Graduate Certificate in Learning Experience Design and Online Teaching Innovation

Quick Facts

• Format: 100% online 
• Length: 4 courses | 12 credits | Typical pace: 2 course per semester
• Start terms: Fall and Spring
• Application deadlines: 
  
  • Fall – Aug 9
  • Spring – Jan 8
• Tuition and Fees: More information can found here
• Who it’s for: 
  
  • Career changers, 
  • Early- to mid‑career learning professionals, 
  • Anyone passionate to design learning environments using the cutting-edge technologies
• Contact Our Advisors: zahiram@sfsu.edu or bjbeatty@sfsu.edu

Why this Certificate

• Focused & practical: Every course culminates in a tangible deliverable e.g., a course designed using latest eLearning authoring tools or needs assessment project reports you can add to your portfolio.
• Built for working professionals: 100% online, with weekly optional live touchpoints.
• Stackable pathway: Earn graduate credit that transfers toward the M.A. in IDT (Add 18 credits hours, i.e., 6 courses on top of the 12 credit hours from the certificate program). 
• Career‑relevant projects: Apply concepts to your own workplace or a provided case.
• Taught by practitioners: Learn from faculty who actively work in as practitioners in the field. 

Program Learning Outcomes

By the end of the certificate program, students will be able to:

1. Apply instructional design principles to analyze learning needs and develop effective instructional solutions.
2. Design and develop digital learning materials using contemporary tools and media aligned with learning objectives.
3. Integrate learning technologies such as artificial intelligence strategically to enhance engagement, accessibility, and learner success.
4. Evaluate instructional effectiveness through data-driven methods and stakeholder feedback.
5. Communicate design decisions professionally to clients, learners, and interdisciplinary teams.

Graduates complete a professional portfolio demonstrating applied competencies across analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation stages of instructional design.

Who Should Apply

This program is ideal for:

• Learning and Development professionals seeking to upskill in the latest innovation driving the learning design and online teaching pedagogy field
• Career‑changers moving into instructional design
• Educators/trainers/analysts expanding into the area of online learning and teaching for AI integration, change management and communication. 

Program Structure

Total credits: 12

Courses: 2 core courses + 2 electives

Curriculum

Application and Admissions

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 units of college coursework.
• New applicants to the Certificate need to apply through Cal State Apply. In your application, you must include 
  • Two letters of recommendation, 
  • Transcripts of all college or university level coursework, résumé, and 
  • Statement of purpose documenting your interest in this Certificate program.
• Continuing SFSU students currently enrolled in a post-baccalaureate credential program or MA program only need to submit the Certificate Admissions Application for admission to the certificate program.

Award of Certificate

• When you have completed all coursework in the Certificate, you will submit the Certificate Approved Program form, along with a copy of your unofficial SFSU transcripts, to the ELSIT Department Chair for approval.

Ready to take the next step?

• Apply Now | Talk to an Advisor
• Prefer a full masters? Explore our M.A. in Instructional Design and Technology Program, the certificate can be a stepping‑stone.