Guide to Best Online Instructional Design Certificate Programs in 2024
A good instructional design certificate program will prepare
you to work in an industry that requires a specialized education. According to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth in fields that require an
educational background with training programs is projected to grow by 14
percent over the next few years. This means that an online instructional design
certificate program could be your best option for a career right now. You won’t
get any experience working as an instructional designer without spending time
in an educational setting. But which program is right for you? Read on to find
out more details about what you need to know before signing up for any program,
and where you can find the best programs in 2018.
What is a good instructional design certificate program?
An instructional design certificate program is a program of
study that provides you with a general overview of the field of instructional
design. You might learn a broad base of knowledge about the science and
research of learning, the design process, and the business aspects of the
industry. You might also take classes in leadership, ethics, and communication.
These programs are most commonly offered as part of the Interdisciplinary
Graduate Studies (IGS) program at a university. The degree you earn from an IGS
program will differ from university to university. You’ll likely earn an
Educational Leadership and Administration or an Instructional Design degree.
These are professional-level certificates and are generally accepted for
entry-level employment.
How to Choose an Inference Design Program
A good inference design program will have a core curriculum
that focuses on the principles of design, the foundations of research, and the
process of creating effective learning experiences. That core curriculum should
include courses that cover the science of learning, instructional theory, and
the responsible use of technology in education. As you look at specific
programs and programs within programs, you’ll want to make sure the faculty
members in charge of curriculum are experts in the field. This is especially
important when it comes to the people teaching core courses. Make sure the
learning experience you’d get from taking a particular course would truly
benefit your career.
How to Find an Instructional Design Course
The best way to find an instructional design program is by
using educational databases like the ones we’ve mentioned earlier in the
article. Find a university with an IGS program and see if they have programs
that specialize in online instruction. If not, you can also use sites like
Course Report or Course ID to find out more information. Other ways to find the
right program include researching program directors and faculty members in the
field you want to work in to see if they’re experienced and have credentials
you can trust. When it comes to your curriculum, you can also look at the
program’s syllabus to see what courses are required for graduation. This can
help you choose a program that has the right foundational coursework for your
career.
Considerations for Finding the Best Online IGDS
When you’re looking for the best online IGDS, you’ll want to
consider the following. 1. Course Quality - This is a top consideration for any
online course. You don’t want to take any risks with your education, so be sure
to choose a program with a high-quality curriculum. You may also be able to
find course reviews to see what other students thought of a particular program.
2. Community Support - This is also important for any online course. You don’t
want to feel isolated in your coursework, so you want to make sure you have
resources available to you. If you have a question, you want to make sure you
can find an answer somewhere in the program’s course forums or social media
pages. 3. Faculty Credentials - This is an important consideration when
choosing an online IGDS. You want to make sure the faculty members in charge of
the program are experts in the field they teach. If they have experience and
credentials that show they’re qualified to teach, this is a strong indication
of the quality of the program.
Bottom line
If you’re interested in becoming an instructional designer,
you’ll need a degree program that focuses on the science of learning and the
principles of design. As we discussed in this guide, it’s important to choose
an online degree program that has high-quality content, a well-designed
curriculum, and a supportive community of learners. A good online degree
program should provide you with the skills you need to become an expert in the
field of instructional design. Now that you know what to look for in an online
instructional design program, take the first step toward becoming an
instructional designer with one of these programs.