Instructional design has emerged as a high-growth field that offers professionals a variety of potential career paths, in industries including education, corporate training, nonprofit development and government. The demand for qualified professionals stems from the rise of online learning, corporate reskilling programs and the need for more engaging digital content. Instructional design professionals create effective learning experiences by combining educational theory, technology and practical tools to guide learners toward achieving their full potential.
Graduates of the online Master of Science (MS) in Instructional Design and Technology program at St. Thomas University (STU) gain the skills to inspire academic and professional growth, including curriculum planning, technology integration, and leading strategic initiatives in education and beyond. They are prepared to meet growing demand in a profession that offers a multitude of career paths and a strong potential for professional growth.
What Does an Instructional Designer Do?
An instructional designer develops materials to align with specific training and learning goals, including educational programs, training modules and learning resources. They also often evaluate student potential by conducting needs assessments, identifying learning objectives and creating materials that engage learners across various settings. The role may also involve evaluating existing programs to ensure they meet performance and compliance standards, ultimately improving learner engagement and retention.
Instructional designers rely on tools such as learning management systems, eLearning authoring software and multimedia design platforms. Professionals in this evolving field work in many environments, including K-12 schools, higher education institutions, corporations, nonprofits and government agencies. They may collaborate with subject matter experts, multimedia specialists, and organizational leaders to produce training solutions that support both individual development and organizational objectives.
Steps to Become an Instructional Designer
The path to becoming an instructional designer often follows a progressive route that blends formal education, hands-on experience and advanced study. It typically begins with earning a bachelor’s degree, with common undergraduate fields including education, communication, psychology or instructional technology. These programs provide foundational knowledge in learning theory, curriculum design and technology use in education.
Relevant work experience is another key step. Many instructional designers begin their careers as classroom teachers, corporate trainers or curriculum developers. This experience helps them understand learner needs and develop practical skills in assessment and engagement. Some professionals also pursue short-term training programs or an instructional design certification to build specialized skills.
Earning a master’s degree is often the next move for those seeking advancement or specialized roles. STU’s online MS in Instructional Design and Technology degree equips students with advanced skills in instructional systems design, multimedia development, project management and assessment. Coursework blends theory with practical application, preparing graduates to design innovative learning experiences across industries. A graduate program also helps candidates stand out in a competitive market by demonstrating expertise in both educational theory and modern learning technologies.
Instructional Designer Career Outlook
The demand for instructional designers has increased due to the expansion of online education and corporate e-learning. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for training and development specialists, roles closely aligned with instructional design, will grow 12% by 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is generated by the need for organizations to adapt learning content for remote and digital platforms.
Salary potential is another appealing factor for this field. According to BLS, the median annual wage for training and development specialists was $65,850 and $74,720 for instructional coordinators, as of 2024. Professionals can advance into senior roles such as instructional systems designer, learning and development manager, or director of training. Some also pursue consulting opportunities in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, as well as a variety of non-educator roles. In many cases, instructional designers can transition into project management, educational technology leadership or specialized curriculum development.
Why Should You Choose STU’s Online MS in Instructional Design and Technology Program?
STU’s MS in Instructional Design and Technology online program offers a values-based approach that emphasizes both technical expertise and ethical leadership. Students develop proficiency in learning technologies, instructional strategies and data-driven decision-making, while also exploring the ethical implications of technology use in education and training. Courses cover topics such as instructional systems design, multimedia development, project management and assessment strategies, ensuring graduates are prepared for real-world challenges.
The program’s flexible online format enables students to balance their studies with professional responsibilities and personal life needs. Experienced faculty teach courses, bringing real-world expertise to the virtual classroom and offering mentorship opportunities that extend beyond graduation. Students gain hands-on experience through projects that address current trends in instructional systems design and technology integration, and examine the role of professional development to provide a more detailed look at ways to enhance instructional design. The program prepares graduates to step into roles in higher education, corporate training, nonprofit program development and government initiatives.
Advancing Your Career in Instructional Design
Instructional design is a growing profession with applications in education, business and nonprofit sectors. The increasing reliance on digital content delivery ensures a continued demand for skilled designers who can create engaging learning experiences.
Graduates of STU’s online MS in Instructional Design and Technology program can pursue roles that combine creativity, technology and strategic thinking. By completing this advanced degree, they position themselves for leadership roles, higher earning potential and opportunities to shape the future of learning across industries.
