This 15-unit certification will prepare you to design and manage professional development in the workplace.

You will develop an understanding of adult learning theory, effective instructional design, and leadership for organizational success in both face-to-face and online venues. This program is designed for professionals new to the teaching and learning environment and leadership role.

It can be taken on its own or as part of a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in leadership in learning.

What does an instructional designer do?

The instructional design competencies identified by the IBSPI (International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction) will give you a sense of what instructional designers might do. Not every instructional designer performs all of these tasks, as some are for those who are more advanced in their careers.

Professional Foundations

• Communicate effectively in visual, oral and written form
• Apply current research and theory to the practice of instructional design
• Update and improve one’s knowledge, skills and attitudes pertaining to instructional design and related fields
• Apply fundamental research skills to instructional design projects
• Identify and resolve ethical and legal implications of design in the workplace

You want to empower people in your workplace. We want to empower you. Our shared passion for helping adults progress in their knowledge and skills makes PLNU the place for you to establish or advance in leading professional development in your workplace.

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We're here to make the entire process a simple one. We'll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

• Summer 2021 Quad II – July 12, 2021

• Fall 2021 Quad I – August 30, 2021

• Fall 2021 Quad II – October 25, 2021

• Spring 2022 Quad I - January 10, 2022

• Spring 2022 Quad II - March 14, 2022

• Summer 2022 Quad I - May 9, 2022

• Summer 2022 Quad II - July 4, 2022

• Fall 2022 Quad I - August 29, 2022

• Fall 2022 Quad II - October 24, 2022

Application Deadline(s):

• Fall 2021 Quad I – August 2, 2021
  All returning & exceptions students - July 19, 2021

• Fall 2021 Quad II – September 27, 2021
  All returning & exceptions students - September 13, 2021

• Spring 2022 Quad I – November 22, 2021

• Spring 2022 Quad II – February 14, 2022

Not all programs offer entry for new students each quad. Check with your enrollment counselor for programs and start dates.

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy per your particular program.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission under exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's education program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript from an institution that indicates the completion of an undergraduate degree.

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
3. Submit a personal essay, 2-3 pages in length and double spaced, that addresses the following topics:
   • Describe your professional career goals for the next five years.
   • Describe the variety of experiences that helped you determine these goals.
   • Explain what motivates you to work in California’s diverse schools.
   • Explain why you are applying to PLNU, a private Christian university.
4. Provide two professional recommendations. You will be asked to register your recommenders by providing their names, titles, and email addresses.
5. For credential seekers only: Submit basic skills exam (CBEST or equivalent) scores. This can be demonstrated by taking the CBEST exam
   • OR Multiple Subject CSET plus writing skills examination
   • OR CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examination
   • OR providing proof of a valid California teaching credential

Start Application

Professional Licensure or Certification

This program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the requirements for educator certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. PLNU cannot confirm whether or not specific programs meet out-of-state requirements for Professional Licensure or Certification. Information about out-of-state requirements in teacher credentialing is available on this website. 

*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

This program is ideal for:

• Entry and Senior Level Managers
• Professional Development Trainers
• Corporate Trainers
• Adult Workforce Educators
• Human Resource Managers