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Online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design

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12 Credits

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Application Deadline: May 1 (Summer Semester Start Only)

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No GRE/GMAT Required

About the Program

A collaborative degree between the University of Maine, the University of Maine Farmington, and the University of Southern Maine.

The online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design creates leaders in the theory and practice of designing and assessing effective instructional design. You’ll gain skills to enhance your capacity for delivering instruction, your ability to work with others planning for instruction, and your ability to work in project management and collaborative environments. 

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate mastery of instructional design concepts, theories, and principles
  • Students will assess instructional design in varied contexts utilizing relevant concepts, theories, and practices of instructional design
  • Utilize relevant concepts, theories, and practices of instructional design
  • Design and build original instructional content and services informed by instructional design concepts, theories, and principles
  • Develop project management, coaching, and mentoring skills to support independent and collaborative work
  • Demonstrate mastery of evidence-based and audience-specific approaches to instruction

The program starts during the summer term.

Contact Us

Have questions about earning your Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design online with UMaine? Contact a UMaineOnline advisor.

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Kimberly Lai, M.A.

UMaineOnline Advisor


661.544.8675
kimberly.lai@maine.edu

Student Experiences

The fact that I was 8,000 miles away, never once became an issue. The education I have gained from this program has been immeasurable.
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Ambrish A.
Although the program is demanding, I have been able to fit the coursework into my busy life.
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Crystal F.
I would highly recommend anyone who works at the intersection of technology and education in any context to consider enrolling.
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Marisa M.

Curriculum

The following courses are required and should be taken in the order listed below (12 credits):

  • EDT 540: Instructional Design and Project Management (3 credits)
  • EDT 541: Advanced Instructional Design (3 credits)
  • EDT 542: Supporting Technology Integration through Professional Development and Coaching (3 credits)
  • EDT 543: Practicum in Instructional Design (3 credits)

Admissions

The program starts during the summer term. Applications must be submitted by May 1.

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university

The admission evaluation process begins once we’ve received all of your application materials. Before you apply, please review the application instructions. When you’re ready to apply, please submit the following:

  • An online application
  • Current résumé or CV
  • Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
  • A 300-500 word essay based on the following prompt
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Careers

As of February 2022, it’s estimated that 90% of our students are employed in jobs using the skills developed by earning this certificate after graduation.

Other careers this certificate supports include:

  • E-Learning Instructional Designer 
  • Instructional Learning Analyst 
  • Curriculum Designer
  • Training Specialist
  • Project Manager 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow by 2% from 2022 to 2032, with about 19,200 job openings yearly. The median annual wage for instructional coordinators was $74,620 in May 2023, higher than the median yearly wage for all occupations of $48,060.

Notable Companies Employing Current Students and Alumni

  • The University of Vermont Medical School
  • Harvard Business School
  • The Jackson Lab
  • Maine School Districts