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MS in Instructional Design and Technology
Request InformationGain the insights and technology skills to create exceptional, cutting-edge learning experiences that reshape how people learn.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule January 09, 2023
Transfer Credits
- Up to 15 Credits
Earn your master’s degree from a 50-year leader in instructional design.
Highly engaging and personalized learning experiences are critical for acquiring new skills and knowledge. An MS in Instructional Design and Technology (Non-Licensure) from Walden can fuel your passion for helping people learn. During this program, you’ll develop skills at the forefront of instructional design and use the latest technology to create engaging, content-rich, multimedia instruction. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of how and why people learn. An online master’s in instructional design and technology program can help prepare you for a role as an instructional designer, curriculum designer, education coordinator, or instructional coach in education, government, corporate, military, and healthcare settings.
Why Choose Walden?
Learn from a leader
Experience a university with 50 years of experience designing learning experiences for working professionals.
Customize your learning.
Get support from faculty passionate about instructional design. Take advantage of on-demand, self-paced content and tutorials.
Apply your new skills.
For your capstone course, identify and help solve a real-world problem, while building a portfolio for potential employers.
Build software expertise.
Hone your skills with complimentary access to Adobe Captivate and Adobe Creative Cloud with applications.
Program Savings
Receive a $3,000 Walden Live & Learn Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on January 9, 2023. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowCurriculum - General Program Specialization
Minimum Degree Requirements
- 30 semester credits
- Core courses (27 sem. credits)
- Capstone (3 sem. credits)
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Courses
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Core Courses |
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| EDUC 6105 |
Organizations, Innovation, and Change
Understanding the fundamentals of organizational behavior and change management are essential for facilitating innovation in any organization. In this course, education professionals examine the role of instructional designers in managing change within an organization. They evaluate leadership qualities and practices that foster and sustain innovation in various settings, such as corporations, higher education, K–12 education, government, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. They also explore the resistance to change and barriers to innovation as well as problem-solving techniques that promote competitive advantage. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6115 |
Learning Theories and Instruction
Effective instructional design begins with an understanding of the learning process. The behaviorist, cognitive, constructivist, and social learning theories and their relationship to instructional practices and course design are also examined. Factors that influence learning, such as learning styles, motivation, and engagement, are also explored. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EIDT 6121 |
Multimedia Design and Development I
In this first of two multimedia courses, students take a systematic approach to the design and development of multimedia for instruction. Specifically, students will explore various applications within the Adobe Creative Cloud. Applying basic principles of visual literacy, students gain practical experience with text, graphics, and web design for the creation of interactive learning experiences. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EIDT 6122 |
Multimedia Design and Development II
In this second of two multimedia courses, students take a systematic approach to the design and development of multimedia for instruction. Specially, students will continue to explore the various applications within the Adobe Creative Cloud, as well as Adobe Captivate. Applying basic principles of visual literacy, students gain practical experience with audio, video, and screen capturing for the creation of interactive learning experiences. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EIDT 6100 |
Instructional Design
In this course, educators learn the foundational principles and elements of the instructional systems development process, from analysis through evaluation. They explore commonly used instructional design models, such as ADDIE, and they learn how to apply them in an education or training environment. They gain an understanding of the preliminary phases of instructional design models, such as writing instructional objectives and conducting analyses. Educators also focus on incorporating sound instructional strategies into the design and development of instructional systems and into the development of prototypes in real-world instructional settings. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EIDT 6110 |
Advanced Instructional Design
This course is designed to extend educators' knowledge and application of the instructional design process. Educators gain a deeper understanding of best practices for implementing and evaluating education and training programs. They engage in a variety of assignments that emphasize the delivery of instruction and the various strategies for assessing student learning both during and after instruction. Educators demonstrate their understanding of course concepts by solving a real-world instructional or performance improvement problem. Prerequisites
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(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6125 |
Foundations of Research
An introduction to the principles and processes of research is provided in this course. Education professionals explore the various steps and considerations of the research process. They develop an understanding of basic research methodologies and statistical analyses, learn how to formulate research problems and questions, conduct a literature review, and critique and evaluate research. Additionally, they consider the ethical responsibilities of the researcher. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6135 |
Distance Learning
Online education could be the driving force that transforms education and training practices in the 21st century. Through this lens, education professionals explore the current trends impacting the field of distance education and their implications for the design and development of distance-learning programs. They examine the different models, theories, and technologies used in the development and delivery of online education and training programs. They also explore the implications and considerations of designing instruction for blended, fully online, instructor-led, and self-paced learning environments. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6145 |
Project Management in Education and Training
Purposeful and careful planning is a key element to the success of any program. In this course, education professionals explore the systematic approaches to project management. Education professionals learn to use various project management tools, procedures, and methodologies, which they apply to projects in a real-world education or training environment. They also analyze the interrelated nature of the triple constraints of time, cost, and scope as well as their influence on the overall quality of the project. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
Capstone |
||
| EIDT 6910 |
Capstone: Practical Application of Instructional Design
This course is the culminating experience for the program. Educators are provided with the opportunity to exhibit their knowledge, skills, and creativity in an authentic situation. They demonstrate their ability to integrate instructional design principles and practical skills and apply them to a real-world learning or performance problem. Educators work with a client in a consultative capacity or explore a case study that may include front-end analyses; design, development, and implementation of performance support and instructional materials; and/or evaluation of an instructional or performance support program. Prerequisites
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(3 sem. cr.) |
| VIEW ALL COURSES | ||
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admissions Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Tuition and Fees
General Program Specialization
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 30 semester credit hours | $656 per semester hour | $19,680 |
| Technology Fee | Per semester | $220 | $1,100 |
| $20,780* |
Effective January 9, 2023
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 30 semester credit hours | $680 per semester hour | $20,400 |
| Technology Fee | Per semester | $230 | $1,150 |
| $21,550* |
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 15 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
General Program
Gain the hands-on design experience you need to harness technology to create rich, effective, and innovative curricula.
