Skip To Content
[FALL23] Foundational Certificate: Instructional Design for Learning is a Program

[FALL23] Foundational Certificate: Instructional Design for Learning

Self-paced

$4,500 Enroll

Full program description

October 2nd, 2023 - March 29th, 2024 | Fully Online Certificate

PCE is happy to offer a discount to early registrants. Use promo code EARLY23 for $500 off registration at check out by Wednesday, September 6th, 2023.

Program Description:

The Foundational Certificate in Instructional Design for Learning aims to develop individuals with skills and knowledge to step into the field as instructional designers. The non-credit micro-credentials are meant to serve as rigorous, skill-based, and applied offerings taught by practitioners in the field over five to six months. Certificate students will develop workforce-ready instructional design skills through the development of a portfolio that demonstrates their newfound skills and competency.

Timeline and Requirements:

A Bachelor's degree is required.

The course will take place from October 2nd, 2023 - March 29th, 2024. Final grades from the faculty will be submitted by April 8th, 2024 (date subject to change). Work will primarily be asynchronous, with one live session per module with your facilitator and your cohort in the third week of the module.

  • October 2 - November 3, 2023: Instructional Design Methods and Practices
    • One week break
  • November 13 - December 22, 2023: Applied Learning Science and Human-Centered Design
    • Two week break
  • January 8 - February 9, 2023: Facilitating the Instructional Design Process
    • Two week break
  • February 26 - March 29, 2023: Authoring Interactive Learning Experiences

Modules:

Each module is five weeks long and is primarily asynchronous; however, during the third Wednesday of every module, there will be a live synchronus session from 7:00-8:30pm. Every module will have three assignments: a draft of the artifact for the module, a peer review of another participant’s draft, and a final revised version of your own artifact. 

For more information on each module's respective descriptions and learning objectives, please use the links below:

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Utilize multiple instruction systems design (ISD) processes in appropriate contexts.
  2. Apply core understandings of learning science and adult learning theory to design modalities.
  3. Leverage human-centered design approaches in the development of learning experiences.
  4. Design content, activities, and assessments that align with learning outcomes to develop effective digital learning experiences.
  5. Use authoring tools to create engaging digital multimedia learning objects and resources.

Fees & Policies:

Payment/Refund Policy: Payment can only be completed by credit card for individuals. Groups who are interested in payment via purchase order can contact lynchschoolpce@bc.edu. Refunds will be granted only up until registration closes. No refunds will be granted for registration or technical errors on the participant's part (such as incorrect name/email, login failure, etc.).
 
Cancellation Policy: The University reserves the right to cancel or postpone classes due to insufficient enrollment, instructor illness, severe weather or natural disaster. In the event of cancellation, registrants will be notified immediately, and all fees will be returned.

FAQs:

What does online learning consist of?

Modules will be taken through Canvas Catalog, a learning management system that allows participants to submit assignments and  interact with each other and their module facilitator. Work will primarily be asynchronous, with one live session per module with your facilitator and your cohort in the third week of the module. There are four modules in the Foundational Certificate and five modules in the Advanced Certificate. Modules are taken on a consecutive basis and can not be taken outside of a certificate.

Where can students build out their portfolios for the certificates?

Students are offered several options for developing their portfolio: Google Sites, WordPress, and Weebly. They will create their own accounts and can opt to use the template in Google Sites or WordPress developed by CDIL or create their own portfolio site. 

What is the deadline to register for the Foundational Certificate?

The Foundational Certificate begins on October 2nd, 2023, The deadline to register for the Foundational Certificate is October 1st at 11:55pm.

What is the difference between the Foundational and Advanced Certificate?

The modules in the foundational certificate will serve as the foundational set of skills required to communicate, coordinate and develop online courses and curriculum, and the modules in the advanced certificate will focus on an advanced set of skills required to assess, evaluate, and build media.  Both certificates will lead to a portfolio of work. The second certificate will also include a capstone project tailored to the participant’s interests.

Do I need to take both certificates?

If participants have the knowledge listed on the Foundational Certificate under Learning Outcomes, they may self elect to register directly for the Advanced Certificate. Participants taking the Advanced Certificate directly should have some experience in the field. If you are unsure of which certificate is best suited for you, please contact: lynchschoolpce@bc.edu or schedule a call with us using this link.

May I register for both the Foundational Certificate and the Advanced Certificate at the same time?

Yes, participants may register for both certificates; however, the Foundational Certificate must be completed prior to starting the Advanced Certificate.  

Will I be awarded a certificate?

To be awarded a certificate, participants must complete and pass each module. Modules are graded on a pass/fail basis. No letter grades or credits will be provided. In the event a participant fails a module, a facilitator will work with participants to provide a one-time extension of two weeks to resubmit work at that time. Extensions will not be granted at a future date. 

What happens if I can’t complete the certificate due to extenuating circumstances?

The university will work with participants to ensure they can complete the certificate when the program is offered again.

What is your refund policy?

Refunds will only be granted up until the start of the certificate. No refunds will be available once the certificate has started.

I have a few more questions, who can I contact?

Feel free to email us at lynchschoolpce@bc.edu with the subject headline as “Instructional Design”. Participants may also schedule a call with us using this calendar link.

Additional offerings from the Lynch School Professional & Continuing Education Office can be found on our website