Instructional Design & Technology Graduate Academic Certificate

The Instructional Design & Technology Graduate Academic Certificate (GAC-INDT):

  • Prepares individuals to work as instructional designers and technologists in either educational or corporate settings.
  • Equips students with a theoretical foundation and valuable knowledge in order to analyze and evaluate instruction.
  • Provides students project-based opportunities and hands-on learning experiences using technology to apply design, develop, and implement effective, efficient, and engaging instruction with end goals in mind. 
  • Invites educational technology professionals and others in related fields with prior bachelor's or master's degrees to enhance their knowledge and skills in instructional design and technology.
  • Offers students flexible options and is conducted 100% online. Completed GAC-INDT coursework can be applied toward the Master of Science in Learning Technologies (LT MS) program. 

A total of 12 hours, or 4 courses (3 required & 1 elective), is needed to complete the certificate:

Required Courses 

LTEC 5210 - Instructional Systems Design I. The design of instructional systems is examined through research reports on the theoretical assumptions of learning and analysis of learning systems as they apply to the development of educational and instructional training programs.

LTEC 5220 - Multimedia in Technology Applications. Study and analysis of the use of the computer to deliver instruction. Topics include design, development and review techniques for computer assisted instruction, current trends in technology and lesson development with an authoring language.

LTEC 5310 - Human-Computer Interaction. Study of the human as an information processor. Computer interface design that takes into consideration human capabilities and limitations. Educational implications of system input/output facilities. Impact upon instructional system design.

Elective Courses 

LTEC 5510 - Technology-Based Learning Environments. Focuses on the process of design, implementation and evaluation of the content and context of teaching and learning in technology-based learning environments. Covers an array of technology-based learning environments that may include web-based learning management systems, 3D immersive environments and others.

LTEC 5200 - New Technologies of Instruction. Selection, utilization and evaluation of media technology, and techniques used in the instructional programs of education and industry. Includes hands-on digital audio and visual processes.

LTEC 5211 - Instructional Systems Design II. Advanced study and application of instructional design principles and models for real world settings. Covers the development of instruction ranging from face-to-face training to digital and online learning technology systems. Builds upon theory and research studied in Instructional Systems Design. Also covered is group management of instructional design processes. Prerequisite: LTEC 5210.

LTEC 5260 - Computer Graphics for Mediated Communications. Application of computer graphics to the preparation and presentation of mediated materials. Includes principles of graphics communication, concepts in computer graphics, graphics input systems, graphics manipulation software and graphics output systems.

Note: Courses listed above may not be offered every semester and may require prerequisites. Accepted students should consult with a program advisor prior to enrolling in the individual courses.


Apply for the Graduate Academic Certificate in Instructional Design & Technology

We are no longer accepting applications for the GAC-INDT for Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024. To update your application (changing semesters or majors), visit this link and choose the correct form.

Applications for the 2024-25 academic year will open July 1st, 2023. Priority deadline for the Fall 2024 semester start date is December 31st, 2023.


The application process is a two-step process that requires admission to the Toulouse Graduate School and  the Department of Learning Technologies.

Step 1. Apply to UNT's Toulouse Graduate School

  • Application: Complete the UNT Toulouse Graduate School (TGS) application through ApplyTexas and pay the application fee ($75.00), if you meet the minimum requirements for admission. International students must review the International Admissions page for additional required documents.
  • Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. TGS will review transcripts to verify minimum GPA requirements of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA, or a 3.5 GPA on a completed master's degree.Transcripts are processed by TGS only. 

Please direct questions about these materials to GradAdmission@unt.edu or 940-565-2383 

If you are admitted into the university, TGS will send you an email and pin number to check online at my.unt.edu. Activate your EUID with the pin number and click on "Admissions Status" to proceed to Step 2 of the application process. Note: You must  be admitted to TGS before enrolling in the LT MS program.


Step 2. Apply to the UNT College of Information's Department of Learning Technologies

Upload the following documents to your MyUNT portal (files submitted must be in PDF format): 

  • Resume or curriculum vitae including your previous work and/or educational experiences.

The MyUNT portal will show the status of your uploaded documents once they are received and processed by the department. Students who are awarded the Instructional Design & Technology GAC and later apply for admission to the M.S. in Learning Technologies program will be required to submit additional materials needed for admission to the M.S. program.


Once you have been accepted:

  • Accept your admission: Log into your MyUNT portal and click on the "Accept" link in your Student Center.
  • Advising: Schedule an appointment with an advisor to choose courses.
  • Register: All registration and tuition payments at UNT is done via your MyUNT portal.

Once you complete all your GAC-INDT coursework, please submit the Request for Graduate Academic Certificate of Completion Form to receive your certificate.

Note: If you are a current student in the Department of Learning Technologies and you are applying for the GAC-INDT, please complete the Application for Concurrent Graduate Academic Certificate Programs so the certificate is recorded on your transcript. If you do not complete the form before your graduating semester, the Toulouse Graduate School will not  accept your request for the certificate.


For questions about the application process, please contact us at LT-MS@unt.edu - Thank you!