Are you interested in designing and implementing digital learning experiences, such as online instruction, and other instructional modes integrating digital tools? If so, you may want to consider pursuing a degree in instructional design and technology.
Instructional design and learning technology is a growing and in-demand field, with careers expected to grow faster than the average. Employers are seeking professionals with master’s level credentials and skills in key areas, such as foundations of instructional design, working with emerging technologies, producing content and assessments in dynamic ways, and leadership.
Instructional Design Masters Online
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about pursuing an instructional design masters online degree, such as:
- The benefits of an instructional design masters online degree
- The requirements for an instructional design masters online degree
- The curriculum for an instructional design masters online degree
- The outcomes for an instructional design masters online degree
- The costs for an instructional design masters online degree
- The best online programs for an instructional design masters online degree
- The FAQs about an instructional design masters online degree
By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of whether an instructional design masters online degree is right for you and how to take the next step in your educational journey.
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Benefits of an Instructional Design Masters Online Degree
An instructional design masters online degree can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design state-of-the-art learning experiences and lead innovation in an ever-changing field. You will learn how to analyze learning needs, design solutions, develop content, implement strategies, evaluate effectiveness, and more.
An instructional design masters online degree can also open up many career opportunities and salary potential for you. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for instructional coordinators, who are responsible for overseeing curriculum and teaching standards, was $66,970 in 2020. The median annual wage for training and development managers, who are responsible for planning and directing training programs for employees, was $115,640 in 2020.
Moreover, an instructional design masters online degree can offer you many advantages of studying online, such as:
- Flexibility: You can study at your own pace and schedule, without compromising your work or personal commitments.
- Convenience: You can access your courses from anywhere with an internet connection, without having to commute or relocate.
- Affordability: You can save money on tuition fees, transportation costs, housing expenses, and other fees associated with on-campus programs.
- Accessibility: You can benefit from a variety of online resources and support services, such as library databases, tutoring, advising, career services, etc.
- Diversity: You can interact with instructors and peers from different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
Requirements for an Instructional Design Masters Online Degree
The general admission criteria for an instructional design masters online degree may vary by program and institution, but typically include:
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
- A minimum GPA (usually 2.75 or higher)
- Relevant work experience or portfolio (usually 2 years or more)
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2 or 3)
- A resume or CV
Some programs may also require:
- Standardized test scores (such as GRE or GMAT)
- Interviews
- Essays
It is advisable to check with your preferred programs for specific details and deadlines before applying.
Curriculum for an Instructional Design Masters Online Degree
The curriculum for an instructional design masters online degree may vary by program and institution, but typically consists of core courses and electives that cover topics such as:
- Foundations of instructional design
- Learning theories and principles
- Emerging technologies
- Content development and assessment
- Project management
- Research methods
Some programs may also offer different concentrations or tracks to allow you to customize your degree according to your interests and goals. For example, you may choose to focus on:
- Learning technology
- E-learning development
- Performance improvement
- Leadership
Some programs may also require a capstone project or a portfolio to demonstrate mastery of the learning outcomes. A capstone project is a culminating assignment that integrates your knowledge and skills in a real-world context. A portfolio is a collection of artifacts that showcase your work and achievements in the field.
Outcomes for an Instructional Design Masters Online Degree
An instructional design masters online degree can prepare you for various roles and responsibilities in the field of instructional design and learning technology, such as:
- Analyzing learning needs
- Designing solutions
- Developing content
- Implementing strategies
- Evaluating effectiveness
- Leading teams
- Managing projects
You will be able to create or contribute to various types of projects or products, such as:
- Online courses
- Webinars
- Podcasts
- Videos
- Simulations
- Games
- Mobile apps
You will also be able to apply your skills and knowledge in various settings and contexts, such as:
- Education
- Corporate
- Government
- Nonprofit
- Healthcare
Here are some examples of the testimonials or success stories from alumni or employers who have benefited from an instructional design masters online degree:
“The MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology program at UW-Whitewater helped me develop the skills and confidence to design and deliver engaging and effective online learning experiences. I was able to apply what I learned immediately in my current role as an instructional designer at a large healthcare organization. The program also opened up new career opportunities for me, as I was recently promoted to a senior instructional designer position.” - Sarah, UW-Whitewater graduate
“The MS in Instructional Design & Learning Technology program at Franklin University provided me with a solid foundation in the theory and practice of instructional design. I learned how to use various tools and technologies to create innovative and interactive learning solutions. I also gained valuable experience in working on real-world projects with clients and stakeholders. The program prepared me for my current role as a learning technology specialist at a leading e-learning company.” - James, Franklin University graduate
“The MA in Instructional Design and Technology program at UCF Online equipped me with the knowledge and skills to design and implement high-quality instruction for today’s learners. I learned how to apply learning theories and principles, use emerging technologies, develop content and assessment, and evaluate effectiveness. The program also helped me develop my leadership and communication skills, which are essential for working in a collaborative and diverse environment. The program enabled me to advance my career as a training manager at a global corporation.” - Lisa, UCF Online graduate
Costs for an Instructional Design Masters Online Degree
The tuition fees for an instructional design masters online degree may vary by program and institution depending on factors such as credit hours required, residency status, delivery mode, etc.
