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

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
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
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Responsible AI, Prompt Engineering, Education Software and Technology, ChatGPT, Instructional Design, LLM Application, Artificial Intelligence, Brainstorming, Needs Assessment, Data Ethics, Design Strategies, Content Creation, Creative Design, Emerging Technologies, Persona Development, Professional Development
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Course Development, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Needs Assessment, Motivational Skills, Prototyping, Student-Centred Learning, Creativity, Analysis, Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Macquarie University
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, Media Production, Learning Management Systems, Teaching, Design, Collaborative Software, Planning, Virtual Environment, End User Training and Support
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Storyboarding, Wireframing, User Experience Design, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Information Architecture, Presentations, User Experience, User Research, Figma (Design Software), Design Reviews, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, User Story, Data Ethics, User Centered Design, Usability, Mockups, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

The University of Edinburgh
Skills you'll gain: Educational Materials, Learning Strategies, Instructional Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Learning Management Systems, Web Content, Education Software and Technology, User Centered Design, Creative Thinking, Cultural Diversity
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Michigan
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
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Design, Digital Design, Product Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Creative Design, Color Theory, Graphic Design, Intellectual Property, E-Commerce, Direct Selling, Digital Content, Digital Assets, Marketing, Marketing Materials
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Visual Design, Logo Design, Design Software, Digital Design, Creative Design, Photo Editing, Color Theory, Photography, Adobe InDesign, Graphic and Visual Design, Image Quality, Style Guides, Branding, Digital Publishing, Art History
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Responsible AI, Logo Design, Digital Design, Generative AI, Graphic Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Productivity Software, Visual Design, File Management, Process Design, Design Reviews, Prompt Engineering, Image Analysis, Presentations, Client Services, Content Creation, Branding, Storytelling
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Education Software and Technology, Responsible AI, Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, ChatGPT, Emerging Technologies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Browse the instructional design courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
Yes. You can start learning instructional design skills on Coursera for free in two ways:
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.