Interim Program Contact: Kristen Bourgault 203-582-7671
Program Contact: Ruth Schwartz 203-582-8419
The 9-credit graduate certificate in online course design is focused on providing the knowledge and experience needed to develop online courses across a range of disciplines. The sequence of three online graduate-level courses begins with an examination of the instructional design process—using what we know about how people learn to help us design effective educational materials. In the following two courses, students explore best practices of online course design, create a model course, and investigate multimedia project development using a number of tools and resources. Students may substitute other IDN courses with permission of the program director.
As K-12 programs, higher education and corporate training continue to shift online, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can create effective digital education resources. This online certificate program equips students with a deeper understanding of instructional design as well as the skills needed to plan, design and develop a powerful online course. Students with particular interests or goals may petition to customize the course sequence or take more than three courses.
Please note: Candidates in the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology program who are interested in the Certificate in Online Course Design must consult with the program director, Ruth Schwartz, for information on requirements for this credential.
Online Course Design Certificate Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| IDN 525 | Foundations of Instructional Design | 3 |
| IDN 529 | Educational Media Design Lab | 3 |
| IDN 532 | Design and Development of Online Learning | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Students may substitute other IDN courses with permission of the program director.
To qualify for admission, candidates must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. The ideal candidate will have maintained a 3.00 cumulative GPA and earned no grade lower than a B- in a single class. No prior technical experience is required.
Interested individuals can apply online. Applications are accepted throughout the year; however, the admissions committee will not review an application until all of the supporting documents are received.
A complete application consists of the following:
- Application form
- $45 application fee
- Current resume
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work completed
Candidates will be interviewed in person, by phone or online as appropriate.