Certificate in Instructional Design
Earn your Certificate in Instructional Design with just three courses! These online courses are the foundation of instructional design and technology. Designed by our faculty, our certificate program encompasses the fundamental knowledge of instructional design.
We provide the knowledge to help you develop your skills to design online training using web authoring software.
Please email Dr. Cynthia Gautreau , program director, if you have any questions. Watch our informational video about the Certificate program .
Overview of the Certificate Program
Our certificate courses are graduate-level courses that are included in the Master of Science program. The Level I Certificate requires three courses (9 units), and may be completed in two or three semesters. Should you wish to continue your studies, you can earn a Level II Certificate or apply for admission to the Master of Science program . Admission to the master's program requires a minimum GPA of 2.5.
The courses cover instructional design principles and e-learning development. You'll explore the science of learning as well as create online learning experiences using Articulate Storyline.
Accelerated certificate program level i
Based on enrollment, we offer an accelerated certificate level 1 . You may elect to enroll in the accelerated program and complete the required 3 courses in one semester. Students will enroll in 9 units. The required courses are IDT 505 (16 weeks), IDT 520 (8 weeks), and IDT 530 (8 weeks). If you have questions about the certificate coursework, please email Dr. Gautreau.
Additional information about the Accelerated Certificate is available on YouTube.
Admission is limited to 25 students.
REQUIRED COURSES
Level I Certificate | Catalog Page
IDT 505 - Foundations of Instructional Design and Web Authoring Tools
IDT 520 - Instructional Design 1: Issues in E-Learning and the Design Process
IDT 530 -
Instructional Design 2: Advanced Issues in Implementation, Management and Program Evaluation
Level II Certificate | Catalog Page
Level One Certificate courses, plus:
IDT 540 - Systematic Approaches to Digital Design and Development
IDT 545 - Trends, Emerging Technologies and Issues in Instructional Design
For additional information of the Instructional Design and Technology program, please visit the MSIDT catalog page.
Applying to the certificate program
There are two ways to apply to the certificate program. You can apply for regular admission to the university through Cal State Apply
(choose the "Instructional Design and Technology Certificate Level 1" OR "Instructional Design and Technology Level 2" program), or you can register for each course through Open University
.
Open University
If you plan to take one course per semester, Open University may be the better choice because students are charged per unit with no minimum. However, students enrolled through Open University are not eligible for financial aid. A maximum of 9 units from Open University may be transferred to the master's degree program.
Students may submit their registration to enroll through Open University. Dates for open enrollment
varies each semester. Please visit their website to find out when you can enroll. When registration is open, you will need to email msidt@fullerton.edu to receive permission to enroll and the relevant course code. Once you receive the course code, you'll complete registration by following Open University's instructions
.
Cal State Apply
If you are applying for financial aid, you are only eligible if you are admitted to the university as a matriculated student. If you choose this method, you must submit your application by the application deadline, which you can find at Cal State Apply . Select either the "Instructional Design & Technology - Certificate Level 1" or "Instructional Design & Technology - Certificate Level 2" options.
Please note: Applications are accepted for fall and spring semesters. See more about applying via Cal State Apply on our admissions webpage.
Digital Badges
We award digital badges to recognize completion of the Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology Level I and Level II. After students complete the course requirements, they receive a digital badge to display on their LinkedIn profiles. Digital badges are widely recognized by employers.
What is unique about a digital badge?
A digital badge displays metadata associated with earning the badge, revealing the specific requirements and content mastered. Once you earn the digital badge, you can share it on social media to showcase your skills in a certified format.
Cost of Attendance
Tuition and fees will vary based on your enrollment method. If you matriculate to the university after applying via Cal State Apply, you will pay the same fees as Master of Science students .
If you enroll in the Certificate program via Open University, you will pay the fees posted by Open University .
Online students are required to pay $33 per unit in addition to the tuition costs. Students are required to purchase the software used in the courses. Software expenses range from $300 - $400.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Certificate Program
The following represents a list of frequently asked questions and responses related to the certificate programs in instructional design and technology.
I have a question that isn't covered here. Who should I ask?
Please direct all MSIDT program questions to the department office by either emailing at msidt@fullerton.edu or calling us at (657) 278-2842.
