University of California, Irvine - Division of Continuing Education
Online Certificate in E-Learning Instructional Design
Online, USA
Certificate
DURATION
18 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
USD 5,184 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* approximate tuition
Key Summary
About: This online certificate trains instructional design for e-learning and LMS. Taught by experts, it covers learning theory, course design, project management, technology selection, and multimedia development. Curriculum highlights methodologies and tools. Successful assignments can earn an Alternative Digital Credential (ADC), a digital badge. Students must have an authoring tool (e.g., Articulate 360) before course three; Mac users need virtualization to run Windows.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work as Instructional Designer, E-Learning Developer, LMS Administrator, Learning Experience Designer, or Training Project Manager in corporate L&D, higher education, tech, consulting or freelance. Skills apply to course authoring, UX, and digital strategy.
Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of providing learning online or via a learning management system (LMS) — especially when supporting remote or hybrid workforces. To that end, they need learning and development (L&D) professionals who have mastered both the theories and science of how people learn, and the technology to create effective learning experiences.
This real-world focused program — taught by industry experts who deliver practical knowledge derived from their own experiences — provides a solid foundation in the skills required to align e-learning strategies with business strategies and will prepare you for a successful career in instructional design.
You’ll acquire knowledge and expertise in planning and designing training, managing projects, selecting appropriate technology, and developing e-learning. You’ll also learn techniques to help you address the inevitable challenges brought on by organizational and industry demands.
L&D professionals must also keep pace with industry advancements. Our comprehensive curriculum is infused with discussions that focus on instructional design developments, methodologies, and new technologies to help keep you and your skills on the cutting edge.
Earn an Alternative Digital Credential
Successful completion of a qualifying assignment within select courses offers you the opportunity to earn an Alternative Digital Credential (ADC). Also referred to as a digital badge, an ADC is a virtual record of specific skills and competencies you have acquired and provides a verifiable way for you to share your educational achievements with employers, colleagues and others via social platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook.
Authoring Tool Requirements
All students in the program require current access to an authoring tool like Articulate 360 or other comparable tool for various assignments and projects throughout the program. Please contact the department for any available discount offers.
Before enrolling in the third course of the program (EDUC X417.1), students must purchase or otherwise have access to an authoring tool.
If using Articulate 360, Mac users will need to download a virtual environment software that creates a Windows interface on your Mac such as VMware Fusion or Parallels Desktop. You can then install Windows. Additional software and fees may be necessary.
Course schedules are subject to change. Individual courses may be taken without enrolling in the full program.
Required Courses
- Principles of E-Learning Instructional Design
- Exploring E-Learning Development Tools
- Designing and Developing Interactive E-Learning Courses
- Project Management for E-Learning Professionals
- E-Learning Evaluation and Assessment
- E-Learning Instructional Design Practicum
Learning Outcomes
- Plan e-learning projects, identify and work with stakeholders and subject matter experts, and manage project scope
- Analyze the management and cost issues associated with deploying online instruction
- Develop and deploy an online lesson and incorporate e-learning technologies
- Explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of a range of rapid authoring and media development tools
- Get hands-on experience building an e-learning module in the practicum course
Program Benefits
- Take advantage of an online learning format that provides the convenience and flexibility you need to balance your education with work and family commitments
- Learn from a diverse pool of instructors who have decades of instructional design experience, provide one-on-one guidance and feedback throughout your program journey, and share a passion for helping you succeed
- Build a lasting personal and professional network by making meaningful connections with instructors and peers
- Earn your certificate and begin positioning yourself for career advancement in as few as 12 months
- Enroll in as many individual courses as you wish with no obligation to complete the program
Who Should Attend
- Instructional designers
- Individuals seeking a career change or position within the e-learning instructional design field
- Training managers or coordinators
- Human resources professionals
- Professionals who have taken on a training role within their department