Instructional Design & Technology (IDT) Graduate Certificate
A fully online program to help educators master instructional design.
The Instructional Design & Technology (IDT) Certificate is a 15-credit graduate program designed for educators, and is additionally applicable to those in healthcare, business, and nonprofit sectors who are responsible for creating and delivering professional learning experiences. This fully online program equips participants with the tools, strategies, and design thinking required to plan, implement, and evaluate high-quality instruction for adult learners in a variety of settings.
Grounded in research-based frameworks such as Principles of Learning Theory, Understanding by Design (UbD), and the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition (SAMR) Model, the program guides students through a structured sequence of five accelerated 8-week online courses. Participants establish their foundation on centering learner needs and developing experiences accordingly, then move toward integrating technology intentionally, complying with accessibility and legal standards, and reflecting critically on their own instructional impact. The final course serves as a capstone, giving students an opportunity to refine their work and build a professional portfolio.
Advance your career in education by applying today.
IDT Certificate At A Glance
- Location: 100% Online
- Format: 8-Week Courses
- Credits: 15
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Curriculum
The IDT Certificate moves you through a structured sequence — starting with the foundations of how adults learn, building toward intentional technology integration, and culminating in a capstone portfolio that showcases your work as a professional instructional designer.
Explore the courses you’ll take below.
IDT 601: Foundations of Learning Theory (3-credits)
This course explores foundational theories of how humans learn, with emphasis on the distinctions between pedagogy and andragogy. Students will examine key principles from cognitive science, behavioral motivation, and learning frameworks such as Malcolm Knowles’ Six Principles. Through analysis and reflection, students will develop a critical lens for designing learner-centered instruction across educational, professional, and organizational contexts. Particular focus will be placed on applying learning theory to inform design decisions that support engagement, transfer, and relevance.
IDT 602: Instructional Design Models & Methods (3-credits)
This course introduces students to foundational principles of instructional design, with emphasis on aligning learning goals, assessment strategies, and teaching methods. Anchored in the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework, the course also explores additional models and approaches relevant to a variety of settings. Students will apply best practices to develop meaningful, learner-centered experiences, with particular focus placed on designing professional development that is purposeful, goal-driven, and adaptable across contexts.
IDT 603: Educational Technology & Multimedia Modalities (3-credits)
This course explores the purposeful integration of digital media and applications to support and enhance instructional goals. Using the SAMR Model as a guiding lens, students will evaluate how technology can transform learning when incorporated with intention. Topics include multimedia design, cognitive load, and tool selection for content creation, collaboration, and assessment. Students will develop and critique learning artifacts that demonstrate thoughtful use of technology to engage diverse learners.
IDT 604: Professional Learning Compliance, Accessibility, & Engagement (3-credits)
This course prepares students to develop professional learning that is engaging, accessible, and aligned with legal or policy-driven requirements. Students will explore strategies for delivering instruction across synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid formats while addressing common barriers such as time constraints, learner resistance, and equity considerations. Emphasis is placed on accessibility practices, including captioning, alternative formats, and inclusive design, as well as the use of AI tools to streamline and audit content. By applying practical solutions to real-world challenges, students will create professional learning experiences that meet compliance standards without sacrificing learner engagement.
IDT 605: Reflection & Advocacy as a Professional Learning Designer, Capstone (3-credits)
This capstone course invites students to evaluate the impact of the professional learning experiences they have developed and reflect on their growth as instructional designers. Students will analyze feedback and data to refine their work and explore strategies for self-advocacy through artifacts that showcase their value and success, such as reports, proposals, or promotional materials. Through this process, students will be able to articulate their instructional philosophy, demonstrate their effectiveness, and prepare for future professional opportunities beyond the program.
Careers in Instructional Design
Nationally, demand for professionals in instructional design, training, and learning development continues to grow across sectors. As previously mentioned, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) projects a 12% increase in employment for training and development specialists through 2032, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations. Roles such as instructional designers, e-learning developers, training consultants, and professional development coordinators are increasingly essential in both education and industry settings.
Regionally, the Northeast–including New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania–has seen sustained growth in postings for instructional design-related positions, with competitive salaries that often exceed national medians (Lightcast, 2024). According to the BLS (2024), the median annual wage for training and development specialists was $65,850 in May 2024, while instructional coordinators earned a median of $74,720, with top earners in both occupations exceeding $105,000 depending on sector and seniority.
Graduates of the Instructional Design & Technology Certificate program will be prepared for a range of professional roles, including instructional designer, professional development specialist, corporate trainer, curriculum coordinator, and technology integration coach. The versatility of this credential allows graduates to apply their skills across K-12 education, higher education, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, and corporate training environments—responding to a labor market that continues to prioritize digital learning, employee upskilling, and flexible knowledge delivery.
“The ability to design instruction that actually works is one of the most valuable skills you can bring to any organization.”
“Whether you’re in a classroom, a hospital, a boardroom, or a nonprofit, the ability to design instruction that actually works is one of the most valuable skills you can bring to any organization. This program gives educators and professionals alike the tools to do that intentionally — not just to teach, but to design learning experiences people remember.”
-Dr. Brian Conners, Dean for the School of Education
Admissions Requirements
Please carefully review the following admissions requirements:
This admission process is designed for traditional students applying to the graduate certificate program. Students may transfer in no more than 6 credits from a graduate degree program. In addition to a completed graduate application, the following are also required:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, higher education, business, health professions, or closely related fields
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate coursework
- Résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Statement of personal and professional goals
- TOEFFL scores (for international students)
If you have questions about the program, financial aid, or the admissions process, our admissions team is ready to speak with you. Click here to schedule a time to meet with our Graduate Admissions Counselor.
Financial Aid
As a graduate student, you can get financial aid. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA to see how much financial aid you qualify for to help support your academic pursuit. If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, you can contact the Office of Student Financial Services by emailing finaid@felician.edu. Our Financial Aid Counselors are ready to assist you.
Are you a Felician alum? Click here to explore the Felician Alumni grant.
Next Steps
Learn more about our Instructional Design & Technology (IDT) Graduate Certificate Program by speaking with Felician representatives, or apply now if you’re ready to begin advancing your career.