How Many Years for a Master's Degree in Instructional Design & Learning Technology?
“Like many people, I had these skills and never realized that there was this career
path that would allow me to merge skills of teamwork, training, learning, designing,
and developing—all while embracing my creative spirit. It really is a special field
and when the finished product is done well, it can make for a great experience for
the end user.”
—Professor David Garaventa, Program Director
Instructional designers are professionals who design, develop, and evaluate educational materials and programs. They use instructional strategies and technologies to create effective learning experiences for students of all ages. The primary goal of instructional designers is to improve the learning experience by making it more engaging, effective, and efficient.
Instructional designers typically work in a variety of settings, including K-12 schools, colleges and universities, corporate training departments, and e-learning companies. They may also work as independent consultants.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, you may be wondering how you could become an instructional designer. How long would it take? Could you complete it online?
How long does it take to become an instructional designer?
If you’re interested in becoming an instructional designer and already have a bachelor’s degree, your next step would be to complete a Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology.
The length of time it takes to complete the degree depends on you, but it generally takes about 18-24 months. That’s because completion time depends on a few variables—the program you enroll in, the number of courses you take per term or semester, and whether or not your program offers courses all through the year, or only during the fall, winter, and spring semesters.
What else should I know about the degree?
The global pandemic accelerated the adoption of learning online. Today, more degree programs offer fully online courses and degrees. That’s great news for people who might not live near an educational institution where they want to study, or need to allow time for job, family, and other commitments.
If you’re considering earning your MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology, think about how you learn best—in person, online, or a mixture of both? Do you do better in a traditional, on-campus setting? You may find it easier to concentrate and enjoy connecting, problem-solving, and networking with other students from a wide range of backgrounds.
Or do you prefer online learning? You may need scheduling flexibility (especially if you have a job or busy family life) Is less commuting time important to you, so you have time for other activities? Or does your proximity to a program prevent you from attending?
Is a hybrid format, which combines in-person and online classes, a better fit for you? Many times in-person classes are held on weekends, which allows you to continue working while completing your master’s.
Albertus Magnus College’s Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology is an example of just such a hybrid program, available to people across the country—and around the world.
The Albertus Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology
The Instructional Design and Learning Technology master’s degree at Albertus is a 30-credit program. Offered in an accelerated format, most students can complete their Instructional Design and Learning Technology degree in 1.5 years—while taking only 2 classes at a time. This combination of a comprehensive yet compact curriculum gives you the chance to develop relevant skills while earning industry-recognized credentials (such as Quality Matters certifications).
Over the course of the program, you’ll learn how to construct and implement cutting-edge curriculum and training programs within a variety of professional settings, from K-12 classrooms to public or private sectors.
Class sizes are kept small, so you’ll get personalized attention from your professors, each of whom provides a unique perspective. You’ll experience hands-on, experiential learning with an emphasis on collaborative work with your fellow students.
And to help you leverage your degree, you’ll experience active career counseling, opportunity-building networking, and access to internships and other professional experiences.
A hybrid program format
The MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology at Albertus is set up to help you succeed. You’ll experience the program in the format that works best for you: online, blended, and FLEX. What’s the difference?
Online
If you choose the online option, you’ll take 1 or 2 classes every 8 weeks from the comfort of your own home. Best of all, you’ll be able to work on assignments on your own time, at your own pace.
Blended
With the blended option, you’ll still take 1 or 2 classes every 8 weeks, but your classes will be a combination of in-class sessions and online assignments. You will attend class on campus 1 night per week. You’ll benefit from in-class discussions while completing projects and assignments from home.
FLEX
The Albertus FLEX option gives you the ability to build courses around your schedule and learning preferences. You can choose to take classes in either a blended or online format—simply select the format that works best for you every time you register for a new course.
Featured Faculty Attend our open house events on Instructional Design.“I believe that the Albertus master’s degree in Instructional Design and Learning Technology will pave the way for a new wave of designers who are poised to create and deliver meaningful teaching, learning, and training experiences for businesses and schools of all types.”
—David Garaventa, CIS Program Director