiences
• How to create learning designs that promote social justice, and the building of intercultural and global networks
• How to respond innovatively to learning design opportunities and challenges in diverse contexts of different industry sectors

Best for

Those who would like to receive a master’s degree in instructional design and build a solid portfolio during the training.

Pricing

This is the most expensive program on the list, at $41,355. However, keep in mind that you can cover part of the fee with a scholarship, financial aid, etc.

11. Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Learning, Design & Technology — Instructional Design & Development (University of Georgia)

Vendor: University of Georgia
Level: Advanced
Cost: $23,220
Duration: 3 years

Master’s Program in Instructional Design by the University of Georgia

With six semesters of material, this online program is the longest one on our list. After completing it, the student will be prepared to apply learning theory to create computer-based training (CBT) projects and have enough hands-on experience to tackle any real-life instructional design challenge. Additional topics include video production, project management, and analytics in instructional design, as well as learning the ropes of team-based project design.

What you will learn

• Introductory instructional system design
• Design thinking and development tools
• How to design interactive learning environments
• Evaluation and analytics in instructional design
• Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and educational technology
• Video production for teaching and learning
• Advanced instructional design
• Team-based design of interactive environments
• Instructional technology research methods 

Alumni reviews

“It was the perfect program for me since it was totally online and had a great reputation. I am now a Learning Design Specialist, teaching teachers how to use emerging technologies to enhance their students’ learning experience.” (Cheryl Stanga)

Best for

Those who are looking to gain extensive knowledge in instructional design and pursue a master’s degree in this field.

Pricing

The program costs $23,220, but you can explore several financial aid options.

The Best Free Online Instructional Design Courses

This subset includes relatively short (<10 hours) curricula that would be the perfect way to dip your toes in the waters of instructional design. Let’s start with the free instructional design courses that might incur an extra fee if you’d like to get a certificate of completion.

12. Learning to Teach Online (Coursera)

Vendor: Coursera
Level: Intermediate
Cost: Free enrollment ($49 to issue the certificate)
Duration: 17 hours

Course on Online Teaching by Coursera

This course from an Art & Design professor at the University of New South Wales is a 5-week curriculum. It includes lots of video content, reading materials, self-assessments, and graded assignments.

Being largely focused on the theory of learning, it somewhat lacks practical aspects like working with the actual software used for content authoring. However, if you’re interested in the theory of online learning, then you can’t go wrong with this course. Besides, you’ll get a professional certificate in instructional design for your LinkedIn profile or CV.

What you will learn

• Why online teaching is important
• Open and institutionally supported technologies
• How to plan online learning
• Online learning activities
• Online assessment strategies
• Open educational resources (OER)
• How to engage and motivate students
• Evaluation strategies

Alumni reviews

“It was an awesome experience for me in improving, especially my teaching skills to a new paradigm. I learned and benefited immensely from the course, as the course design is meticulously well planned.” (Rajeev R.)

Best for

Individuals who would like to get a basic knowledge of instructional design.

Pricing

You’ll only need to pay for the $49 certificate of completion (if you need one). The course itself is free.

13. Learning design basics: pedagogy into practice (OpenLearning)

Vendor: OpenLearning
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free ($40 to issue the certificate)
Duration: 17 hours

Course on Learning Design Basics by OpenLearning

This is another free training program that addresses the principles of learning design. You’ll improve your understanding of the theory of teaching — a great starting point for future educators. The training module itself consists mostly of text with the occasional inclusion of a quiz or a video sample.

Important: The instructional design certificate given by OpenLearning doesn’t have any international recognition. It’s best to look for alternatives if you’re after a more professional certificate.

What you will learn

• Educational learning philosophy and pedagogy for deep learning
• How to determine the needs, interests, and motivations of learners in a learning program
• How to design a learning program structure
• Design thinking
• How to write measurable learning outcomes
• How to design creative, authentic, and meaningful activities that align with learning outcomes
• Review and evaluation of the effectiveness of a learning program

Alumni reviews

“Thank you for a great learning experience. I have a few more adjustments to make, but I now have a design for consultation purposes and eventually, a final product. Good experience and well organized.” (Rebecca S.)

Best for

Individuals who would like to learn the fundamentals of instructional design and create their first eLearning courses.

Pricing

The program is free. You’ll need to pay $40 if you want the certificate of completion.

