An instructional design degree is beneficial for people who want to create and deliver training and educational materials to learners, whether in a school or business setting.
This degree is also strategic for those who want to explore their talents while helping others do the same. Numerous companies, organizations, and institutions worldwide seek professionals with expertise in training and instructional design.
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Completing a Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design degree online could help you develop marketable skills in this growing field. Yet, what is a bachelor’s degree in instructional design, and what can you do with it? Continue reading to find out.
Online Bachelor’s in Instructional Design Degrees
In essence, bachelor degrees in instructional design focus on identifying learners’ needs and determining the study material they need.
You can discover how to create a learning plan specifically catering to learners’ needs through different instructional solutions, including digital and physical materials or experiences.
So, a bachelor’s in instructional design online degree helps you develop necessary knowledge to develop, build, and deliver educational and instructional experiences and products. You could learn how to develop materials for classrooms, businesses, organizations, and corporations.
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Instructional design majors are often tasked with demonstrating what they have learned through hands-on activities, classroom assignments, creative activities, and applied research. So, although this degree has a focus on theoretical education, it also has an important practical component.
Those who complete this online bachelors in education program usually become instructors or specialists in their fields. Some fields that employ instructional design professionals include:
- The military
- Non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
- Healthcare
- Private sector
After completing an instructional design degree, many graduates go on to pursue roles like the following:
- Instructional technology support specialist
- Training and development specialist
- Human resource development specialist
- E-learning specialist
- Learning and development specialist
- Instructional design staff support
Armed with this degree, you might work to train others, helping them develop their knowledge and skill sets within their fields of study or workplace.
Instructional Design Careers & Salaries
The skills learned while studying for an instructional design degree are often transferable between industries. Likewise, instructional designers can be found in multiple industries and sectors.
Some of the areas that employ instructional designers include higher education, businesses and corporations, the government, and K-12 schools.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of some potential career paths related to instructional design.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
| Technical Writers | $78,060 |
| Training and Development Specialists — Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $77,280 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $63,740 |
| Training and Development Specialists — Finance and Insurance | $63,460 |
| Training and Development Specialists — Educational Services | $62,600 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $62,290 |
| Training and Development Specialists — Healthcare and Social Assistance | $60,110 |
| Training and Development Specialists — Administrative and Support Services | $49,210 |
Overall employment in education, training, and library occupations is expected to grow by 7% over the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This steady growth is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
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The above careers are only a small sampling of potential roles for instructional design majors. While instructional coordinators often hold a masters degree, such as an on-campus or online masters in instructional design, a bachelors may help you qualify for entry-level roles in curriculum design and implementation for K-12 schools. Some graduates go on to earn their masters in the field.
Instructional Design Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses
Different schools have varying curricula and concentrations for this degree, but here are some typical courses you may find in an instructional design program:
- English Composition: During this course, you can develop analysis, organization, and development skills related to creating ideas.
- Ethics and Moral Reasoning: This course teaches you how to examine and evaluate arguments and theories surrounding moral reasoning and ethics from a philosophical perspective.
- Introduction to Film: You can expand your knowledge and appreciation of film, including how they are made to evoke emotion, develop character, and reflect society.
- American National Government: This course emphasizes the constitutional basis of American federalism, government, and political behavior alongside making national policy.
- Interpersonal Communication: During this course, you’ll learn how to understand the dynamics of interpersonal relationships alongside the nonverbal and verbal communication patterns in various settings.
- Information Literacy: This course teaches fundamental literacy and essential resources and skills to identify, locate, evaluate, and apply information gained through internet search engines and library databases.
- Issues in Education: You can learn about the various issues in education, including diversity in the classroom, teaching as a profession, and classroom management.
- Principles of Instructional Design: During this course, you can gain insight into various theories, including constructivist, cognitive, behaviorist, and social learning. You’ll also examine their relationship to instructional practices.
- Collaboration in the Virtual Classroom: This course teaches you how to use technology to promote collaboration, teamwork, and interaction in a virtual classroom.
- Evaluation of eLearning: During this course, you’ll learn how to evaluate eLearning products and the application of eLearning materials and principles.
Reviewing a prospective program’s course list can help you determine whether it aligns with your interests.
Admissions Requirements
Below we have listed a few of the common admission requirements you might come across when applying to study for an instructional design degree:
- High school transcripts or GED equivalent
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, on average
- Letter of intent
- SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
In addition, you will fill out an application with your chosen college or university. Some schools also require an application fee.
Accreditation
If you’re wanting to get an instructional design degree online, it’s beneficial to enroll in a college and university that holds regional accreditation. This level of accreditation is viewed as more prestigious because regional accrediting organizations evaluate schools based on stricter academic rules and regulations.
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A regionally accredited school can often afford students more benefits, and a degree from this type of school is also more widely recognized by employers. In addition, many financial aid options are only available to qualifying students who are enrolled in accredited institutions.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid may help you cover some of the upfront costs of an instructional design degree program. There are a number of financial aid opportunities available to students who qualify. For example, you could look into scholarships and federal aid.
If you want to apply for federal aid, you can fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Common forms of government aid include student loans, grants, and work-study programs. This form could also help determine your eligibility for various state and school-based grants.
In addition, many public and private schools offering instructional design degrees online offer scholarships. You could research scholarship opportunities from outside organizations as well.
What Is an Instructional Design Bachelor’s Degree?
