Online instructional design degree programs are a good option for those who enjoy working with learners in a technology-based environment. Locating good instructional design masters and instructional design PhD programs is a step toward this direction.
Instructional design degree programs listed on this site are accredited. It is important to get your degree from an accredited program because it enhances your career mobility and provides greater flexibility in the types of jobs that you can apply for. Many employers require a degree from an accredited university. It is important to enroll in an accredited program for the purposes of transferring credits or joining another degree, for example a Ph.D. Again, most schools will not accept credits from an unaccredited institution and you will have wasted your money and time.
Some colleges and universities offer Masters in Instructional Design while others offer doctoral degrees in instructional technology and other related degrees including:
Doctor of Philosophy in Computing Technology in Education
Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.) - Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.) - Elementary Math
Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.) - Elementary Reading
Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.) - K-12 Technology Integration
Master of Science in Information Technology in Education
Instructional Design and Technology Education and Training
Prospective students should consider several factors when choosing between different instructional design degree programs. For example, future career plans, interest and expertise in various specializations, geographic mobility, distance learning opportunities, and financial resources. These guidelines suggest some information gathering techniques to assist prospective students in choosing a program. Different schools use different names for their programs, for example:
Accreditation means that a program has undergone a self-evaluation process, been reviewed by peers, and other accrediting bodies. Accrediting organizations evaluate programs on the conformity to standards, which address mission, goals, and objectives, curriculum, faculty, students, administration and financial support, and physical resources and facilities.
Below is a summary that is intended to help you figure out the options that best suite your needs. Contact individual universities you may be interested for in-depth information regarding their programs, course offerings, distance education programs, admissions, financial aid, and degrees. If possible, visiting the schools that offer the instructional design degree program, and/or talking to faculty members can help you select the program that best meets your goals. Also take time to examine facilities such as computer and library resources, affordability, housing, and extra-curricular activities, possibilities of employments and internships are some issues that you should examine.
Generally, programs require a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (often higher) on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent, e.g., B average). Many programs in the United States require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)Test scores. Some accept the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Some have no entry test requirements. Students from outside the United States may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Most programs request that students provide letters of recommendation and a statement of educational and professional objectives. Some programs, especially Ph.D. programs may also require a personal interview. In some programs, new students may be required to demonstrate computer skills early in the program.
Instructional Masters Degree Programs
Given the areas of emphasis listed above, there may be considerable variations in the curricula offered by the programs, such as the number and types of required courses. The number of academic credit hours required for a master's degree averages about 36 semester hours or 72 quarter hours. Some programs offer full-time programs, while others may have more students attending on a part time basis. For this reason, many instructional design degree programs that have on-campus courses offer evening classes. Depending on the school you may work toward a Master of Science (M. Sc.), Master of Arts (M. A.), or Master of Education (M.Ed).
Many programs will have a limit as to how long a student takes to complete a degree. If you are in a program too long, you may begin to lose credits or be required to retake some classes. Many programs can be completed on an average of two years if one is attending classes on a full time basis (2-4 classes depending on the program. Some programs require a thesis, practicum, comprehensive exam, masters research project or a combination of these requirements for graduation.
Difference Between Instructional Design PhD and Ed.D Degrees
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Education (Ed .D) degrees both take longer to complete. Although these also vary from program to program, the main difference between major Ph.D. and Ed .D degrees is the design and intent of the programs. An Ed .D instructional design degree program generally prepares practitioners. A program would include coursework, internships, and independent work in learning and direction, staff development, supervising, evaluation, and research synthesis. After graduating from instructional design degree programs, many people chose to work in school settings and universities. The Ph.D. program is a research degree and includes coursework, internships, and independent work in research designing, data analysis, and instructional theory. Ph.D. graduates tend to work in universities and research-based environments. Therefore a Ph.D. is based on original research while a Ed .D is practice oriented. Even with full time studies few people complete a program of study in less than four years, and part time students can take up to seven years. As with the masters degree be sure not to take too long to or you will start to lose credit hours. Doctorate programs require the completion of residency requirements (each school will define their residency requirements). Candidates are also required to work on a dissertation after completion of the coursework. This phase of the program is often referred to as ABD (all but dissertation.
Plan a program of study based on an assessment of your past experiences, education, personal strengths and interests, geographic mobility, intended career path, and future plans. During your time in the instructional design degree programs, you should be aware of job market opportunities but you should not necessarily let them dictate your choice to specialize. Faculty advisors in instructional design degree programs can help you in the process of developing a program of study that fits your needs. The programs have required courses to provide general preparation to practice in the profession. Some programs also offer specialized tracks or courses that permit or encourage concentration in a specific area as listed above. The opportunity to specialize in instructional design degree programs depends on the availability of relevant courses, on focused class projects. If you are interested in a certificate in instructional technology, DeVry University offers an Educational Technology Certificate.
Instructional Design Careers
Graduates work in a variety of different settings in corporations, schools, universities, government, military, and non-governmental organizations (NGO's) just to name a few areas.
Areas of Specialization in Instructional Design Degree Programs
Instructional design degree programs offer different areas of specialization to prepare their students. Instructional designers, instructional technologist, or e-learning specialists work in a variety of different settings in corporations, schools, universities, government, military, non-governmental organizations (NGO's) and in the medical professions. Many students enter a master's program knowing what they want to do when they graduate, some have not made a decision, and some see their interests shift once they are exposed to the wide variety of types and settings in which they can work.
Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics the incomes of graduates of campus and online instructional design degree programs vary widely depending on the job title. Curriculum designers earn a median salary of about $60,000 while corporate trainers earn around $92,000 a year. Teachers average about $53,000 annually while school administrators earn over $82,000 a year.
