What are the best instructional design courses on Coursera?

Top courses include Instructional Design Foundations and Applications from the University of Illinois and An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD) from the University of Michigan as well. These programs cover learning theory, course planning, digital pedagogy, and technology tools for designing engaging learning experiences.

Can I learn instructional design for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many instructional design courses offer a free audit option. You can access video lectures and readings at no cost. If you want to complete assessments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in an instructional design course?

You’ll learn how to design learning objectives, structure courses, select appropriate media and tools, and evaluate learning outcomes. Many courses also include frameworks like ADDIE, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Do I need a teaching background to start learning instructional design?

Not necessarily. While experience in education or training can be helpful, many courses are beginner-friendly and provide a strong foundation for anyone interested in creating effective learning experiences.

Can Coursera’s instructional design courses help me build a career?

Yes. Instructional design is a growing field across education , corporate training , government , and nonprofits . Coursera courses can help you build job-ready skills, create a portfolio of work, and earn certificates that demonstrate your ability to design engaging and effective learning materials.

Top Instructional Design Courses - Learn Instructional Design Online

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Find the Best Instructional Design Course for Your Goals

Coursera
Creating Engaging Content for Instagram
Skills you'll gain: Instagram, Storytelling, Content Creation, Social Media Content, Content Performance Analysis, Brand Strategy, Video Editing, Photography, Graphic and Visual Design, Social Media Marketing, Branding, Photo Editing, Social Media Strategy, Drive Engagement
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
SAP
Business Process Modeling and Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Business Process Modeling, Performance Measurement, Process Analysis, Process Mapping, Gap Analysis, Business Process Improvement, SAP Applications, Dashboard, Data Visualization, Root Cause Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, ChatGPT
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Amazon Web Services
Getting Started with Amazon Neptune
Skills you'll gain: Amazon Web Services, Databases, Database Management, Database Administration, NoSQL, Database Architecture and Administration, Technical Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Fundamentals of Building AI Agents
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI Agents, Large Language Modeling, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Prompt Engineering, Data Analysis, SQL, Agentic systems, Scientific Visualization, Natural Language Processing
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Advanced RAG with Vector Databases and Retrievers
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course
IBM
Agentic AI with LangGraph, CrewAI, AutoGen and BeeAI
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course
SAP
Strategic Analysis and Solution Design
Skills you'll gain: Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Business Risk Management, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Business Analysis, Portfolio Management, Solution Design, Project Implementation, Solution Architecture, Business Solutions, Business Strategies, Business Planning, Business Workflow Analysis, Cost Benefit Analysis, Process Analysis, Change Management, Data-Driven Decision-Making
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Dassault Systèmes
xDesign Foundations: Sketching and Extrusion
Skills you'll gain: SolidWorks (CAD), Computer-Aided Design, 3D Modeling, Mechanical Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Microsoft
Relational Database Design and Advanced Querying
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course
Status: New
Dassault Systèmes
xDesign Assemblies and Exam Level Part Modeling
Skills you'll gain: SolidWorks (CAD), Assembly Drawing, 3D Modeling, Engineering Drawings, Computer-Aided Design, Mechanical Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Dassault Systèmes
xDesign Revolution and Cut Features
Skills you'll gain: SolidWorks (CAD), 3D Modeling, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer-Aided Design, Mechanical Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Dassault Systèmes
xDesign Feature Patterns and Sweeps
Skills you'll gain: Design Software, Technical Design, Design Elements And Principles, Prototyping, Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks