Certificate in Instructional Design (Graduate Non-Degree)
Hours: 12 Online
About
The Certificate in Instructional Design (Graduate Non-Degree) at Fort Hays State University prepares professionals to design practical, engaging learning experiences across a wide range of educational and organizational settings. Through a focused curriculum, participants build expertise in core instructional design principles, including the development of measurable learning objectives, instructional materials, and evaluation tools that address the needs of today’s learners.
Coursework integrates theory with practical application, enabling participants to make informed instructional design decisions that support learner success. The certificate prepares participants to contribute meaningfully to roles across higher education, business, industry, and human resources by applying evidence-based design strategies in real-world learning environments.
Why pursue a Certificate in Instructional Design (Graduate Non-Degree) at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Instructional Design (Graduate Non-Degree) equips professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the growing field of instructional development. This fully online certificate balances theoretical foundations with practical application, offering a flexible and affordable pathway to advance expertise in instructional design across higher education, corporate training, and related settings.
Through practice-focused coursework, participants engage with current industry standards and evolving workforce needs. Courses are regularly updated and taught by experienced faculty with real-world expertise in instructional design and educational technology, ensuring participants develop relevant, actionable skills that can be applied immediately in professional contexts.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is designed for professionals seeking to lead, develop, or enhance instructional experiences across diverse learning environments. It is well-suited for individuals aiming to deepen their expertise in instructional design and demonstrate readiness for advanced or expanded roles in education, training, and workforce development.
- Corporate trainers or facilitators
- Human Resources professionals responsible for onboarding or staff development
- Instructional designers or course developers
- K–12 or higher education educators transitioning into instructional design roles
- Professionals managing e-learning programs or training content
Real-World Applications
Real-world applications are embedded throughout the certificate to ensure relevance beyond the academic setting. Projects are tailored to participants’ current or intended roles in education, business, or industry, allowing coursework to address authentic professional challenges.
Participants build a professional portfolio that demonstrates their ability to address specific learning needs. This portfolio reflects the application of industry-relevant instructional design principles and serves as evidence of readiness for professional practice.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University ensures the certificate remains current by regularly updating coursework to reflect emerging trends in the field. Topics include mobile learning, microlearning, learning analytics, and the application of artificial intelligence in training environments. Participants engage with contemporary tools and practices that support adaptability in a rapidly changing industry.
The curriculum integrates the ISTE Educator Standards and aligns with national guidelines for technology-enhanced learning. These frameworks prepare participants to meet employer expectations and support leadership in curriculum development, knowledge transfer, and innovation as instructional models continue to evolve.
Practical Activities
Instructional designers emphasize developing core instructional design skills through structured, practical activities. Courses include applied tasks such as designing learning modules, aligning instructional materials with measurable objectives, and managing collaborative workflows. These activities focus on building technical competence and reinforcing foundational design processes.
Participants use free authoring tools to create instructional materials for online and hybrid environments. Collaborative assignments simulate professional project cycles, allowing participants to practice peer review, revision, and implementation in ways that reflect real instructional design workflows.
What You’ll Learn:
- Apply instructional design models effectively
- Build assessment and evaluation tools
- Create measurable learning objectives
- Develop instructional content for diverse audiences
- Integrate technology into course design
How You’ll Learn:
- Applied assignments in every course
- Collaboration with peers in virtual settings
- Online learning with instructor guidance
- Projects tied to your current/future role
- Updated curriculum reflecting industry trends
The certificate comprises four graduate-level courses totaling 12 credit hours. The course sequence is intentionally structured to build a comprehensive foundation in instructional theory, adult learning, global collaboration, and instructional project management, progressing from core design principles to the planning and management of effective instructional initiatives.
MID 804: Introduction to Instructional Design
This online course provides a deep dive into the instructional design (ID) lifecycle. Students create research-based projects through an iterative process of investigation, design, peer review, and field testing, all while grounding their work in current ID best practices.
MID 808: Facilitating Adult Learning
In this course, students explore effective strategies grounded in Adult Learning Theory (andragogy). Participants will investigate how adults learn and adapt as they master industry best practices to facilitate impactful educational change.
MID 809: Communication and Collaboration in a Global Society
This course equips educational leaders with colleague-centered strategies grounded in Adult Learning Theory (andragogy). Participants will explore methods for guiding adult learners and peers while leveraging digital and AI literacy to enhance engagement, collaboration, and efficiency. Emphasizing industry best practices, the course prepares students to lead impactful educational change within their professional communities.
