Delivery
Online
Strategic Learning Design, Professional Certificate
Program Overview
The Strategic Learning Design Certificate prepares professionals to create learning experiences that drive meaningful outcomes for individuals, organizations, and communities. Building upon a foundation in instructional design, this certificate equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to align learning initiatives with organizational goals, support workforce development, and foster continuous improvement through evidence-based learning practices.
Students begin by completing the Instructional Design Certificate, gaining expertise in adult learning principles, instructional design models, learning technologies, and course development. They then customize their learning experience by selecting three additional courses focused on learning and development, organizational learning, facilitation, learning strategy, analytics, leadership, or related topics.
This flexible certificate provides a pathway for professionals seeking to expand their impact beyond course design and into the broader practice of learning and talent development.
Graduates earn both the Instructional Design Professional Certificate and the Strategic Learning Design Certificate.
Program Contact
Enrollment Team
School of Professional Studies
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What You Will Learn
Participants develop the ability to:
- Design learner-centered experiences that support performance and organizational goals
- Apply instructional design principles across workplace, higher education, and community learning environments
- Facilitate learning and collaboration among diverse audiences
- Use data and analytics to evaluate learning effectiveness and inform decision-making
- Align learning initiatives with strategic priorities and workforce needs
- Support organizational learning, change, and continuous improvement
- Develop practical learning solutions that address real-world challenges
Program Structure
To earn the Strategic Learning Design Certificate, students must:
Complete the Instructional Design Certificate
The foundational certificate provides expertise in:
- Adult learning theory
- Instructional design methodologies
- Learning technologies
- Course and curriculum development
- Assessment and evaluation strategies
Complete Three Learning & Development Elective Courses
Students select three approved courses that align with their professional interests and career goals. Topics may include:
- Learning experience design
- Learning strategy and analytics
- Organizational learning
- Leadership development
- Workplace learning and performance improvement
- Facilitation and engagement
- Talent and workforce development
Need a starting point? We’ve curated focus areas » to make it easier to build a learning path that’s right for you.
Upon successful completion, students earn:
– Strategic Learning Design Certificate
– Instructional Design Professional Certificate
Who Should Enroll?
The Strategic Learning Design Certificate is designed for professionals who create, manage, support, or lead learning initiatives, including:
- Instructional designers
- Learning and development professionals
- Corporate trainers and facilitators
- Higher education faculty and staff
- Human resources and talent development professionals
- Organizational development practitioners
- Workforce development specialists
- Subject matter experts transitioning into learning-focused roles
- Managers responsible for employee training and development
Career Relevance
Organizations increasingly seek professionals who can connect learning initiatives to performance outcomes, employee development, and organizational success. The Strategic Learning Design Certificate helps professionals strengthen their expertise in learning design while developing the strategic perspective needed to influence learning and development initiatives across an organization.
Graduates may pursue or advance careers in areas such as:
- Instructional Design
- Learning and Development
- Talent Development
- Organizational Development
- Workforce Training
- Employee Learning Programs
- Higher Education and Continuing Education
- Learning Experience Design
- Learning Strategy and Consulting
Choose Your Focus Area
Customize your learning experience by selecting courses that align with your career goals. Explore each focus area to find a recommended set of courses that matches your interests.
Focus Area: Learning Experience Design
Designed for professionals focused on creating and delivering engaging learning experiences.
- Learning Needs Analysis
- Essentials of Training Delivery
- Fundamentals of Virtual Training
Focus Area: Learning Strategy & Analytics
Designed for professionals interested in measuring impact, aligning learning to organizational goals, and managing learning initiatives.
- Learning Needs Analysis
- Driving Learning Results with Data
- Managing Learning Programs
Focus Area: Organizational Learning & Leadership
Designed for professionals leading teams, facilitating change, and supporting organizational learning initiatives.
- Leadership Essentials for Hybrid Teams
- Change Management & Organization Development
- Presentation & Facilitation Skills
Why UNC Charlotte?
UNC Charlotte’s Strategic Learning Design Certificate combines practical application with contemporary learning and development practices. Through a flexible curriculum and industry-relevant coursework, students gain skills that can be immediately applied in workplace, educational, nonprofit, and community settings.
The certificate allows learners to build upon established instructional design competencies while exploring specialized areas of learning and development that align with their professional goals and the evolving needs of today’s workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Strategic Learning Design Certificate?
The Strategic Learning Design Certificate is an advanced professional certificate that combines instructional design expertise with learning and development strategies. Participants complete the Instructional Design Professional Certificate and then select three additional Learning & Development courses to build specialized skills in areas such as learning strategy, facilitation, organizational learning, leadership, and workforce development.
Do I need to complete the Instructional Design Professional Certificate first?
No. Participants may take Learning & Development elective courses while completing the Instructional Design Professional Certificate. However, the Instructional Design Professional Certificate serves as the foundation of the Strategic Learning Design Certificate.
What credential will I earn?
Upon successful completion of all requirements, you will earn:
- The Instructional Design Professional Certificate
- The Strategic Learning Design Certificate
This allows you to demonstrate expertise in both instructional design and strategic learning and development practices.
How long does it take to complete the certificate?
Completion time varies based on course selection and scheduling. Most participants complete the Strategic Learning Design Certificate within 13 weeks while balancing work and other commitments.
Can I choose my own Learning & Development courses?
Yes. After completing the Instructional Design Professional Certificate, you will select three approved Learning & Development courses that align with your professional interests and career goals.
What topics can I study through the elective courses?
Elective courses may focus on areas such as:
- Learning experience design
- Learning strategy and analytics
- Facilitation and engagement
- Organizational learning
- Leadership development
- Workforce and talent development
- Learning technologies
- Performance improvement
Available course offerings may vary.
Do I need previous instructional design experience?
No prior instructional design experience is required. The Instructional Design Professional Certificate provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the Strategic Learning Design Certificate.
How is this certificate different from the Instructional Design Professional Certificate?
The Instructional Design Professional Certificate focuses on designing effective learning experiences and instructional materials. The Strategic Learning Design Certificate expands on that foundation by exploring how learning initiatives support organizational goals, employee performance, workforce development, and long-term learning strategies.
Why should I pursue both certificates?
Earning both certificates demonstrates expertise in designing learning experiences while also understanding how learning contributes to organizational success. This combination of technical and strategic skills is increasingly valuable for professionals responsible for employee development, training, and organizational learning initiatives.
What is strategic learning design?
Strategic learning design is the practice of creating learning experiences that not only help people learn but also support organizational goals and performance outcomes. It combines instructional design, adult learning principles, learning strategy, facilitation, and evaluation to ensure learning initiatives create meaningful impact.