What is instructional design and technology?

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.

What will you learn in an instructional design and technology degree program?

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.

How do you choose the best MS in Instructional Design and Technology program?

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.

Why should you earn your MS in Instructional Design and Technology online?

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.

What do employers look for when hiring instructional designers?

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.”

Online Master's in Instructional Design and Technology

This updated master’s degree program in instructional design and technology will teach you to build quality education and training experiences using employer-recognized Adobe technology.

Those who can analyze learning or training needs and design technology-supported instructional materials have seen double-digit career growth within the past four years. In this master’s in instructional design and technology program, you'll learn to apply theory, research, creativity, and problem-solving skills to a variety of technology applications in order to help reshape the way information is created, integrated, and delivered. You will also develop the skills to assess, create, and manage training materials. The combination of these skills will help you to support technology-based training in educational institutions and corporate training environments. Through your coursework, you will gain the experience needed to efficiently and effectively use technology and multimedia tools, including Adobe Captivate and Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

A Relevant Instructional Design and Technology Degree

When you choose to earn your master’s degree in instructional design and technology from Walden, you will gain career-focused training from a leading online university that uses the tools of technology to develop cutting-edge curricula. You’ll benefit from Walden’s own experience in online content development and instructional delivery. Plus, you’ll gain firsthand knowledge of a learning management system and how it is used to provide engaging and content-rich instruction.

Curriculum by Specializations

Walden’s MS in Instructional Design and Technology program offers a General Program without a specialization, or two optional specializations to help you meet your personal and professional goals. Learn more about each specialization and its related curriculum:

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this 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.

Career Impact

Technology is rapidly changing the way people learn throughout higher education, businesses, and government agencies. With the advancement of emerging technologies, the dynamics of how people learn, both onsite and online, is much more accessible and interactive. The Web, social networking applications, online applications, and mobile learning are redefining the way we communicate information.

Realizing this, organizations are focused on hiring and developing talented and knowledgeable personnel to help reshape the way information is created, integrated, and delivered. Instructional designers are becoming a very important part of the curriculum-development process. Those who can analyze learning or training needs and design technology-supported instructional materials have seen double-digit career growth within the past four years.

Technology-enhanced learning trends will continue to open doors to job opportunities in explosive growth areas such as online learning in P-12 and higher education. Earning an MS in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden can prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and experience to excel in a number of positions, including:

Instructional designer
Training developer
Online instructor
Performance improvement consultant
Manager of e-learning delivery

Information architect
Course editor
Desktop publishing, Web design, or multimedia specialist
Educational technology specialist/consultant

Testimonials

Hollis Easter

MS in Instructional Design and Technology Graduate

This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to create engaging instructional materials grounded in learning theory and aligned to best practices. They will be using industry-standard applications, including Adobe Creative Cloud software and Adobe Captivate, to design and develop high quality learning experiences. Plus, at Walden, they are learning from an experienced leader in online content development and instructional delivery.

Walden is so much more than an online university; it is a university that cares about your success as a person.

Walden’s instructors are there to assist in your education. You are never alone in your journey.

Mark Clauburg, EdD Program Director, Riley College of Education and Leadership

Seletha Tucker MS in Early Childhood Studies Graduate / EdD Student

Yvette Taylor MS in Early Childhood Studies Graduate

FAQ About Walden’s Online MS in Instructional Design and Technology Program

Note on Teacher Licensure or Certification
This program does not lead to teacher licensure or certification. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.

Questions about our MS in Instructional Design and Technology?

We're here to help. Talk to your personal enrollment specialist for more information today. Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

We're here to help. Talk to your personal enrollment specialist for more information today. Please use our Domestic Form if you live in the U.S.

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