An instructional design bachelor’s degree is a specialized degree program that prepares students to be leaders and innovators in designing and developing training and learning materials.
You can also learn how to develop instructional materials for both online and in-person learning environments. This program teaches students the necessary skills and knowledge for servicing numerous sectors. Potential employers include local and national corporations, businesses, government, schools, and international non-profit organizations.
Upon completing an instructional design degree, students will have learned how to work alongside talent management professionals while managing and directing learning experience design projects. They will also have studied how to use learning analytics to make transformative online learning experiences for others.
What Can You Do with an Online Degree in Instructional Design and Technology?
Many career paths are available to graduates with a degree in instructional design who want to help others realize and work toward achieving their career goals.
Some graduates enter the workforce as writers who develop educational material for elementary, middle, and secondary school. They might assist in writing course material, lesson plans, instructions for activities, and other learning resources. Others work as E-learning developers.
While instructional coordinators typically hold a masters, such as a masters in curriculum and instruction online or on campus, instructional design majors may qualify for entry-level positions.
Other instructional design professionals go on to write educational guides and training materials for corporations. They might also work as training and development specialists or HR development specialists.
What Education Is Needed to Be an Instructional Designer?
The education that’s needed to be an instructional designer will depend on various factors, such as the employer and industry.
Some universities offer an instructional design degree online as a bachelor’s degree, but these are not as common. Most instructional designer degrees are offered at the master’s or doctoral level. A masters-level education is the most common for professionals who want to become instructional designers or coordinators.
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A bachelors degree in instructional design can help you qualify for entry-level positions in the field. Many academic, government, and corporate employers, though, prefer hiring professionals with advanced degrees.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Instructional Design Degree?
Typically, it takes 4 years to complete an online instructional design degree if the program consists of 120 credits and traditional 16 week semesters.
The length of the program, though, can depend on the university offering it and whether or not you enroll full-time or part-time. Studying part-time will often extend the length of your program. Some online programs offer accelerated degree tracks, allowing you the potential to finish sooner with 8 week classes and year-round enrollment.
Is a Bachelor Degree in Instructional Design Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor degree in instructional design is worth it for many students. Completing this program could offer a diverse range of career opportunities across multiple industries. This is thanks to the many communications, troubleshooting, development, and training skills you could develop during this program.
Potential roles in this field include training and development specialist, eLearning specialist, curriculum specialist, and human resources development specialist. Some graduates work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and companies.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, instructional coordinators are projected to see 7% job growth over the next ten years. Employment for training and development specialists is expected to grow 8%, which is faster than average.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Instructional Design Design Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Education with a concentration in Instructional Design. Potential courses include Digital Learning Theories, Diversity in Learning, and Design of Digital Learning. The program aims to teach skills needed in instructional design such as applying instructional strategies, conducting a needs analysis, and creating multimedia learning objects.
ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Asbury University offers a Bachelor of Art in Instructional Design program online. The program aims to teach the knowledge and skills needed to enter fields such as instructional design, professional training, instructional coordinating, and e-learning design. The program requires the completion of 75 credits of major-specific and elective coursework.
Asbury University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Athens State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Instructional Design. This curriculum aims to help prepare to create and manage online learning and training environments. The program aims to teach the knowledge and skills needed to enter instructional design roles in commercial, medical, education, and government settings.
Athens State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Eastern New Mexico University offers a Bachelor of Career and Technical Education program online. The curriculum typically covers topics like instructional facility design, teaching methods, adolescent psychology, and educational leadership. Access to the same campus resources as traditional programs are typically available, such as tutoring, library databases, and career advising.
Eastern New Mexico University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Louisiana State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Learning Experience and Instructional Design program online. Potential courses include Instructional Design for Training, Learning Technologies in the Workplace, and Principles of Adult Learning. Courses typically teach concepts like experience design, project management, learning assessment, educational technology, and business communication.
Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Northern Illinois University offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management with a concentration in Instructional Technology, Training, and Evaluation. The program typically blends concepts from psychology, information technology, education, and human performance. This program requires the completion of 40 hours specifically in the major after having completed an Associate of Arts or Science in a related discipline.
NIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Old Dominion University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education. The program is designed to teach the skills needed to conduct professional training in fields like healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and communication. Transfer credits for previous, qualified educational and professional experiences may be awarded.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Arizona offers a Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design program online. Potential classes include Instructional Design for E-Learning, Collaboration in the Virtual Classroom, and Assessment of Learning. Classes are typically 5 to 6 weeks of accelerated study. Up to 90 of the required 120 credits may be transferred in from outside institutions.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of New Mexico offers a Bachelor of Science in Instructional Technology and Training program online. The program is designed to help prepare for entry into careers such as training, human resources, and instructional technology. Classes are typically 8 weeks long, and after completing general education requirements, the completion of at least 60 major credits is required.
The University of New Mexico is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of West Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in Instructional Design and Technology program primarily online, though opportunities to gain hands-on experiences are commonly offered. The program may accept the transfer of up to 90 approved credits from outside institutions.
The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Bachelors in Instructional Design Degree Online
Pursuing an instructional design degree online is a convenient way to grow your knowledge and skill sets in this growing field.
This major can help you learn how to design and implement educational programs and technologies that benefit students’ learning experiences as well as educators’ teaching experiences. Instructional design professionals may also apply their skills as training and development specialists in the business world.
So, if a bachelor’s in instructional design sounds like the degree for you, why not start exploring the available program options at accredited colleges and universities?
