About The Program
Learn how we learn - and then use that knowledge to create effective educational experiences. Our program integrates applied learning science theory with cutting-edge instructional design technologies to impact student learning, engagement and motivation. You'll learn foundational learning theories, methodologies and technology central to educational psychology and instructional design, including the incorporation of innovative uses of technology. You'll leave with the ability to create engaging learning activities and develop course content that resources with \learners from early childhood to adulthood.
Career Paths
- Instructional designer
- Learning and development specialist
- Curriculum developer
- Educational technology specialist
- Training and development manager
- E-learning developer
- Corporate trainer
At a Glance
Degree Earned
Post-graduate certificate
Credits: 12
Application Semesters and Deadlines
Fall: April 1
Spring: Nov. 1
Summer: April 1
Program Modality
In-person
Estimated Completion Time
Part-time (1-8 credits): average completion in 2-4 semesters
New for the 2024-25 academic year.
Admission requirements
| Degree: | Semester(s) of entry: | Deadline dates: | Test requirements: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Fall | Apr 1 | |
| Spring | Nov 15 | ||
| Summer | Apr 1 |
In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School, the following requirements represent the minimum acceptable standards for admission:
- Bachelor's degree
- Three letters of recommendation addressing the student’s potential for graduate study in education
- Statement of intent
- Transcripts of all previous college work
- Resume or curriculum vitae
Please visit the School of Education website for further information.
Degree requirements
The curriculum is designed to provide students with the principles and techniques of the learning process to enhance educational experiences with a specific focus on utilizing and integrating eLearning in instructional design and learning. Course work exposes students to the fundamentals of psychological principles as they relate to the teaching-learning process and how to integrate technology and research into design and delivery. Courses involve hands-on experiences and applied projects to prepare students to develop and implement equitable and evidence-based effective instruction across a range of formal and informal learning settings. Students will learn the cognitive and social processes that result in the most effective learning, and understand how to use this knowledge to redesign classrooms and other in-person and virtual learning environments so that people learn more deeply and more effectively.
Curriculum requirements
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ADLT 640 ADLT 640. Theory and Practice of eLearning and Digital Media in Adult Learning. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or hybrid). 3 credits. Provides learners with a theoretical foundation and rationale for the successful integration of eLearning into formal and informal adult learning environments. This course begins with an overview of educational theory and social constructivist teaching philosophy before addressing the fundamental issues that instructional designers should consider when designing, delivering and assessing eLearning in adult learning environments. Students will also explore the use of digital media to enhance adult learning. Through hands-on experience with tools, examination of emerging media formats and the evaluation of course learning products, students will learn to create, critique and explore a variety of digital media to support learning in a variety of instructional contexts. Special emphasis will be placed on using digital technology tools to support communication, knowledge building and learning in both formal and informal adult learning settings. | Theory and Practice of eLearning and Digital Media in Adult Learning | 3 |
| ADLT 643 ADLT 643. Advanced Instructional Design for Adult Learning. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: ADLT 640. The focus of this course is to understand and explore how to enhance learning through online instruction. This class will focus on designing instruction for adult learners for online learning. Students will be introduced to a variety of instructional design models and other systems and tools they will encounter in the workplace. They will also have the opportunity to evaluate online learning activities and instructional designs to determine if they are effective for adult learning in the workplace. Additional focus will be on evaluating the effectiveness of online learning initiatives and creating evaluations. | Advanced Instructional Design for Adult Learning | 3 |
| EDUS 607 EDUS 607. Advanced Educational Psychology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, hybrid or face-to-face). 3 credits. Application of the principles of psychology to the teaching-learning process. Discussion will focus on the comprehensive development of individual learning experiences and educational programs from the point of view of the PK-12 educator and administrator. | Advanced Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDUS 660 EDUS 660. Research Methods in Education. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, hybrid or face-to-face). 3 credits. Designed to provide an introductory understanding of educational research and evaluation studies. Emphasizes fundamental concepts, procedures and processes appropriate for use in basic, applied and developmental research. Includes developing skills in critical analysis of research studies. Analyzes the assumptions, uses and limitations of different research designs. Explores methodological and ethical issues of educational research. Students either conduct or design a study in their area of educational specialization. | Research Methods in Education | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this certificate is 12.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.