Format
6 required courses (90 hours)
Delivery
Online | Learn more
Duration
Complete in 1 year, or up to 3 years
Curriculum development and instructional design involves using the ADDIE model to effectively design and analyze course curriculum.
Advance your skill set and develop practical and theoretical knowledge as an educator while learning to design and analyze course curriculum in your field of expertise.
Using the ADDIE — analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation — model, apply the principles of instructional design to create a customized project. Demonstrate your ability to write effective learning outcome statements, in addition to designing assessment and instructional strategies, integrate media, and evaluate and revise curriculum.
Through these online courses, you will enhance your knowledge of adult learning principles and learning styles and how they relate to educational design. Expand your understanding of instructional strategies and design principles, outcome-based assessments, and processes for evaluation. In the final course, you will put your learning into practice by planning, creating and assessing a pilot course with support from the instructor and your peers.
Highlights and benefits
Earn a recognized credential | Enhance your career prospects
Enhance your life | Develop your personal and professional skills
Real-world knowledge | Learn from experienced industry professionals
Online delivery | Enjoy the flexibility of online learning, and complete this program from anywhere
Designing better learning
Recent Curriculum Development and Instructional Design graduate Carla Nowasad shares how continuing education helped her strengthen her teaching and apply new insights into the classroom through curriculum design.
Read Carla's story
Information session
Interested in learning more about our Curriculum Development and Instructional Design Extension Certificate? Speak with program staff and instructors, and have your questions answered. Join us for a free virtual information session on Thursday, January 8, 2026, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. MST.
Register nowCourse schedule
Course schedule by semester
| Fall (Sept. - Dec.) |
Winter (Jan. - April) |
Spring/Summer (May - Aug.) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Principles of Instructional Design | ON | ON | ON/FT |
| Designing Assessment Strategies | ON | ON | ON/FT |
| Designing Instructional Strategies | ON | ON/FT | |
| Media Trends in Instructional Design | ON | ON/FT | |
| Curriculum Template Design | ON | ON | |
| Curriculum Implementation and Evaluation | ON | ON |
Legend
BL: Blended (Online & Classroom)
CL: Classroom
FT: Fast Track
ON: Online
IDS: Independent Study
P: Practicum
This schedule is subject to change. Courses start on various dates within each semester. Fall schedule and registration is available in June; Winter schedule and registration is available in November; and Spring/Summer schedule and registration is available in March.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this program intended for?
This program is for those professionals who want practical and theoretical knowledge as an educator while gaining skills to design and analyze course curriculum. Students apply the principles of instructional design to create a customized project that demonstrates their ability to write effective learning outcome statements, design assessment and instructional strategies, integrate media, and evaluate and revise curriculum. This program is for:
- Teachers or faculty looking to expand their skills with curriculum development and instructional design
- Workplace trainers looking to develop their knowledge and skills for curriculum development and instructional design
- Anyone interested in transitioning to a career in curriculum development and instructional design for K-12, higher education, or workplace training contexts
- Anyone interested in becoming an independent curriculum development and instructional design consultant
What type of career options are available if I complete this certificate?
There is not one specific career option for people who complete this certificate. It can be used as a great addition to your resume to help you obtain a position in many different work environments, including, but not limited to:
- Teachers or faculty looking to expand their skills with curriculum development and instructional design
- Workplace trainers looking to develop their knowledge and skills for curriculum development and instructional design
- Anyone interested in transitioning to a career in curriculum development and instructional design for K-12, higher education, or workplace training contexts
- Anyone interested in becoming an independent curriculum development and instructional design consultant
Note: additional education and training may be required for some positions.
Do I have to take the courses in order?
Yes, courses must be taken in order beginning with XCDA 10001 Principles of Instructional Design. Each course is a prerequisite for the next.
How will I be graded in each course?
Each course has graded assignments. These assignments vary per course; however, they are all designed to assess the outcomes of each course. These assessments include, but are not limited to, group projects, discussion board posts, short answers and quizzes. Students will create a portfolio project from start (initial curriculum) to finish (implementation in D2L).
How many hours am I expected to work on each course?
You should plan to access your D2L course site at least 3 times per week. Depending on the course, you can expect to spend approximately 6 hours per week reading material, completing learning activities or assignments, and attending Google Meet sessions.
Is attendance required for Google Meet sessions?
No, these sessions are not mandatory, but they are recommended. Attending Google Meet sessions allows you to get to know your instructor and classmates and provides you with the opportunity to ask questions about content, assignments or due dates.
How many courses can I take at a time?
You can take as many courses as your schedule will allow. There are no restrictions on the number of courses you can take at one time.
Will I get a job once I'm done the certificate?
While having a professional certificate will certainly put you in a favourable position when looking for employment, there are many factors to consider for each individual that it would be impossible to pre-determine your employment success. Our graduate statistics have shown that a significant percentage of past students have experienced a measurable increase in salary, responsibility, and/or activity after completing our programs.
Will Mount Royal help me locate career opportunities?
No, Mount Royal does not have a system in place to assist students with career opportunities upon completion of our certificate. However, there are periodic job postings advertised on our website.
Additional information
Refer to CE Student Information for more information.
Program questions?