Master's Programs

Graduate Certificate in Learner-centered Instructional Design

School of Education & Human Development

Overview

Degree: Graduate Certificate

Classroom Type: Fully Online

CU Denver’s Learner-centered Instructional Design certificate focuses on human centered design, learning engagement and motivation, and learning frameworks. You’ll explore distinct themes of design-thinking, learning aesthetics, universal design, and system usability.

Application​ deadlines


Rolling decision

Program Details

Interest Categories: Education & Counseling Science & Technology

Campus: CU Denver Online

University of Colorado Denver’s Learner-centered Instructional Design certificate program is designed for professionals in adult workplace settings (corporate, community, government), or professional-learning providers in a school or university setting (K-16). It focuses on human-centered design, accessibility, learning engagement and motivation, and learning frameworks. You’ll explore distinct themes of design thinking, learning aesthetics, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and system usability.

In this certificate program you will: 

  • Design learning opportunities, experiences, and programs, making best use of resources and engaging the full range of learner needs and strengths. 
  • Engage in an iterative design process informed by theories of learning, critical digital pedagogy, and design thinking. 
  • Ensure that learning outcomes, activities, and assessments are aligned to support learning. 
  • Design authentic learning opportunities that align with content area standards and/or learning outcomes and use digital tools and resources to maximize active, deep learning. 
  • Apply learning design principles to create accessible, innovative learning spaces and digital learning environments and resources that engage and support learning.
  • Apply principles of social learning, open sharing, and knowledge construction to build community and foster meaningful learning interactions. 

This 12-credit certificate program has rolling admissions, so you may start the program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer term.

Courses

You will complete the following courses:

  • INTE 5100 Learner-centered Design (3 credits)
  • Select Three:
    • INTE 5680 Producing Media for Learning (3 credits)
    • INTE 5660 Developing Self-paced Online Modules (3 credits)
    • INTE 5711 Creative Designs for Learning (3 credits)
    • INTE 6930 Student Agency / Internship

Through these courses you will participate in a learning community that stresses inclusive values, social learning, open sharing, and knowledge construction. You will learn about emerging trends and issues and relevant research and best practices, use a variety of digital media platforms and development tools, and design a number of learning products and resources worthy of showcasing in a professional portfolio. The course assignments focus on solving professional problems of practice in your own school and organizational settings.

Sample Courses

  • INTE 5100 - Learner-centered Design 3 credits
  • INTE 5680 - Producing Media for Learning 3 credits
  • INTE 5320 - Games and Learning 3 credits
  • INTE 5711 - Creative Designs for Instructional Materials 3 credits
Course Catalog

Recommended Completion Time:1 year

Required Credits for Completion:12

Admission Requirements


Written Statement: Describe your interest in the program, your special strengths, and the goals you hope to achieve through your work in the program.

Current graduate students, please reach out to your academic advisor to add a certificate to your current degree program.

How to Apply

Please complete the Graduate Non-Degree Admissions application to apply for this certificate program. Complete the application sections in order for the best experience.

  1. Fill in your Personal Information before continuing to the "Academic Interest" section
  2. Select the Certificate button
  3. Select either the On-Campus or Online certificate option. Please note that not all programs are offered as both on-campus and online
  4. Choose a certificate under the Certificate drop down menu
  5. Select the Term you wish to enroll and then continue the rest of the application as instructed

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