Instructional design involves designing, developing and delivering various learning products, from online courses and instructional manuals to video tutorials and learning simulations.
Professionals in this field need to possess a diverse skill set, including knowledge in research, curriculum development, psychology, education theory, creativity and more. Graduates of St. Thomas University’s online Master of Science (MS) in Instructional Design and Technology program are well-equipped to assume multiple roles outside of traditional education settings.
What Can You Do With an Instructional Design Degree?
This online MS in Instructional Design and Technology program focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills to design, develop and implement effective learning experiences and educational materials using technology. It blends elements of instructional design, educational technology and pedagogy to prepare graduates for various roles. Below are some of the non-educator roles that graduates are qualified to pursue. Note that salary information is current as of September 2023 and may change based on factors such as location and experience level.
- Senior instructional designer. Senior instructional designers are responsible for leading the design and development of complex learning solutions. They collaborate with subject matter experts to analyze learning needs, create instructional strategies and oversee the development of materials and content.They also guide junior designers and ensure that the learning products align with organizational goals and objectives. The average yearly salary for senior instructional designers in the U.S. is about $95,156, or $46 per hour, depending on experience and location.
- E-learning developer. These developers focus on creating engaging and interactive online courses and modules. They use various authoring tools and multimedia elements to design user-friendly content that is compelling for online learners.E-learning developers are skilled in multimedia production, HTML, CSS and instructional design principles. E-learning developers can expect to earn an average annual salary of $80,256, or $39 per hour, depending on their experience, location and the organization they work for.
- Instructional design and technology trainers deliver training programs to employees, clients or end-users to use learning products and technologies. They facilitate workshops, webinars and hands-on training sessions to ensure effective utilization of instructional materials. The average yearly salary for trainers varies widely based on the industry and location, but the approximate annual pay is $78,881.
- Instructional systems developer. Instructional systems developers focus on designing and implementing learning management systems (LMS) and other technology-based platforms to deliver and track training and educational content. They work on the technical aspects of instructional design, including LMS configuration, data analytics and system integration. The annual salary for instructional systems developers can range from $83,517 to $104,086.
- Course developer. Course developers are responsible for creating and organizing educational content, including lesson plans, assessments and multimedia materials. They ensure content aligns with instructional objectives and the target audience’s needs.
Course developers often work in a variety of industries beyond traditional education settings. The average pay for course developers is $92,160, or $44.31 per hour.
Next Steps Toward a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design and Technology
St. Thomas University’s online MS in Instructional Design and Technology program is ideal for individuals who aspire to work in the education sector but prefer non-classroom roles. The program provides graduates with the necessary skills in instructional design, technology integration and educational theory, making them versatile professionals capable of contributing to diverse fields such as corporate training, healthcare, government and more. With a strong foundation, graduates are well-prepared to excel in these non-educator roles, shaping the future of learning and development in various industries.
Learn more about St. Thomas University’s online Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology program.