All questions concerning the online application and transcripts should be directed to the CSUF Admissions Helpline at (657) 278-3100.
Can I transfer to the certificate program, independent of the master's program?
Yes, you can. It is not required that you apply to the master's program when transferring to CSUF.
May I take courses if I missed the CSUF application deadline?
Yes, if there is space available in the courses. If you missed the deadline to apply to CSUF, you may register for courses through Open University without the formal application process. Please check their website for dates and deadlines for each semester. If you plan on transferring your completed coursework units to the master's degree program, note that a maximum of 9 units are accepted to the master's degree.
May I enroll in one course per semester? May I enroll in two courses per semester?
You are welcome to enroll in one course per semester.
If you would like to take two courses per semester, you have the option of taking it through Open University or as a matriculated student by applying via Cal State Apply . If you are planning to apply to CSUF via Cal State Apply, you will need to submit your application and submit your transcripts. A minimum of 2.50 GPA is required to be admitted.
The application review process allows us to consider experiences, attributes, and other academic metrics, as well as the value an applicant would contribute to learning and teaching.
Visit our admissions page for more information.
Accelerated Certificate
Beginning Fall 2023 we are offering an accelerated certificate level 1 . You may elect to enroll in the accelerated program and complete the required 3 courses in one semester. Students will enroll in 9 units. The required courses are IDT 505 (16 weeks), IDT 520 (8 weeks), and IDT 530 (8 weeks). If you have questions about the certificate coursework, please email Dr. Gautreau.
Additional information about the Accelerated Certificate is available on YouTube.
Admission is limited to 25 students.
Which semesters are the Certificate Level I courses offered? When are Level II offered?
Classes are scheduled based upon what each cohort needs. However, the tables below are when each class is generally available. Please email msidt@fullerton.edu to confirm when looking to enroll in a class.
ACCELERATED CERTIFICATE COURSES
Based on enrollment, we will offer an accelerated certificate. Students may enroll in 3 courses (9 units) and complete the Certificate Level 1 coursework in one semester.
Course | Fall | Spring | Summer |
---|---|---|---|
IDT 505 | Available | ||
IDT 520 | Available | Available | |
IDT 530 | Available |
Course | Fall | Spring | Summer |
---|---|---|---|
IDT 540 | Available | ||
IDT 545 | Avaiable |
Which software will I need to purchase? What are the technical requirements?
Students are responsible for purchasing the web authoring software used in the certificate program. During the first semester, you will be informed about the software and required version. Typically, we use Articulate Storyline software (subject to change). The software costs is between $300 and $400.
For technical requirements
Basic requirements:
- Working email account (preferrably your student email)
- Microphone
- Video camera
Computer/Laptop Requirements:
Recommended | Minimal | |
---|---|---|
Operating Sytem | - Win 7/XP/Vista - Macintosh OS X 10 and higher - Most Linux distributions |
Win XP or Macintosh OS 10x |
Processor | 1500 MHz | 700 MHz |
Memory | 2 GB | 1 GB |
Plug-Ins | - Adobe PDF Reader - Windows Media Player - Apple Quicktime - Powerpoint Viewer - JavaScript |
- Adobe PDF Reader - Windows Media Player - Apple Quicktime - Powerpoint Viewer - JavaScript |
Browser | - Firefox 6 - Internet Explorer 10/11 - Chrome - Safari - Opera |
Internet Explorer 8 or Mozilla Firefox 3x |
Internet Connection | DSL/Cable/Wireless | DSL/Cable/Wireless |
Software | Microsoft Office 2007/2010/365 | Microsoft Office 2000 |
What is the cost of the certificate program?
The cost varies depending on your enrollment option: through Open University or through matriculation to the university.
- Open University Fees & Resources
- University Tuition & Fees (for matriculated students)
- Software (typically between $300-$400)
When will I receive my certificate and digital badge?
As soon as you successfully complete all courses, you will receive a certificate and digital badge from the CSUF Instructional Design & Technology program. The certificate will be distributed by mail while the digital badge will be emailed.
What if I want to learn more are completing my certificate? Are courses transferrable?
You have two options. You may continue on with your Certificate Level II or apply to the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology program. A maximum of 9 semester units are transferrable to the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology program. Note that all applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.50 to be admitted into the University and eligible to apply to the master's program.