14. Gamification (Coursera)

Vendor: Coursera
Level: Intermediate
Cost: Free ($95 to issue the certificate)
Duration: 17 hours

Gamification course by Coursera

This curriculum from Kevin Werbach of the University of Pennsylvania differs from the previous entries on our list. Instead of dealing with general concepts of instructional design, it focuses on a single technique called gamification.

The course explores the psychological mechanisms behind how and why games help people to learn new things. During this course, the students learn to apply its principles to non-game contexts, including instructional design.

What you will learn

• The difference between gamification and games
• Deconstructing games
• Motivation and psychology
• How to design a gamification project
• Application of gamification
• Gamification in perspective

Also read: eLearning Gamification: How to Apply and Win the Game

Alumni reviews

“Very structured and interesting class about gamification. Kevin is a very engaging teacher, and this course was the perfect introduction to gamification. I highly recommend the course.” (Blanka M.)

Best for

Those who would like to develop creative, human-centered, thoughtful gamification solutions.

Pricing

This program is also entirely free to take, with an additional fee of $95 to issue the certificate of completion.

The Best Paid Online Instructional Design Courses

The following are paid courses. You can choose between subscription-based programs and one-time payment options.

15. Instructional Design for eLearning (Udemy)

Vendor: Udemy
Level: Beginner
Cost: $99.99
Duration: 17 hours

Instructional Design by Udemy

This is another short introductory course for aspiring instructional designers. Despite its length, the author manages to fit in quite a lot of theory. However, this sometimes comes at the expense of practice. Still, it should be a good starting point for those who would like to get acquainted with instructional design terminology. You’ll get enough skills to create your first digital training course and get some experience with authoring tools.

What you will learn

• How to apply the concept of andragogy and Malcolm Knowles’s six principles of adult learning theory to course design
• Design and development of storyboards and prototypes for your course
• How to create podcasts and vodcasts for eLearning
• How to design Section 508-compliant training materials

Alumni reviews

“I’m a novice in instructional design. This course did give an insight into what instructional design is all about. It is a good course for beginners.” (John D.)

Best for

Aspiring instructional designers in search of a solid theoretical base.

Pricing

The course costs $99.99 but you can often achieve a generous discount of up to 85%.

16. Instructional Design Essentials: Models of ID (LinkedIn Learning)

Vendor: LinkedIn Learning
Level: Intermediate
Cost: $39.99 (for a LinkedIn Premium subscription)
Duration: 45 minutes

Instructional Design Course by LinkedIn Learning

This is a very quick video-based course. The author talks about popular ID methodologies like ADDIE and explains how to apply them to eLearning development. The program is recommended for intermediate-level learners who already have experience authoring educational content.

What you will learn

• ID models (ADDIE, SAM)
• ADDIE alternatives
• Choosing the right instructional design model

Best for

Those who want to learn the fundamentals of instructional design frameworks quickly.

Pricing

You’ll need to purchase a LinkedIn Premium subscription for $39.99 to access the course.

17. Advancing Your Skills As an L&D Professional (LinkedIn Learning)

Vendor: LinkedIn Learning
Level: Intermediate
Cost: $39.99 (for a LinkedIn Premium subscription)
Duration: ~5 hours

L&D Course by LinkedIn Learning

Unlike all other curricula in this subcategory, this one is a learning path that comprises eight video courses from eight authors. It explores several distinct directions of learning and professional eLearning development. The lessons include instructions on how to measure learning effectiveness, increase learner engagement, and gamify the training experience.

What you will learn

• How to create a culture of learning
• How to build a successful learning program
• The setting and managing of realistic expectations for your L&D program
• Creation of inclusive learning experiences
• How to motivate your team to learn
• Practical success metrics in your training program

Best for

Instructional designers who are fairly comfortable creating simple online training and want to improve their theoretical knowledge of instructional design principles.

Pricing

You’ll need to purchase a LinkedIn Premium subscription for $39.99 to access the course.

18. Instructional Design Pro: Parts 1,2,3 (Udemy)

Vendor: Udemy
Level: Intermediate
Cost: $79.99
Duration: ~21 hours

Instructional Design Course by Udemy

Jason Teteak, the creator of this 3-part course, claims to be an in-the-trenches trainer who knows how ID works from hands-on experience. His course comprises 54 training videos, 18 practical assignments, and 18 quizzes. You’ll also get additional material like a 405-page learner workbook, so it would appear to be a pretty solid curriculum.

However, some user reviews point out that the author often fails to deliver engaging learning experiences and uses slightly outdated material.