Online Learning
Explore strategies for developing and delivering online content and assessing student learning in online environments.
Training and Performance Improvement
Learn how to identify performance gaps, conduct needs assessments, and evaluate learning solutions for your organization.
Elevate and Expand Your Professional Options
Walden’s MS in Instructional Design and Technology is a career-focused program that prepares you for the field with job-relevant skills and credentials, including a post-baccalaureate certificate of proficiency when you complete your first six courses. This program’s capstone project and virtual student showcase gives you the opportunity to build your résumé and portfolio to share with prospective employers. Train on industry-standard software and develop the skills to assess, create, and manage learning materials—and prepare to build a career with impact.
As more organizations adopt learner-centric models of teaching, the need for knowledgeable and skilled instructional designers continues to grow. With an online master’s in instructional design from Walden, you’ll benefit from our history of expertise and leadership in the development of targeted online instructional content.
Since 2004, demand for instructional designers has been on the rise—up by more than 20% nationwide.1 According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary range for instructional coordinators was $50,930–85,090 in May 2019.2
A master’s in Instructional Design and Technology can prepare you to pursue career options such as:3
- Instructional designer
- Curriculum designer
- Instructional coach
- Education coordinator
A master’s in instructional design and technology can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Educational institutions
- Corporations
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of Walden’s MS in Instructional Design and Technology program will be prepared to:
- Design and implement conditions for learning by applying principles, theories, and research associated with instructional systems design, message design, instructional strategies, and learner characteristics.
- Develop instructional materials and experiences by applying principles, theories, and research related to print, audiovisual, computer-based, and integrated technologies.
- Use processes and resources for learning by applying principles, theories, and research related to media utilization, diffusion, implementations, and policy making.
- Plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise instructional technology by applying principles, theories, and research related to project, resource, delivery system, and information management.
- Evaluate the adequacy of instruction and learning by applying principles, theories, and research related to problem analysis, criterion references measurement, formative and summative evaluation, and long-range planning.
- Demonstrate the ability to facilitate equitable access to instructional materials for all learners.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply common technology tools to create innovative learning solutions and materials.
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Mark Clauburg
Program DirectorDr. Clauburg is the program director for Walden’s EdS in Educational Technology, MS in Instructional Design and Technology, and PhD in Education programs. He holds an EdD in Instructional Technology from Nova Southern University and a master’s from Stockton University.
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Debra Chester
Academic CoordinatorA former public school educator and media specialist with over three decades of experience, Debra Chester is the specialization coordinator for the MS in Instructional Design and Technology programs and the PhD in Education program in the School of Higher Education, Leadership, and Policy in The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership.
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Susan Schnorr
Contributing FacultySusan Schnorr has been teaching at Walden since 2011 and is a lead faculty member in the instructional design and technology program. She is also president of a consultant firm specializing in instructional design that works with Fortune 100 companies to design and deliver corporate training programs.
Testimonials
Without Walden, I would never have had the opportunity to move up in my company and work from home to start my own business.
Lisa Wesley MS in Instructional Design and Technology Graduate
I love the connections I’ve made through Walden and how alumni keep in touch through the alumni network and Facebook.
April Jones MS in Instructional Design and Technology Graduate
I was a Walden faculty member before I became a Walden student, and I found the experience challenging and rewarding.
Steven Hoagland MS in Instructional Design and Technology Graduate
Resource Articles
What Is Instructional Design, and Is It for You?
Resource Articles
10 Surprising Facts About Online Degrees
FAQ About Walden’s Online MS in Instructional Design and Technology Program
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While the name may be unfamiliar to some, the expanding field of instructional design and technology lives at the intersection of technology and education and is ideal for those passionate about educating others. From online classes to corporate training, instructional design focuses on the development of technology-based learning—both the curriculum itself and the platforms through which it is delivered.
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Offered by many on-campus and online colleges and universities, an MS in Instructional Design and Technology will teach you not only about how people learn, but about the best, most effective ways to educate them. You’ll gain the skills necessary to assess, build, and administer technology-based learning experiences. A master’s in instructional design and technology will also equip you with the know-how to apply theory, research, creativity, and problem-solving tactics to a variety of technology-based learning applications in the corporate, education, and nonprofit sectors.
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MS in Instructional Design and Technology degree-seekers have many options when it comes to choosing the program that is right for them. However, a few key factors should always be considered before deciding. First, flexible scheduling can be key for working professionals, which is why online degree programs are such a popular choice. It’s also important to be able to connect with other professionals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, which can greatly enhance your educational experience. Lastly, be sure you choose a university with a strong support team that is invested in helping you succeed as you work toward earning your degree.
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The educational technology field needs instructional designers capable of creating materials and programs that deliver outstanding educational outcomes. With an MS in Instructional Design and Technology, you can put yourself in position to become just such a designer.
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When seeking out instructional designers, employers often look for candidates who hold a degree in the field. That’s because instructional designers with the right degree are far more likely to have the right skills, too. According to Dr. Mark Clauburg, MS in Instructional Design and Technology program director at Walden University, “Employers of instructional designers are requiring their employees to have knowledge of specific software applications, including Adobe Creative Cloud and Captivate. We know this because it’s listed in the majority of job descriptions. As a result, Walden now provides students in the MS in Instructional Design and Technology program with access to the Creative Cloud and Adobe Captivate, and students use this industry-standard software throughout their program.”
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