MID 810: Managing the Instructional Design Process
This online professional education course prepares students to investigate, design, peer-review, and field-test research-based instructional units. Emphasis is placed on project management, instructional design best practices, and relationship building with key stakeholders throughout the instructional design process.
Discover the full Certificate in Instructional Design (Graduate Non-Degree) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Instructional design is a high-demand field across education, training, and workforce development. Employers seek professionals who can create effective programs that improve learning and performance. The Certificate in Instructional Design equips participants with the skills needed to succeed in these roles.
Instructional Designer
Instructional designers develop practical training and educational materials aligned with learner needs. They apply instructional models, create digital and in-person resources, and use data to evaluate effectiveness. Employers value their ability to turn learning objectives into practical training solutions across industries.
Learning and Development Specialist
Learning and development specialists identify training needs, develop instructional programs, and evaluate employee development initiatives. They commonly work within human resources departments or consulting firms to improve organizational performance through targeted education and skill development.
eLearning Developer
eLearning developers design and build digital courses and training materials for online delivery. The role combines instructional design principles with technical expertise in learning management systems, interactive design, and media tools to create engaging content for remote learners.
Training Coordinator
Training coordinators manage the planning and delivery of organizational learning and development programs. Their responsibilities include scheduling workshops, tracking participation, and evaluating outcomes, ensuring employee performance and compliance across departments.
Curriculum Specialist
Curriculum specialists develop and refine educational materials, lesson plans, and instructional strategies. They work with schools, training organizations, or content publishers to ensure instructional content meets standards and supports measurable learning outcomes.
Fort Hays State University requires applicants to the Certificate in Instructional Design (Graduate Non-Degree) to hold a bachelor’s degree or be actively enrolled in a graduate program. The certificate is designed for graduate-level learners preparing for, or currently working in, instructional design or training roles.
Online Application
Applicants must submit the FHSU Graduate School application and select the Certificate in Instructional Design as their program of interest.
English Proficiency (International Students)
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores, unless they qualify for an exemption.
No GRE Required
Applicants do not need to submit GRE or other standardized test scores, making the program accessible for working professionals.
Professional Experience (Optional and Beneficial)
Experience in teaching, training, curriculum development, or human resources is encouraged, though not required. The certificate is open to professionals from any field seeking to strengthen their instructional design skills.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,180.60* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers additional programs for students looking to expand their instructional and leadership expertise. These programs complement the Certificate in Instructional Design, providing opportunities for further specialization.
- Certificate in Instructional Coaching (Graduate Non-Degree)
- M.S. in Instructional Technology
- Ed.S in Advanced Professional Studies (Business Education and Workforce Leadership)
- Ed.S in Advanced Professional Studies (Education Innovation and Leadership)
- Master of Professional Studies (Organizational Leadership)
Yes, applicants must either hold a completed master's degree or be currently enrolled in a graduate program, such as the M.S. in Instructional Technology at FHSU.
Most students complete the four required courses in under one year, depending on course availability and personal schedule.
No, the Certificate in Instructional Design (Graduate Non-Degree) is offered entirely online, with no on-campus visits required.
Students use free or low-cost authoring tools, collaborative platforms, and design applications that mirror those used in instructional design.
Yes, the certificate provides specialized graduate-level credentials that signal readiness for roles in instructional design, corporate training, and education leadership.
Information about the Department of Advanced Education Programs
FHSU’s Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP) is one of the most diverse and comprehensive departments, offering a wide range of programs designed to fit the unique needs of educators at every stage of their careers. Whether you aim to enhance your teaching skills, pursue a role as a building principal or community counselor, add an endorsement, or renew your license, our department is dedicated to helping you succeed in your aspirations.
AEP aims to be the leader in preparing inclusive educational and community professionals to unlock innovative potential in a rapidly advancing world, by preparing global leaders who serve in these settings. Our programs focus on the interaction among innovative technologies, relevant content, diversity, and best practices.
- CAEP Accreditation:
The Department of Advanced Education Programs holds Advanced-Level Accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). See the Fort Hays State University CAEP Accredited Provider page for details.
Advanced-Level Accreditation is provided at the post-baccalaureate or graduate levels leading to licensure, certification, or endorsement. Advanced-Level Programs are designed to develop P-12 teachers who have already completed an initial-licensure program, currently licensed administrators, or other certified (or similar state language) school professionals for employment in P-12 schools/districts. CAEP's Advanced-Level accreditation does not include any advanced-level program not specific to the preparation of teachers or other school professionals for P-12 schools/districts; any advanced-level non-licensure programs, including those specific to content areas; or educational leadership programs not specific to the preparation of teachers or other school professionals for P-12 schools/districts.
- Certificate
- Online