What you will learn

• How to create stellar content for all 3 stages of instructional design
• 8 audience-centered building blocks that you’ll need to succeed as an instructional designer
• The 9 critical teaching strategies and the 13 essential teaching tools of a successful lesson
• Development of training materials: facilitator guides, learner workbooks, in-class activities, assessments, slideshows, evaluation surveys, and marketing materials

Alumni reviews

“Finally I have taken an instructional design course that includes practical examples, basically, it includes the what, how, and why [of ID].” (Rowan L.)

Best for

Individuals who want to learn how to write a training curriculum that’s easier to learn and more enjoyable to teach.

Pricing

You can access the course for $79.99.

Tips on Choosing the Instructional Design Program That’s Best for You

Here are a few valuable tips to help you select the ideal instructional design course or technology program:

• Know your goals. Completing a master’s degree program in instructional design should allow you to land a lucrative job in the field. However, getting a degree requires time, money, and effort that can be spent elsewhere. If you’re short on these resources, it would be best to go with a shorter course that you can complete at any time. However, if your dream is to become a high-level specialist in instructional design, invest in a good master’s degree program.
• Plan your budget. Good education gets costly — that’s just how it is. Don’t be afraid to tighten your belt temporarily if the tuition you’re saving for promises a thousandfold return on your investments.
• Get practical. A rule of thumb is that you should go for the program that offers the most hands-on approach to instructional design. The ID role involves coming up with course scenarios, getting information from subject matter experts (SMEs), and putting it all together using a variety of authoring tools. Sure, it’s always good to be well-versed in training theory, but in the end, you will need actual authoring experience, not abstract knowledge.
• Check reviews from alumni. Feedback from former students can provide a lot of insight into the actual qualities of the instructional technology program you’re thinking of enrolling in. Always be skeptical of too much praise or extreme negativity, and expect the truth to be somewhere in the middle.

What Else Do You Need to Become an Instructional Designer?

Okay, you’ve got the necessary knowledge of instructional design and understand how to create impactful distance learning experiences. Now you might want to look for your first instructional design project. But of course, you have to be fully prepared for this important step. 

Here are a few useful resources that will help you delve deeper into the world of instructional design:

• Instructional Design: The Art of eLearning Architecture
• Instructional Design Principles: Keys to Authoring eLearning Content
• How to Create an Instructional Design Portfolio
• Instructional Designer Salary: Proven Ways to Earn More
• Best Tools for Instructional Designers
• Best Online Learning Platforms

We’ve also prepared a couple of amazing goodies for you that we hope you’ll find even more helpful. You can download them for free:

• A Comprehensive Guide for Freelance Instructional Designers
• An Instructional Designer’s Notebook

FAQ

Here you’ll find the most commonly asked questions on instructional design.

1. What degree do most instructional designers have?

Most instructional designers complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in fields such as education, instructional design, educational technology, or a related area. Common advanced degrees include a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Instructional Design, Education, Educational Technology, or Curriculum and Instruction.

2. What are the minimum qualifications for an instructional designer?

The minimum qualifications for an instructional designer usually include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as education, instructional design, or educational technology. Additionally, practical experience in designing and developing instructional materials is often required. Some positions may also require a master’s degree and knowledge of specific eLearning tools, software, and platforms.

3. Can you be an instructional designer without a degree?

Yes, it is possible to become an instructional designer without a formal bachelor’s or master’s degree. Many instructional designers come from diverse backgrounds, including graphic design, teaching, and other areas of expertise. Gaining practical experience, developing a strong professional portfolio, and obtaining certifications or professional training in instructional design can also open doors in the field.

4. How can I get instructional design experience?

Here are some ways to get ID experience:

• Take online courses or earn certifications in instructional design.
• Seek out internships or entry-level positions in instructional design departments or organizations.
• Volunteer to create instructional materials or online courses for non-profit organizations or educational institutions.

5. How can I land an instructional design job with no experience?

Landing an instructional design job with no experience can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible:

1. Start by gaining knowledge and the necessary skills needed in instructional design through online courses and certifications.
2. Build a strong portfolio by creating sample instructional design projects, even if they’re not for actual clients.
3. Show your enthusiasm for the field and highlight transferable skills, such as project management, communication, and problem-solving.

Overall, displaying a proactive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a passion for instructional design can help you land your first job in the field.

Conclusion

Whatever your goals in instructional design might be, you should be able to find an instructional design certificate program that’s right for you. 

Are you just breaking into instructional design? Then sign up for iSpring’s video course right away! You’ll learn how to create effective online courses from A to Z, engage learners, and help them develop their knowledge and necessary skills.