Why Get a Master's Degree in Instructional Design + Learning Technology?

If the idea of assessing the learning needs of an audience, designing a plan to meet those needs, developing educational materials, training teachers or facilitators on how to use that material, and evaluating the effectiveness of the material speaks to your skillset, then consider earning a Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology. 

Why get an MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology? Read on!

"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."

—Professor David Garaventa

Rise in Demand for Instructional Designers

The demand for instructional designers has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of development specialists, which include instructional designers, is projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than average for all occupations. 

The BLS also states that the demand for instructional designers will be particularly high in the following industries:

Education

The increasing emphasis on teacher training and professional development is expected to drive demand for instructional designers in K-12 schools and higher education institutions.

Corporate training

As companies continue to invest in employee training and development, the demand for instructional designers in the corporate sector is expected to grow.

E-learning

With the increasing popularity of online and digital learning, the demand for instructional designers in the e-learning industry is expected to continue to grow.

Government

Government agencies are expected to continue to invest in employee training and development, leading to increased demand for instructional designers.

Healthcare

The healthcare industry is expected to continue to grow, leading to increased demand for instructional designers who can create training programs for healthcare professionals.

Other industries 

Other industries such as gaming, retail and other sectors where training is needed are also expected to see an increase in demand for instructional designers.

Okay. You get that there’s a big demand for instructional designers. You’re interested in helping to fill the need for. But now you want to know what getting a Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology can do for you.

Here’s what a Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology Can Do for You

A master's degree in instructional design can:

  • Provide an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of instructional design, including how to conduct needs assessments, design and develop instructional materials, and evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. 
  • Prepare you to design and develop effective educational and training materials, including online and classroom-based courses. 
  • Provide the knowledge and skills needed to analyze the learning needs of different audiences and create instructional materials that meet those needs. 
  • Help you advance your careers in education, training, and e-learning. 
  • Open doors to many different industries such as healthcare, corporate, government, and non-profit sectors.
  • Prepare you for leadership roles in instructional design, such as instructional design manager, instructional design consultant, or e-learning manager. 
  • Provide the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of instructional design, such as e-learning, mobile learning, or game-based learning.
  • Teach you about the latest tools and software and how to use them effectively.
  • Provide you with the knowledge and skills to stay current with the latest trends and technologies in the field. As technology continues to advance, instructional designers need to be able to create and design digital instructional materials that are engaging and interactive. 
  • Provide you with the opportunity to conduct research in the field of instructional design. This can include researching and developing new instructional methods, evaluating the effectiveness of existing instructional materials, or studying the impact of technology on learning. 
  • Can help you connect with other professionals in the field, as well as potential employers, and build your professional network. 

What you gain with a Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology

And that’s not all a master’s degree can do for you. It can also help you advance your career in a number of ways. How? Just take a look:

Career opportunities 

A degree in instructional design can open up career opportunities in a variety of fields, such as education, corporate training, e-learning, and instructional design consulting.

Knowledge and skills

A degree in instructional design provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to design and develop effective educational materials, such as lesson plans, tutorials, and assessments. This can help individuals become more effective in their current positions or help them take on new roles.

Professional development

A degree in instructional design can help individuals stay current with the latest trends and best practices in the field. This can help them be more effective in their current roles and make them more marketable to potential employers.

Networking

A degree in instructional design can also provide individuals with the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field. This can help individuals make connections that can lead to new job opportunities or collaborations.

Personal growth

A degree in instructional design can be a challenging and rewarding experience that can help individuals grow both personally and professionally.

Earn Your Degree at Albertus Magnus College

If you’re ready to earn your master’s in instructional design and are looking for a program, consider the Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology at Albertus Magnus College.

Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), The Tagliatela School of Business and Leadership at Albertus offers an instructional design and learning technology master’s degree program that provides students with what they need to work in the ever-growing field of instructional design. 

The 30-credit program is where creativity meets technical skill. During the 1.5-year 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. 

Coupling the foundation of Instructional Design with technology, particularly that which has allowed a virtual workforce to thrive during the pandemic, is what will further professional development within your desired industry.

What are you waiting for? Let’s get started!