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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: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Instructional Design Foundations and Applications

      Skills you'll gain: Instructional and Curriculum Design, Needs Assessment, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, Diversity and Inclusion, Training and Development, Education and Training, Curriculum Development, Analysis

      4.1
      Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
      ·
      820 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD)

      Skills you'll gain: Course Development, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Educational Materials, Multimedia, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, User Experience Design, Learning Management Systems, Design Thinking, Education Software and Technology, Professional Development, Brainstorming, Needs Assessment, Content Creation, Motivational Skills, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, User Centered Design, Prototyping, Design Strategies, Student-Centred Learning

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      95 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      Generative AI as a Learning Design Partner

      Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Responsible AI, Prompt Engineering, Education Software and Technology, ChatGPT, Instructional Design, LLM Application, Artificial Intelligence, Brainstorming, Data Ethics, Design Strategies, Content Creation, Emerging Technologies, Persona Development, Professional Development

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      64 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      Status: AI skills
      AI skills
      G

      Google

      Google UX Design

      Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Storyboarding, Wireframing, User Experience Design, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Information Architecture, Presentations, User Research, Figma (Design Software), Design Reviews, Persona (User Experience), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Mobile Development, User Story, Data Ethics, Usability, User Centered Design, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      94K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      Learning Experience Design: Theories and Frameworks

      Skills you'll gain: Course Development, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Needs Assessment, Motivational Skills, Prototyping, Student-Centred Learning, Creativity, Analysis, Communication

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      31 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Macquarie University

      Online Learning Design for Educators

      Skills you'll gain: Video Production, Infographics, Course Development, Multimedia, Peer Review, Discussion Facilitation, Content Creation, Constructive Feedback, Instructional Design, Education Software and Technology, Design Thinking, Pedagogy, Learning Management Systems, Media Production, Teaching, Design, Collaborative Software, Planning, Virtual Environment, End User Training and Support

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      397 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    What brings you to Coursera today?

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      Learning Experience Design: Orientation to the Profession

      Skills you'll gain: Instructional Design, Learning Theory, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, Education Software and Technology, Professional Development, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, User Centered Design, Collaboration, Emerging Technologies

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      64 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Ubiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies

      Skills you'll gain: Learning Management Systems, Education Software and Technology, Instructional Strategies, Pedagogy, Computer Science, Interactive Design, Emerging Technologies, Diversity Awareness, Artificial Intelligence, Cultural Diversity, Innovation

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      71 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      E

      Epic Games

      Epic Games Game Design

      Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Game Design, Video Game Development, Animation and Game Design, Ideation, 3D Modeling, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Software Documentation, Software Design Documents, 3D Assets, User Experience Design, Computer Graphics, Usability, User Interface (UI), User Experience, User Interface (UI) Design, Interactive Design, Virtual Environment, Version Control, Prototyping

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      480 reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California San Diego

      Interaction Design

      Skills you'll gain: Design Research, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, Statistical Analysis, Usability, Ideation, User Research, Graphic and Visual Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Experimentation, Prototyping, Human Centered Design, Usability Testing, Human Computer Interaction, A/B Testing, Human Factors, Collaborative Software, Telecommuting, R Programming, Storyboarding

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      Learning Experience Design: Development and Evaluation

      Skills you'll gain: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Educational Materials, Multimedia, Instructional Design, Learning Management Systems, Education Software and Technology, Professional Development, Content Creation, Design Strategies, Quality Assurance, Constructive Feedback, Communication Strategies, Communication

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      28 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Graphic Design

      Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Photography, Design, Visual Design, Logo Design, Design Software, Photo Editing, Digital Design, Creative Design, Color Theory, Adobe InDesign, Graphic and Visual Design, Image Quality, Style Guides, Branding, Art History, Design Research

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      22K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Searches related to instructional design

    instructional design foundations and applications
    instructional and curriculum design
    1234…468

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

    • Instructional Design Foundations and Applications: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD): University of Michigan
    • Generative AI as a Learning Design Partner: University of Michigan
    • Google UX Design: Google
    • Learning Experience Design: Theories and Frameworks: University of Michigan
    • Online Learning Design for Educators: Macquarie University
    • Learning Experience Design: Orientation to the Profession: University of Michigan
    • Ubiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Epic Games Game Design: Epic Games
    • Interaction Design: University of California San Diego

    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

    Browse the instructional design courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.

    • Instructional Design Foundations and Applications: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Learning Experience Design: Theories and Frameworks: University of Michigan
    • How to Create an Online Course: The University of Edinburgh
    • Learning Experience Design: Orientation to the Profession: University of Michigan
    • Design Fundamentals with AI: Adobe‎

    Yes. You can start learning instructional design skills on Coursera for free in two ways:

    • Preview the first module of many instructional design courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
    • Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

    If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in instructional design, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can 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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