The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design and Emerging Technologies is designed for K-12 educators, community college and higher education instructors, and workplace professionals who seek to enhance their expertise and career opportunities. This program equips members with cutting-edge skills for designing effective digital learning experiences, including leveraging artificial intelligence applications and other emerging technologies. Through this program, students master the principles of instructional design, develop proficiency in multimedia creation, and learn to leverage learning analytics for educational evaluation.

This certificate prepares graduates to lead collaborative instructional design initiatives that respond to evolving technological landscapes. Students will:

• Design and develop engaging online learning experiences based on sound pedagogical principles
• Integrate AI-enhanced tools and other emerging technologies to transform learning experiences and streamline instructional design processes
• Create accessible digital content using universal design principles and assistive technologies
• Apply project management approaches to instructional design workflows
• Evaluate learning effectiveness through data-driven assessment strategies
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to transform specialized knowledge into impactful learning experiences

With a focus on practical application, the program culminates in a hands-on practicum that allows students to apply their skills in real-world settings. Graduates emerge prepared to drive innovation in digital learning across corporate training, higher education, K-12 settings, and other learning-focused organizations.

Program Delivery and Tuition Rate

This certificate program is delivered through online courses and is billed at the non-MBA rate.

Admission 

Admission to this graduate certificate program is not competitive. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. 

Application Requirements 

A complete application includes:

• Official transcript with proof of a conferred bachelor’s degree 

Deadlines 

Application deadlines do change from term to term. For specific deadlines, please see the Graduate Admissions Deadline page. 

How to Apply 

To apply, visit the SUNY Empire application portal and select Graduate: https://www.sunyempire.edu/application.html 

The certificate is comprised of 5 courses, each worth 3 credits, and can be completed in one to two academic terms.  Students may begin this 15-credit certificate in the fall or spring terms. The required courses and suggested sequence are as follows:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
EDET 6015	Instructional Design for Online Learning Environments	3
EDET 6035	Advanced Instructional Design with Multimedia	3
EDET 6075	Accessible Design and Assistive Technologies	3
EDET 6080	Evaluation Assessment and Data Driven Learning Design	3
EDET 6135	Practicum in Learning & Emerging Technology	3
Total Credits		15

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Plan, design and evaluate effective learning opportunities in online and blended environments.
• Demonstrate leadership and collaborative management skills for developing instructional design projects.
• Apply instructional design principles to the design and implementation of online and blended projects in workplace settings of all sizes.
• Incorporate tools and processes that support and improve all individuals’ ability to access learning opportunities in digital environments.
• Use data-driven decision-making in course design and revision, technology integration and implementation.
• Create instructional environments that apply contemporary theories of learning and design methods.
• Integrate the use of various appropriate emerging technologies to needs in online and blended environments.