
Graduate Certificate in Learning Experience Design and Technology – Online
Our Graduate Certificate in Learning Experience Design and Technology (LXDT) teaches you today’s in-demand learning design skills through meaningful, learner-centered experiences and flexible, customizable coursework.
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We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.
Overview
Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Learning Experience Design and Technology (LXDT) provides a skill-based curriculum designed for the challenges facing today’s learning designers, educators, trainers, and instructional technologists.
Strengthen your instructional design and technology skills to create learning experiences that exceed expectations whether in higher education, pre-K-12, government, corporate, or nonprofit organizations. This LXDT graduate certificate program meets you with an agile curriculum that reflects the changes in professional practice, design methodologies, technology, and other emerging innovations in the field.
Our skills-based coursework, taught by industry experts, enables you to create environments that combine in-person, online, and mobile learning while taking advantage of our media-rich, digital, networked world.
As an LXDT student you can also participate in a variety of elective LXD Skill Building Labs (SBLs) – shorter, experiential-based courses, deeply focused on a key design or technology skill or knowledge base that supports your professional goals and enhances employability.
SBLs are experiential, including specific design challenges where you get to utilize your newly learned skills while also earning elective credit and a skills-based badge upon completion. Examples of SBLs include Design Thinking, Design Blueprinting, Universal Design, Designing with Articulate 360: Rise/Storyline, Designing for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Backward Design, and Gamification.
Program objectives
- Apply learning design models, theories, practices, and technologies to develop engaging learning environments.
- Demonstrate constructive working relationships and collaborations in a range of professional contexts while responding to the nuances of organizational culture, diversity of learners, project demands, and allocated resources.
- Design or redesign learning experiences to create dynamic technology-enhanced and engaging environments by harnessing the learning design potential of new technologies.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively collect, analyze, and present ideas and data in multiple mediums and to diverse audiences.
- Create learning designs that promote social justice, inclusion, and the building of intercultural and global networks.
- Respond innovatively to the learning design opportunities while creatively drawing upon the latest research in learning design.
Unique Features
- Graduate with a showcase ePortfolio highlighting your accomplishments and design skills.
- Innovative course designs and formats, including badge-earning opportunities
- Gain real-world experience before you graduate through authentic assignments in every course, and multiple experiential opportunities throughout the program.
- Select from a variety of elective skill building labs to enhance your design & technology skills
Career Prospects
Beginning your journey with us is a big decision. But it's a smart one. Your field is evolving rapidly. That's why we're constantly innovating our programs to anticipate your industry's needs. So, no matter where your field goes, you can lead the way.
Average Salary, Instructional Designer
Average Salary, Regional Training Manager
Get Set With a Custom Course Plan
Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Electives
Complete a minimum of 4 quarter hours from the list below to reach the program credits required.
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 | ||
1.00 | Credits 4.00 | |
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
1.00 | Credits 4.00 | |
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Distinguished Faculty
"The Learning Experience Design and Technology graduate certificate is a skill-based experiential program, where design practice takes center stage. Learning and design models provide a solid grounding as students create authentic learning experiences while building skills of immediate relevance to their professional lives." - Dr. Elizabeth Mahler, Teaching Professor and Lead Faculty, LXDT Programs
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Darin Detwiler
Dr. Darin Detwiler, LP.D., M.A.Ed., brings many years of military, writing, policy, and instructional experienceFull bio -
Kristen Lee
Behavioral Science educator, clinician, author, comedian, and activist devoted to leveraging human potential, particularly for marginalized and underserved populations.Full bio -
Corliss Thompson
Corliss Thompson, Ph.D., teaching professor, has taught research methods, research design, and social justice courses in the Graduate School of Education since 2013.Full bio -
Xiaomu Zhou
Xiaomu Zhou is a lead faculty member in the Master of Professional Studies in Informatics program, College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University.Full bio
As someone looking to change careers and enter the field of Instructional Design, I appreciate the opportunity to participate in XN experiences where I work with clients to create real-world products that help me develop industry-specific skills and build my resume.
Jacquelyn Bertman, Assistant Director of Operations, Higher Education
Cost and Tuition
Tuition
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Did you know?
Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Boston Public Library
- Thomas Edison State University
- Middle School
- Large Retail Corporation
- MIT
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Real Estate Company
- Employee Union
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What They Do
- Training Coordinator
- Instructional Designer
- Teacher
- Regional Training Manager
- Faculty
- Training Specialist
- Director of Education & Events
- Training Coordinator
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What They're Skilled At
- Library Science
- Design & Quality Assurance
- Special Education & Technology
- Leadership
- Hispanic Language & Culture
- Continuing Education
- Licensing
- Safety
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.
Related Programs
Admissions
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): identifies your educational goals and expectations of the program; please be aware that the university's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- English language proficiency proof: students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S, stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Let’s Find Your Path Forward
Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.
Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727