The purpose of this qualitative descriptive mixed methods research study was to determine online learners' perceptions of nationally-recognized and research-based online course design standards and how those standards relate to their learning outcomes. The study utilized a Likert scale survey to collect quantitative data on students' perceptions of each of the standards. Qualitative data were collected from semistructured interviews with 10 undergraduate and 10 graduate students who completed the survey. The quantitative and qualitative data were merged and analyzed together to determine descriptive reasons why students perceived specific online course standards based on the collected survey data. The study findings provide perceptions of students in regard to online course design standards, how online learners perceive online course design standards' relationship to their learning outcomes, and overall satisfaction of the learning experience, and reveal the deeper causes of online students' expected learning outcomes and students' perceptions of online course design standards. The results of this study provide online teachers, educational institutions, and instructional designers with data on how the use of online course design standards reinforces the importance of producing and providing high-quality online courses for diverse learners. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]