University offers new online Instructional Design and Technology graduate certificate

Enrollment now open for spring semester online courses

Faculty and students in front of the Nevada N

Professors Lily Chen and Leping Liu with graduate students.

University offers new online Instructional Design and Technology graduate certificate

Enrollment now open for spring semester online courses

Professors Lily Chen and Leping Liu with graduate students.

Faculty and students in front of the Nevada N

Professors Lily Chen and Leping Liu with graduate students.

The College of Education & Human Development is introducing a new online graduate certificate in Instructional Design and Technology (GC-IDT). This 15-credit program, commencing in the Spring 2024 semester, equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to design instructional materials and seamlessly integrate technology across various learning environments, including K-12 schools, universities and industry settings.

"The knowledge and skills provided in this certificate program are on trend with e-learning each year, which will closely connect to the needs of the workforce in the field of instructional design and technology," Leping Liu, Ph.D., professor of Information Technology & Statistics, said.

The program focuses on the knowledge and skills of instructional design and using technology tools to improve teaching and learning, especially in the design of online learning and digital applications in education.

Professor with student in a class using a laptop
Professor Leping Liu working with Information Technology in Education graduate students.

Core courses include "Design of Online Teaching and Learning," "Instructional Design Theory and Application," and "Universal Design for Learning and Technology Integration." Additionally, students can choose two elective courses from a selection, which include: "Methods of Using Info Tech in Education," "Digital Communication and Social Learning," "Game-Based Instruction," "Project Management in Digital Integration," and "Digital Visual Application for Instruction."

"In these courses, students will learn the use, design and integration of contemporary technology tools into education settings and industry training and consulting," Liu said. "Especially new content on the applications of AI-based learning will be included."

This graduate certificate is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree-seeking to expand their knowledge of instructional design and technology. Its online format caters to the needs of working professionals, offering a convenient pathway to acquire essential skills for the workplace. Moreover, credits earned in this certificate program can transfer into the Instructional Technology & Learning Design Online Master's Degree program or, potentially, to other graduate programs.

“The online Instructional Design and Technology Certificate is valuable because it will guide various ways we integrate learning principles and technology,” Donald Easton-Brooks, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education & Human Development said. “It will open up vast opportunities not only for teachers but for anyone looking to elevate how they gather and present information.”

For more information, contact Leping Liu at liu@unr.edu.