However, based on the search results, we can provide a range of tuition fees for an instructional design masters online degree. For example, the tuition fees for the MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology program at UW-Whitewater are $569 USD per credit hour for the 2023-24 academic year, whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or an international student1. The tuition fees for the MA in Instructional Design and Technology program at UCF Online are $327.32 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,151.72 per credit hour for out-of-state students2.
There may be other fees associated with an instructional design masters online degree, such as application fees, technology fees, graduation fees, etc.
There may also be possible sources of financial aid or scholarships for an instructional design masters online degree, such as federal loans, grants, fellowships, assistantships, employer reimbursement, etc.
It is advisable to check with your preferred programs for specific details and eligibility criteria before applying.
Best Online Programs for an Instructional Design Masters Online Degree
There are many online programs for an instructional design masters online degree available, but some of the best ones based on the search results are:
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater: This program offers a fully online delivery mode; a flexible and customizable curriculum that allows you to choose three of four certificates to stack to a master’s degree; experienced instructors who have extensive professional experience; and a nationally recognized faculty noted for excellence in teaching and mentoring.
Franklin University: This program offers a fully online delivery mode; a curriculum that teaches you how to analyze learning needs, design solutions, and evaluate effectiveness; embedded credentials that allow you to earn certificates along the way; and a faculty of industry experts who put you at the forefront of this growing industry.
University of Central Florida: This program offers a fully online delivery mode; a curriculum that focuses on developing high-quality instruction for today’s learners; various tracks and electives to suit your interests and goals; and a college that is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
For more information about these programs, you can visit their websites or contact their admissions offices.
FAQs
What is instructional design and technology?
Instructional design and technology is a field that focuses on designing and implementing digital learning experiences, such as online instruction, and other instructional modes integrating digital tools. Instructional design and technology professionals use learning theories and principles, emerging technologies, content development and assessment methods, project management skills, and research methods to create effective and engaging learning solutions for various audiences, contexts, and goals.
How long does it take to get a master’s in instructional design?
The length of time it takes to get a master’s in instructional design may vary by program and institution, but typically ranges from 18 months to 3 years. Some factors that may affect the duration of the program include:
- The number of credit hours required
- The delivery mode (online or hybrid)
- The pace of study (full-time or part-time)
- The availability of courses
- The completion of prerequisites or transfer credits
- The completion of a capstone project or a portfolio
What can I do with a master’s in instructional design and technology?
A master’s in instructional design and technology can prepare you for various roles and responsibilities in the field of instructional design and learning technology, such as:
Instructional designer: An instructional designer is responsible for analyzing learning needs, designing solutions, developing content, implementing strategies, and evaluating effectiveness. Instructional designers can work in various settings and contexts, such as education, corporate, government, nonprofit, healthcare, etc.
Learning technology specialist: A learning technology specialist is responsible for selecting, integrating, and managing various technologies to support learning and performance. Learning technology specialists can work in various settings and contexts, such as education, corporate, government, nonprofit, healthcare, etc.
E-learning developer: An e-learning developer is responsible for creating and maintaining online courses or modules using various tools and platforms. E-learning developers can work in various settings and contexts, such as education, corporate, government, nonprofit, healthcare, etc.
Training manager: A training manager is responsible for planning and directing training programs for employees or clients. Training managers can work in various settings and contexts, such as corporate, government, nonprofit, healthcare, etc.
How much do instructional designers make?
The salary of instructional designers may vary by location, experience, education, industry, etc., but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for instructional coordinators was $66,970 in 2020. According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average annual salary for instructional designers was $78,699 as of December 2021.
Is instructional design a good career?
Instructional design can be a good career for those who are interested in designing and implementing digital learning experiences that are effective and engaging. Instructional design can offer many benefits, such as:
Growth: Instructional design is a growing and in-demand field that offers many career opportunities and salary potential.
Creativity: Instructional design allows you to use your creativity and innovation to create various types of learning solutions using different tools and technologies.
Impact: Instructional design allows you to make a positive impact on learners’ lives by helping them achieve their goals and improve their skills and knowledge.
Diversity: Instructional design allows you to work with diverse audiences, contexts, and goals.
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered everything you need to know about pursuing an instructional design masters online degree. We have discussed the benefits, requirements, curriculum, outcomes, costs, best online programs, and FAQs about an instructional design masters online degree.
An instructional design masters online degree can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design state-of-the-art learning experiences and lead innovation in an ever-changing field. It can also open up many career opportunities and salary potential for you.
If you are interested in pursuing an instructional design masters online degree, we encourage you to take the next step in your educational journey by contacting your preferred programs for more information or applying for admission today.
We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. Thank you for reading!😊
Resources:
(1) Online Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology.
(2) Online Instructional Design and Technology, MA | UCF Online.
(3) Masters in Instructional Design | Online Educational Technology Program.