Instructional design supports operations within higher education, healthcare, business, government and nonprofits. Organizations now deliver training and support remotely, at scale and across locations and devices, creating a steady demand for professionals who design, manage and assess learning experiences.
At St. Thomas University, the online Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology degree program helps students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for these professional roles. Explore what the program covers, the career opportunities and earning potential it offers and more important information for prospective students.
What Is Instructional Design and Technology?
An online M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology prepares students to design, facilitate and evaluate learning in digital formats. This degree develops an understanding of learning theories and instructional design and their applications to various educational platforms and technologies, including learning management systems (LMS), websites and multimedia tools.
Because instructional design and technology are relevant for any organization that delivers training or education, this degree prepares graduates for a wide variety of roles. Graduates pursue instructional design careers across a range of industries, such as:
- Healthcare
- Higher education
- Government
- Nonprofits
- Corporations
What You’ll Learn: Core Curriculum and Skills
Graduate study in instructional design and technology blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on application. Students develop their understanding of how people learn, and then refine their technical and creative abilities to design, deliver and evaluate digital learning experiences.
By the end of the program, graduates will be able to manage the full instructional design process utilizing modern tools to support learning in various settings. The instructional design and technology program offers these courses and skills.
Core Course Offerings
The curriculum structure develops expertise in various interconnected topics, including learning theory, design models and specialized tools. Each course addresses a specific area of knowledge while reinforcing skills that connect across the program:
- Technology to Support Educational Leadership: Explores issues and concerns in technology and education with an emphasis on planning and evaluation in K-12 settings. Students gain knowledge of computer applications for administrative and instructional uses.
- Psychological Foundations of Education: Focuses on how psychological principles relate to and influence learning. Students apply these principles to design approaches that address different learner needs and backgrounds.
- Instructional Technology: Offers a comprehensive overview of the instructional technology field, covering topics such as history, critical issues and emerging trends.
- Instructional Design: Theories and Models: Covers established and emerging instructional design frameworks related to pedagogical theories.
- Technology Integration: Teaches strategies for integrating technology into learning experiences to enhance engagement and results. Students design and develop technology-based projects, exploring topics such as integration frameworks across learning subjects.
- Multimedia Design and Development: Develops technical production skills for graphics, audio and video used in instructional contexts. Students learn visual design principles, media editing, desktop publishing and more to design and create appealing and valuable educational content for various kinds of learners.
- Educational Measurement: Introduces methods for designing assessments that align with learning objectives. Students create test items, rubrics and performance evaluations and learn to interpret results to guide program improvement.
- Practicum in Instructional Technology: Provides direct experience applying knowledge and skills in a supervised workplace. Students complete a project from planning through evaluation, producing an ePortfolio that demonstrates professional competence.
Technical and Soft Skills
Alongside academic coursework, the instructional design and technology program develops a mix of technical and soft skills. Supporting each element of instructional design, developing these skills prepares graduates to succeed in varied professional contexts.
Technical skills include:
- Digital learning design: Plan the structure and activities of learning programs, ensuring that each element contributes to defined outcomes.
- E-learning authoring tools: Build interactive e-learning content using specialized platforms optimized for mobile delivery and accessibility.
- Game-based learning: Integrate game elements, such as challenges and rewards, to maintain engagement and promote learning.
- Coding/programming: Apply basic scripting to customize e-learning interactions, automate processes and integrate tools across platforms.
- Multimedia tools and design: Create and edit graphics, videos and audio assets that support comprehension and engagement while meeting accessibility standards.
- Learning management systems: Configure courses, manage user access and generate analytics reports to monitor progress and effectiveness.
- Data analysis: Use learning analytics and assessment results to evaluate program success and identify areas for improvement.
Soft skills include:
- Leadership: Direct projects, mentor team members and make strategic decisions about technology adoption and instructional approaches.
- Project management: Plan scope, schedule, resources, risks and quality controls for instructional design projects to ensure timely development and quality standards.
- Critical thinking and analysis: Evaluate tools, methods and data to determine the most effective solutions for specific instructional challenges.
- Communication: Present ideas clearly in written, verbal and visual formats, tailoring messages to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Cultural competence and agility: Adapt content and delivery methods to suit the needs and expectations of different cultural and linguistic groups.
- Creativity: Generate original concepts and approaches that engage learners while meeting defined learning objectives.
What You’ll Earn: Careers and Salary
An advanced degree in instructional design and technology opens opportunities in multiple industries. Digital learning has become standardized in corporate, academic and public-sector environments, increasing demand for instructional design professionals with the skills needed for roles ranging from hands-on course design to high-level program management.
In healthcare, for instance, changes in medical technology and regulations require ongoing training for clinicians and administrators. Likewise, many technology companies require public-facing tutorials and onboarding modules for their users and customers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects up to 12% job growth over the next 10 years for training and development professionals. Professionals earn median annual salaries ranging from $58,970 for administrative services to $145,610 for management roles. Common job titles for instructional design and technology professionals include:
- Instructional designer
- Training and development manager
- Learning and development specialist
- Educational coordinator
- E-learning curriculum designer
- LMS administrator
- Project manager (learning-focused)
- Digital learning consultant
Inside the Online Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology Program at STU
STU’s online M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology is delivered fully online, providing students with the flexibility to balance coursework with their existing commitments, while engaging in academically rigorous, hands-on learning experiences. Faculty bring both academic and industry experience, offering insights that connect theory to current workplace practices.
The curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership and professional considerations, including accessibility standards and learner privacy. Throughout the program, students create portfolio-ready work, such as interactive training modules, multimedia lessons and comprehensive assessment plans, providing a clear demonstration of their skills to potential employers.
Advance Your Career With an Online Education in Instructional Design and Technology
An online master’s in learning design and technology equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead digital learning across various industries. STU’s program pairs educational science with technology, preparing graduates to design, implement and evaluate learning.
For professionals aiming to advance in instructional design and technology within education, corporate learning, healthcare training or other fields, this degree offers a flexible and clear path. Learn more or apply for STU’s online M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology program to start driving your education and career forward.
