
Instructional Design Graduate Certificate
Earning your graduate certificate in instructional design from East Texas A&M will help you prepare to develop engaging learning experiences through various learning modalities.
- Offered 100% Online.
- 6 months to 1 year
- 12 credit hours
- No thesis required
- No foreign language credits required
Improve the Learning Process for Others
A well-developed learning experience makes all the difference. You can play a crucial role in this process by earning your graduate certificate in Instructional Design.
Our 12-hour program teaches you to analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate a variety of learning modalities. Your job may include consulting with faculty as they build classes and course readings. Assisting with lab materials, suggesting learner-friendly language or developing study guides are just a few other ways you can help. Our program prepares you for careers in private and non-profit organizations, government agencies, educational institutions and more. Enroll today!
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.

What Are My Job Opportunities?
The Instructional Design Graduate Certificate equips graduates with the expertise to create and implement effective learning experiences in both educational and corporate environments.
Career Possibilities
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023

Program Details
The Instructional Design Graduate Certificate at East Texas A&M University offers a cutting-edge curriculum that equips you with advanced skills to design, implement, and evaluate high-impact learning experiences across diverse educational and professional landscapes.
What Will I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Advanced Instructional Design Frameworks
Gain expertise in applying advanced frameworks like ADDIE, SAM, and Agile to develop flexible, learner-focused educational programs.
Data-Driven Evaluation and Assessment
Master techniques for designing effective assessments that evaluate both learner progress and instructional effectiveness, driving continuous improvement.
Creating Dynamic E-Learning Experiences
Develop skills in crafting interactive, multimedia-rich online courses that enhance engagement, retention and overall learning outcomes.
Leveraging Educational Technology
Become proficient in integrating cutting-edge technologies like learning management systems and gamification to create immersive and engaging learning environments.

Taking Classes
Learn from experienced faculty and have the opportunity to connect with industry experts committed to your professional growth.
100% Online
This flexible program is designed for current and aspiring instructional designers, focusing on key areas such as instructional design models, curriculum development, e-learning solutions and data-driven assessments.
Please refer to the schedule of classes for up-to-date details on course times and delivery formats.
Note: Starting in Spring 2026, we will no longer be offering all courses in a single semester.

Curriculum
Our program is fully online and tailored for individuals aiming to become proficient instructional or training designers. Our curriculum emphasizes the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of educational resources and programs across various learning delivery modalities. Upon completion, you will be equipped to pursue roles in profit and nonprofit organizations, government agencies and academic institutions.
Our program comprises four courses:
- Utilizing Effective Instructional Technologies
- Introduction to Presentation Design
- Instructional Design
- Development and Evaluation
For more information, please get in touch with Dr. Kibum Kwon or call 903.886.5582.

Adding Value with Certificates
Boost your professional qualifications and career opportunities with the Instructional Design Graduate Certificate, along with a variety of other specialized certificates that expand your expertise and enhance your value in the education and training sectors.
Higher Education Teaching Graduate Certificate
Prepare for the college classroom with our program designed to provide college instructors with the knowledge and tools for teaching today’s college students.
STEM Education Graduate Certificate
This certificate focus on helping you prepared to design, develop and evaluate STEM resources in or outside the classroom.
Instructional Coach Graduate Certificate
This certificate will prepare professionals to train and empower educator leaders to support and guide their colleagues in effective instruction within the classroom.
Talent Development Graduate Certificate
This certificate prepares you to train employees to be leaders in the workplace. With this certificate you will be able to find careers in and related to human resource development.
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support, and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.

Leslie Ekpe, Ph.D.
Faculty
Alan Francis, Ed.D.
Alum Faculty
Anissa Guerin, Ph.D.
Faculty
Student Organizations
Our campus has many ways to engage and get involved.
At our main campus, student organizations like the Graduate Student Association and the Instructional Design and Technology Club offer valuable networking and professional development opportunities. These groups enable those in our program to engage in workshops, events, and industry collaborations, enhancing your skills and expanding your professional network.
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close to what you’re looking for, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
Cost Before Financial Aid
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are many ways you can get aid, such as scholarships, financial aid, assistantships and more.
Additional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)

Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship.
On-Campus Employment Opportunities
On-campus employment opportunities offer hands-on experience in instructional support, curriculum development, and educational technology, enhancing practical skills and career prospects.
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- GPA minimum 2.5
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Admission Process
Once admitted, you must:
- Earn a 3.0 GPA on all required coursework (No course substitutions may be applied on graduate certificates)
- Submit a Completion of Certificate Request while taking your final graduate certificate courses.
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accept evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Note: International students interested in graduate certificates must do so in conjunction with a graduate degree.
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Pay the $75 application fee
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
- Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce, Texas 75428
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator or more information.
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- Department of Higher Education and Learning Technologies
- 903.886.5618
- [email protected]
- Young Education North #126
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011