Online Instructional Design Programs

Are you trying to decide on accredited online instructional design programs to enroll in? Is an instructional design career is ideal for you?

Online Instructional Design: Succeeding in Masters and PhD Degree Programs

First, you want to keep in mind that there are many instructional technology and instructional design programs that you can enroll in. However, the actual preparation and concentration will depend on what you want to specialize in upon graduation. Currently, my universities and colleges offer the program only at the graduate degree level. I.e. M.A., M.Ed., M.S., Ed.S. Ed.D, and Ph.D. level.

Second, consider what instructional designers to, an how that relates to your professional goals. Also, remember that the instructional designers task is to develop instructional content that is to be used by teachers, trainers, instructional designers, with the goals of enhancing learning outcomes. Hence, instructional technologists make decisions on the effectiveness of delivery methods, instructional outcomes, and learning experiences. It therefore requires the instructional designer to have a good working knowledge of educational psychology, selecting instructional media, and understanding learners.

Locate Colleges and Universities offering Instructional Technology Programs

Online instructional design programs and online educational technology degree programs

Universities with Masters and PhD Online Instructional Design Programs

Walden University

• Instructional Design Certificate
• B.S. in Instructional Design and Technology
• Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Technology
• M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology
  • General
• Training and Performance Improvement
• Online Learning
• Masters in Education Integrating Technology in the Classroom (Grades K–12)
• Ph.D. in Education - Adult Education Leadership
• Ph.D. in Education - Educational Technology

Capella University

• PhD - Instructional Design for Online Learning
• PhD - Postsecondary and Adult Education
• PhD - Training and Performance Improvement
• MS - Instructional Design for Online Learning
• MS - Postsecondary and Adult Education
• MS - Training and Performance Improvement

Jones International University

• MEd in Adult Education
• MEd in Corporate Training and Knowledge Management
• MEd in e-Learning Technology and Design
• MEd in K-12 Instructional Technology

American InterContinental University Online

• Master's of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Technology

• Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology
• Master's - Educational Technology (Online Only)

Strayer University

• M.ED.: Technology in Education

Western Governors University

• M.Ed. Instructional Design
• M.Ed. Learning and Technology

As future student in instructional design programs, you ought to consider several issues when selecting your ideal program or university. It is important to think about your future professional goals, your expertise and interests, distance learning options, and the cost of the program.

Another consideration when doing your research on the schools is what names to type in for your Internet searches. Some fairly common titles of programs are: Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation, Learning Technologies, Educational Technology, Instructional Technology, Instructional Design and Development, Instructional Systems Technology, Instructional Design, Instructional Design and Technology, Instructional and Performance Technology, and Computer Education. The importance of knowing this is that the name of the program might indicate the coursework you will be expected to complete.

The next important thing to consider is whether the online instructional design programs you select are accredited. Accreditation means that the instructional 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. Most potential employers require a degree from an accredited university. Also, if you ever have to transfer or join new Online instructional design programs, your new institution might not accept the credits if the school is not accredited.

Instructional design programs of study prepare you for different specializations. Instructional designers and instructional technologists, and e-learning personnel all work in various environments including companies, corporations, K-12, higher education, government, military, and non-profit organizations.

Whenever possible try and schedule a visit to the institution that you are interested in and talk to the instructors and students. Ask them questions about internships, jobs, employment, the kinds of courses you will be taking and the general structure of the programs. Check out the classrooms, library resources, and computer labs to see what is available to the students. This information will help you in making final decisions.

An academic advisor will generally be assigned to work with you in developing your program of study. Different programs have different course requirements and some departments may offer specialized tracks and courses that encourage specialization in different areas in instructional design. This all depends on the structure and makeup of the program and options for electives.

Instructional design is a growing field for people who enjoy training, working with learners, developing multimedia, and designing instructional content. This makes online instructional design degree programs quite crucial as part of the requisite qualifications. The profession has established a broad knowledge base in learning psychology, cultural studies, and media studies. The online instructional design degree and the instructional design profession continues to expand as more organizations move toward e-learning, human performance technology, and other instructional modes.