10 Cheapest Online Instructional Design Graduate Certificates

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, distance learning has become a regular part of our everyday world. Still, this educational tool comes with new challenges; both schools and companies need instructional designers to develop, design, and assess courses and modules.

Completing an instructional design certificate online is a fast, affordable way to gain the valuable skills needed to enter this field. Below, we will list 10 of the cheapest accredited graduate certificate programs, with some being FAFSA-approved.

What Is a Certificate in Instructional Design?

Certificate programs are generally faster than degree programs; often, they take anywhere from a few weeks to a year to complete. Instructional designers use technology to create effective online learning environments. These can be for K-12 students, office workers, or anyone in between.

Instructional designers use multimedia tools and learning theories to create courses and measure their effectiveness. Earning an online education certificate is an excellent way to prepare for a career in instructional design.

Can I Earn an Instructional Design Certificate Online?

Yes, you can earn your instructional design certificate entirely online ?without ever having to worry about being on campus. Online education certificate programs usually feature self-paced, asynchronous coursework, but others have set class times, usually in the evenings. Earning your certificate online is a great way for busy working professionals to grow their skills and open up new career pathways without having to put their career on pause.

How Much Does Online Instructional Design Certification Cost?

Costs vary, but there are some very affordable options. The University of New England offers an eight-week program that is only $350. Many others are under $3,000 for the entire program.

It's important to note that financial aid may be tricky for a certificate program. Many schools require students to meet certain minimum credit hours or to be registered in a master's program at the same time. Speak with your program facilitator or your school's financial aid office to see if you are eligible for any grants or scholarships.

How Long Is an Online Instructional Design Certificate Program?

The total time depends on your program and how many classes you'd like to take at once. Some are as fast as six to eight weeks, others can take a year or more to finish.

Students working full-time will be able to finish faster. For those interested in earning their master's degree, a certificate program can be a great way to finish some prerequisites and earn their master's degree faster.

Cheapest Instructional Design Certificates Online

Below are some of the cheapest, accredited instructional design certificate programs. All of them feature online courses that give working professionals added flexibility.

1. University of New England

The University of New England offers the cheapest online program at just $350. The eight-week program prepares participants to build an engaging online learning experience for all students.

It includes three modules: instructional design foundations, assessment, and enhancing learner engagement through design and media. An advanced pathway option allows students to dig deeper by researching emerging technologies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350 total
• Financial aid: Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they are eligible for financial aid.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. SUNY Center for Professional Development

The State University of New York (SUNY)'s Center for Professional Development (CPD) offers an 18-week certificate program for higher education professionals. It includes three online, asynchronous courses that are six weeks long. Enrollment is capped at 20 students.

Participants will learn about assessment development, course evaluations, and using data-driven decision-making to create a productive learning environment.

• Estimated tuition cost: $260 to $400 per course
• Financial aid: CPD members get a discounted tuition rate, and all students get a discount when registering for two classes at a time.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina (UNC) Charlotte's degree program is perfect for both corporate and educational use. This 13-week online program covers learning theories, educational technology, working with clients, developing your coursework, and more. Students will finish with a portfolio of work they can share with potential employers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,250 registration fee
• Financial aid: Payment plans are available.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Applicants to Illinois' online graduate program must have a bachelor's degree, and it is open to professionals seeking continuing education opportunities. The program focuses on all aspects of a systemic instructional design process, designing effective learning systems, and analyzing learning objectives.

Along with gaining these valuable skills, students who complete the program can then apply to Illinois' Master of Education (MEd) program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,384 total
• Financial aid: Students must be enrolled in a master's degree program at the same time as the certificate program to receive financial aid.
• Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Oregon State University

Oregon State's certificate course offers multiple start dates and allows students to sign up for all five required courses at once or space them out. Participants will learn how to build an engaging digital learning environment, the components of effective e-learning instructional design, and how to measure learning outcomes.

This certificate counts towards the University of San Diego's Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,395 total
• Financial aid: Students must be enrolled in at least five to eight credits per term, and federal loans can only be applied to required courses.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

6. East Texas A&M

Students in East Texas A&M's program will study all aspects of instructional design and technology, from using cutting-edge instructional technologies to program evaluation. The program prepares students to work in education, with government agencies, or in a nonprofit role.

