Instructional design is the process of creating learning experiences by analyzing, designing, developing, implementing and evaluating instructional materials. The professionals responsible for this process, instructional designers, are in high demand across a wide range of industries. Schools, universities and corporate organizations rely on them to develop curricula and online courses that educate students, train employees and support professional development.
This guide covers everything you need to know about becoming an instructional designer, from the benefits of a master’s program, like the online Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Curriculum and Instruction from Arkansas State University (A-State), to the long-term career outlook for the profession. By understanding the educational requirements, responsibilities and benefits of a career in instructional design, you’ll be equipped to take the next step in your professional journey.
What Does an Instructional Designer Do?
Instructional designers create learning experiences by designing and developing instructional materials, courses, programs and support tools. They’re employed by schools, universities, corporate companies, healthcare organizations and the government to craft these experiences for students, employees and other professionals.
The day-to-day responsibilities of an instructional designer include analyzing learning needs, developing curriculum and training materials, integrating technology tools, collaborating with experts, and evaluating the effectiveness of programs. Instructional designers use eLearning tools, video and graphic design software, collaboration platforms, and learning management systems to create content, deliver training and track progress. Their projects include anything from creating interactive eLearning modules for employee onboarding programs to crafting curriculum guides for students, from kindergarten through grade 12.
Steps to Become an Instructional Designer
Becoming an instructional designer requires a combination of advanced education, real-world experience and skill development. Most aspiring instructional designers begin their journey by completing a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as education, communication or business. These degrees provide core critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills that are applied when designing learning experiences.
Upon graduation, many professionals pursue positions in classroom teaching, instructional training and curriculum development. These roles help sharpen their skills and understanding of how students learn, how to structure content and how to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching methods. Internships, volunteer work, and freelance projects in educational or corporate settings also help aspiring instructional designers gain additional hands-on experience and enhance their portfolios.
The next step for many is earning a master’s degree, such as A-State’s MSE in Curriculum and Instruction online degree. Graduate-level programs provide advanced expertise in areas such as instructional theories, curriculum management and teaching evaluation. They also allow students to refine their skills, collaborate with peers and enhance their knowledge, ultimately helping them stand out when pursuing instructional design roles after graduation.
What Is the Career Outlook for Instructional Designers?
With the continuing growth of remote education, e-learning and digital content delivery, the demand for instructional designers is steadily increasing. Organizations, schools and districts continually seek professionals who can create engaging, accessible and effective learning materials tailored to varied student needs. Employment for training and development specialists is expected to grow 11% over the next decade, with close to 44,000 openings each year.
Pursuing a career in instructional design opens the door to advanced leadership roles and high earning potential. The median wage for instructional coordinators is $74,720, with the top 10% earning over $115,410 annually. As professionals advance in their careers, they often transition into roles such as instructional design manager or chief learning officer (CLO), which come with higher salaries, increased responsibility and greater influence within organizations.
Inside A-State’s Online MSE in Curriculum and Instruction Program
Arkansas State University’s online Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree offers working professionals a flexible pathway to strengthen their skills and expertise while preparing for a career in instructional design. Using convenient digital platforms, students enhance their leadership skills, deepen their understanding of curriculum development and gain experience with instructional technologies used in today’s learning environments.
With affordable tuition, multiple start dates throughout the year and accelerated online learning options, this program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), allows students to study on their own schedule while continuing to work full-time. Students can choose from three specialized tracks: Curriculum Director; Gifted, Talented and Creative Director; and Special Education Director. These degree tracks allow them to tailor their coursework to their long-term career goals.
Take the Next Step in Your Career With A-State’s Online MSE in C&I Degree
As schools and organizations continue to search for skilled professionals who can design, develop and evaluate learning materials, the demand for instructional designers is growing rapidly. With a strong combination of post-secondary education, real-world experience and skill development, professionals can pursue impactful careers in this field, helping to guide and craft learning experiences for individuals across industries.
The online MSE in Curriculum and Instruction program from A-State offers aspiring instruction designers a convenient pathway to achieve their goals, helping to sharpen their skills and expand their expertise in curriculum development, instructional technology and educational leadership. Contact a student engagement specialist today to learn more about A-State’s online MSE in Curriculum and Instruction program and take the next step toward a rewarding career in instructional design.