Executive Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology Online Foster Positive Learning Environments
21
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the certificate total
Next Start Dates: February 16, 2026 | March 23, 2026 | May 18, 2026
If you enjoy studying how people learn, a curriculum design certificate may be the program for you! An instructional design (ID) program can help you build the knowledge and skills for designing lessons, courses, and training programs. When you confer Liberty University’s 100% online Executive Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology, you can explore advanced training in instructional design. You can apply the skills you gain in schools, universities, workplaces, or even military settings.
Many professionals reach a point where they want more profound knowledge but are not yet ready to commit to a full doctoral program. That’s why Liberty University offers Executive Certificates – so you can continue your academic and professional growth beyond the master’s level without taking on the load of a doctoral degree.
A doctoral-level instructional design certificate offers:
Even with a significant amount of experience and graduate studies in instructional design, you might eventually need a PhD in Education. A doctoral degree aims to help you advance your career path in instructional design to the highest level. That is why Liberty University’s Executive Certificate online programs also align with Liberty’s PhD programs. This Executive Certificate aligns with Liberty’s PhD in Education – Instructional Design and Technology, allowing you to potentially transfer in up to 21 credit hours toward your doctorate.
Regardless of whether or not you eventually pursue a full doctoral degree, this Executive Certificate gives you the chance to improve your understanding of learning theory, teaching systems, and educational technology. These studies can help you prepare for future leadership or further study.
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026
An online learning design certificate offers doctoral-level study in a shorter format, fast-tracking your education! You’ll complete 21 credit hours online, with courses that fit into a busy schedule. This flexibility makes the certificate a manageable option for working professionals.
Courses last 8 weeks and do not require specific login times. This format can help you balance your schoolwork with jobs, family, and community activities. The curriculum builds on prior graduate education and professional experience.
Throughout the program, you can explore advanced concepts in learning design, instructional systems, and educational technology. This approach allows you to work on strengthening existing skills, all while developing new perspectives on teaching, learning, and training.
If you decide to pursue a PhD later, some completed coursework from this Executive Certificate may be eligible for transfer, based on program requirements and policies. This structure can help you move forward with confidence while maintaining long-term academic goals in mind.
The Executive Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology focuses on advanced topics that support effective learning design and system development. You’ll study different styles of learning. You can also see how instructional design and technology help meet the unique needs of students and teachers. Additionally, you’ll explore how learning design theories and performance principles work together to support learning outcomes.
An online instructional design and technology certificate can help you survey how learning styles, learning environments, and technology shape learning experiences. Coursework emphasizes thoughtful design, research-informed decision-making, and evaluation of instructional effectiveness. Through the design and technology program, you can develop a better understanding of the following:
These areas of exposure support professionals working in education, training, and organizational development. The program encourages you to apply concepts to real-world learning challenges, which helps to bridge theory and practice.
Our Executive Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology can help you prepare for several career paths. Depending on your current knowledge, education level, and experience, there are many different positions that could benefit from our accredited certificate:
The skills you gain in design and technology can help you in your current role at your organization or help prepare you for positions of elevated responsibility. Because some occupations may require that you have a doctorate, Liberty created Executive Certificates that can seamlessly transfer into one of our corresponding postgraduate or doctoral programs. You can transfer all 21 credits from this certificate into our PhD in Education – Instructional Design and Technology. Take the next step towards your personal and professional goals with an Executive Certificate from Liberty University.
Certificate Completion Plan
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
| Doctoral Full Time | $610/Credit |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Part Time | $675/Credit |
Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $375/credit hour (learn more).
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
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Submit your application online or over the phone.
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
Available Benefits:
*The $375/credit hour rate only applies to select education Executive Certificates.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Absolutely! You can use an online instructional design credential to build skills and explore new roles in education and training. With an Executive Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology, you can study how learning experiences are created, delivered, and reviewed in online and blended settings.
For those interested in leadership or advanced responsibilities, an instructional design program can complement prior experience. If you’re looking to fast-track your education, a certificate program may be the right option for you!
An instructional design certificate focuses on how learning theory, teaching strategies, and technology work together in real-world settings. Coursework often focuses on designing engaging learning experiences, using instructional tools, and applying research-based approaches to training and curriculum development. These skills can be useful if you’re transitioning from teaching, training, human resources, or a related field.
Additionally, a certificate can help strengthen your résumé by showing focused study in areas like adult learning, multimedia design, and assessment. Because these skills apply across many industries, an instructional design certificate offers a flexible way to build skills and explore next steps.
If you’re interested in becoming an e-learning developer, you can start by learning how designers build online courses. Instructional design focuses on how people learn and how technology supports online and digital learning.
Liberty University’s instructional design and technology Executive Certificate offers a fully online way to explore these skills. This approach includes foundational topics, such as instructional design theory. Through research-based and practical coursework, you can study how learning theory and technology work together in e-learning.
An accredited university can help give your instructional design and technology certificate academic value. Liberty offers programs designed to fit your busy schedule and reflect current approaches to online and blended learning.
For learners who appreciate mission-driven education, Liberty University offers an educational design program that emphasizes a values-based approach to instructional design. You can explore how designers create learning experiences with purpose and ethical care. At Liberty University, you can study instructional design as a creative and strategic skill used to support learning goals.
Also, Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). We’ve created a learning design certificate that seeks to offer you the best in quality, flexibility, and hands-on training.
Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with this recognition can enhance the value of your credentials. It can also help you stand out in your field.
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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.