The 12-credit program takes anywhere from six months to one year to complete. International students must be registered in conjunction with a graduate degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,390 per semester
• Financial aid: Students taking at least six credit hours should apply for aid by filling out the FAFSA.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of Wisconsin Stout

The online certificate course at the University of Wisconsin-Stout can be completed in nine months working full-time, or three years part-time. Students will learn instructional design principles through classes focusing on trends and issues, strategies and assessment, computer-based training, and project management.

Start dates are available in the spring, summer, and fall. A bachelor's degree is required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,820 total
• Financial aid: Tuition is the same for all students, regardless of residency, and some classes provide e-textbooks. Students must be enrolled in a master's degree program to be eligible for aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Georgetown School of Continuing Studies

The Georgetown School of Continuing Studies (SCS) offers a four-month, self-paced online certificate program that focuses on social impact concepts of instructional design. Coursework integrates real-world practices of creating and implementing a learning program, preparing graduates to engage with learners in many different fields. Students will consider ethical questions, work with multimedia experts, and evaluate different instructional technologies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,990 total
• Financial aid: This course is not eligible for federal financial aid; however, eligible students can use employer benefits or military assistance.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

9. University of Delaware

The three-course certificate program at the University of Delaware (UD) can be completed in 10 months. The trio of courses focuses on foundations of instructional design, curriculum development, and e-learning and course development.

Students will earn a digital badge upon completion of each module, and a digital certificate when they complete the entire course.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,990 total
• Financial aid: Payment plans and scholarships are available, as well as discounts for UD students, alumni, employees, active-duty military, veterans, and groups.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley offers an online, 14-week graduate certificate program that prepares instructional designers to work in a K-12 classroom, higher education, or a corporate setting. Graduates will use what they learn to create and facilitate high-quality online educational programs. All coursework is transferable to the Master of Education in Educational Technology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $458.33 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial aid is available for qualified participants.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

There are a lot of options for completing your graduate certificate online, but we wanted to narrow down just the best options. That's why we followed the criteria below:

• Accreditation: All of our schools and institutions are accredited or connected to an accredited school. You can be confident in the quality of these programs.
• Affordability: All of our programs are low-cost, with many under $3,000. And while it can be tricky to find financial aid for a certificate course, all of these programs offer discounts or help of some sort.
• Program reputation: These programs are all led by expert faculty with real-world experience. Graduates will be well-prepared to begin their own careers.

What To Expect From an Affordable Online Instructional Design Certificate

Online instructional design courses will include foundations of instructional design and the use of multimedia tools and technologies to create engaging classes. Facilitators will also learn how to gauge a program's competencies and apply instructional design models. Some classwork will focus on evaluation ?gauging how effective the course was.

Length and credit hours vary by program. Accelerated programs can be finished in as little as a few months, while others can take three years. The good news is that there are plenty of options, no matter how busy you are.

FAQs About Low-Cost Instructional Design Certificates

Even when considering short-term instructional design programs, it's still normal to have a lot of questions. Below, we'll explore more about the program and what you can do with an instructional design certificate.

Is an Online Instructional Design Certificate Worth It?

Earning your instructional design certificate online is definitely worth it. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that instructional designers earn, on average, $74,720 per year. And while job growth is a bit slow ?only 2% over the next 10 years ?many industries are in need of instructional designers.

What Can You Do With an Instructional Design Certificate?

There are many career options with this certificate, not just in educational institutions. While you can certainly work as an online teacher or in higher ed, there are also openings in government, business, and nonprofit work. All of these would benefit from instructional systems to help guide employees.

Can You Be an Instructional Designer Without a Degree?

Many jobs require at least a bachelor's degree ?and some require a master's in education. While not strictly necessary, taking a certificate course with thorough instructional design training will give you the skills, experience, and a portfolio of work that helps you stand out. If you plan to work in education, check with your local school board about job requirements.

What Qualifications Do You Need To Be an Instructional Designer?

This is a multifaceted job, so along with a degree and certification, a good instructional designer needs many skills. These include strong communication skills and a passion for learning. A designer should also be technologically savvy, have an eye for graphic design, and have a firm grasp of instructional design principles.

What Certifications Should I Get for Instructional Design?

A graduate certificate in instructional design will give you the skills you need to excel in this field; however, courses offering further specialization can really help you stand out. Some options include e-learning design and development, a certificate in talent development, workplace instructional design, and more.

Discover Online Certificate Programs

If you are ready to further your career as an educator, then a certificate in instructional design may be perfect for you. More accredited online programs are featured on Learn.org. Take a look and reach out to one that interests you today.