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    • Instructional Design

    Instructional Design Courses

    Instructional design courses can help you learn how to create effective learning experiences using educational theory, technology, and learner-centered strategies.

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    Find the Best Instructional Design Course for Your Goals

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving

      Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Peer Review, Visual Basic (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Data Import/Export, Microsoft Excel, Data Structures, Program Development, Computer Programming, Project Design, Simulations, Automation, Spreadsheet Software, Algorithms, UI Components, Debugging, Data Management, User Interface (UI), Data Cleansing, Data Validation

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.7K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      A

      Arizona State University

      Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition

      Skills you'll gain: Oral Comprehension, Language Competency, Pedagogy, English Language, Instructional Strategies, Language Learning, Vocabulary, Learning Theory, Grammar

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.4K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      People Analytics

      Skills you'll gain: People Analytics, Human Resource Strategy, Talent Management, Workforce Planning, Organizational Effectiveness, Performance Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Workforce Management, Analytics, Performance Measurement, Employee Retention, Staff Management, Data Analysis, Predictive Analytics, Network Analysis

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.1K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California, Irvine

      Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems

      Skills you'll gain: Embedded Systems, Internet Of Things, General Networking, Operating Systems, Wireless Networks, Network Protocols, Computer Hardware, Emerging Technologies

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      13K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      G

      Google

      Google AI Essentials

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, Workflow Management, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Process Optimization, ChatGPT, Productivity Software, Workforce Development, Strategic Thinking, Security Awareness, Diversity Awareness, Risk Management Framework, Digital Transformation, Innovation, Technical Writing, Emerging Technologies, Machine Learning Software

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      491 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Coursera Project Network

      Marketing Design with Easil

      Skills you'll gain: Marketing Design, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Materials, Social Media Campaigns, Marketing, Content Creation, Promotional Materials, Loyalty Programs, Advertising, Creative Design, Brand Loyalty, Customer Engagement

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      198 reviews

      Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University at Buffalo

      Blockchain Basics

      Skills you'll gain: Blockchain, Cryptography, Transaction Processing, Network Protocols, Encryption, Network Model, Data Structures, Distributed Computing, FinTech, Virtual Environment, Data Integrity, Emerging Technologies, Virtual Machines, Verification And Validation

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.7K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • S

      Stanford University

      Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

      Skills you'll gain: Physics, Timelines, Verification And Validation, Scientific Methods, Research, Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, Systems Of Measurement

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Coursera Project Network

      Design a Professional Business card with QR code using Canva

      Skills you'll gain: Barcoding, LinkedIn, Presentations, Facebook, Cloud Applications, Virtual Environment, Social Media, Professional Networking, Content Creation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      115 reviews

      Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      The Business of Health Care

      Skills you'll gain: People Management, Financial Reporting, Health Disparities, Financial Statements, Health Care Administration, Health Systems, Income Statement, Employee Performance Management, Financial Analysis, Leadership and Management, Decision Making, Organizational Change, Organizational Structure, Lean Methodologies, Risk Analysis, Cash Flows, Health Care, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Operational Efficiency, Health Policy

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.9K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      A

      Arizona State University

      Experimental Design Basics

      Skills you'll gain: Experimentation, Sample Size Determination, Research Design, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Methods, Data Analysis Software, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Design Strategies, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Modeling, Descriptive Statistics, Quality Control, Variance Analysis

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      295 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      B

      Berklee

      Electronic Music Production

      Skills you'll gain: Musical Composition, File Management, Music Performance, Music, Media Production, Music Theory, Instrumental Music, Performing Arts, Creativity, Peer Review, Automation, Electronic Media, Design Software, Editing, Patch Management, Software Installation, System Requirements

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.3K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Searches related to instructional design

    instructional design foundations and applications
    instructional and curriculum design
    1…242526…388

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular instructional design courses

    • Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition: Arizona State University
    • People Analytics: University of Pennsylvania
    • Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems: University of California, Irvine
    • Google AI Essentials: Google
    • Marketing Design with Easil: Coursera Project Network
    • Blockchain Basics: University at Buffalo
    • Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity: Stanford University
    • Design a Professional Business card with QR code using Canva: Coursera Project Network
    • The Business of Health Care: University of Pennsylvania

    Why Learn Instructional Design?

    Instructional design focuses on developing educational content and experiences that help people learn effectively—whether in classrooms, online platforms, or workplace training. It blends learning science, curriculum development, and digital tools to support meaningful outcomes. Learning instructional design can prepare you to create engaging learning solutions across education, business, and nonprofit sectors.

    Skills you can learn in Business Essentials

    Analytics (37)
    Presentation (33)
    Modeling (29)
    Business Analytics (27)
    Language (26)
    Microsoft Excel (26)
    Writing (26)
    Speech (18)
    Plan (17)
    Business Communication (16)
    Decision-making (16)
    Leadership (15)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Instructional Design

    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.‎

    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.‎

    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).‎

    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.‎

    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.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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