Master’s in Instructional Design Online
Bring Innovation to Educational Programs
Equip yourself to make a positive impact on students and professionals through effective learning and development strategies. The Master of Science in Instructional Design degree at Grand Canyon University can help prepare you to support organizations or educational environments. This instructional design degree online is focused on helping professionals who are looking to advance their skills in creating effective curricula and training programs for educational institutions and corporate settings.
The field of curriculum development encompasses many aspects of education, including the use of emerging technologies for teaching, evaluating learning interventions and applying effective instructional interventions to improve learning outcomes. This master’s degree goes beyond the scope of academic education, teaching you the instructional and training skills that can be used to help improve the performance of professionals in a variety of institutions and organizations.
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Use Technology in Academic Applications
Throughout this degree program, you’ll have opportunities to develop a strong background in incorporating technology into instructional design. You will collaborate within organizations through the use of digital and multimedia tools, informed by multimedia learning principles and visual graphics guidelines. This degree offers hands-on experience in creating, assessing and managing training materials using technology and multimedia tools. Instructional design courses include first-hand training in Adobe Captivate, an instructional design software that is a requirement for this program.
This graduate degree will teach you advanced concepts and core theories behind creating effective learning experiences. With efficient teaching techniques and curriculum development, you can inspire and engage students. By prioritizing quality learning experiences and the right contexts, you can help students achieve their learning goals. If you’re passionate about the impact of education and professional growth, you can join a community of like-minded learners at GCU.
Examine Foundational Skills in Instructional Design
The combination of skills taught throughout this graduate degree can help empower you to identify learning needs, determine desired outcomes and create effective learning interventions within both educational institutions and corporate training environments.
This master’s degree is designed for educators seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge. It does not require a license or practicum hours, making it an ideal choice for those looking to advance professionally without the need for student teaching or licensure. This program focuses on equipping instructors with the tools to deepen their expertise and foster career growth.
Skills covered in this degree program include the following:
- Consultative problem solving
- Analysis of educational, organizational or training needs
- Design and development of instructional methods
- Implementation and measurement of outcomes
- Collaboration with subject-matter experts
Take Instructional Design Courses Taught by Experienced Instructors
Throughout the program, you will be taught to apply theoretical concepts and skills such as research, analysis and problem-solving in order to solve a wide variety of instructional issues. Coursework offers opportunities to build up your research skills and guides you in analyzing and interpreting appropriate data to make evidence-driven design decisions.
Courses are taught by knowledgeable faculty in their respective fields. Additionally, GCU’s curriculum encourages you to model principles of the Christian worldview by making ethical and empathetic design decisions that align with biblical values and create inclusive educational interventions.
Career Pathways
Graduates of this MS in instructional design program have been taught to work in educational institutions at the K-12 or college level, as well as within business settings and organizations. With a solid foundation in instructional design competencies, you may be prepared to pursue the following career opportunities upon graduation:
- Librarian and media collection specialist
- Training and development specialist
Instructional coordinator
As a GCU student, you’ll be challenged to reflect upon the curriculum using analytical reasoning. There are opportunities to develop soft skills, as well as field-specific skills, which may serve you well as you pursue your career in curriculum design. Emerge as a confident, work-ready graduate after developing a breadth of knowledge — from the history of course development to emerging methods of instructional delivery.
Graduate With a Master’s From an Institutionally Accredited University
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968 and is proud to prioritize quality education and comprehensive instruction. The College of Education shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
GCU has prepared a list of your most frequently asked questions regarding the master’s in instructional design degree at GCU to help guide your decision-making process.
Are you passionate about the transformative power of education at every stage of life? If so, then pursuing a master’s degree in this area may indeed be worth it for you. This is particularly true if you are already a licensed instructor who is seeking to expand your career qualifications and opportunities. Beyond academic settings, however, continuing education is also important in professional settings. All types of organizations may discover benefits of professional development training courses delivered by instructional designers.1
Instructional planning involves creating effective educational materials and experiences by analyzing needs, defining outcomes, choosing strategies and developing and testing resources. The MS in Instructional Design degree aims to enhance learning and improve student outcomes through the application of instructional theories and methods.
Instructional designers are often referred to as instructional coordinators and may be used interchangeably depending on the organization or institution. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), instructional coordinators have a median annual wage of $74,620 as of May 2023.2
Many instructional coordinators and designers have a background in education, training and instruction, instructional technology or a related field.3 Specific requirements may vary depending on the organization and the type of design work being performed. Ultimately, curriculum designers should have strong leadership and communication skills, as well as a solid understanding of learning theory and instructional design principles. Some employers may require or prefer instructional coordinators to hold a master’s degree.4
The difficulty level of instructional design courses can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as your academic and professional background. Students who may not be familiar with instructional technology options and multimedia tools may find this program to be more demanding compared to others. However, GCU faculty members are dedicated to supporting the progress of our students, who will help you look upon challenges as opportunities for growth.
Start your journey toward creating effective learning experiences that engage learners and drive results.
1 International Association of Outsourcing Professionals. (2024). Why Professional Development and Training are Essential for Individuals and Organizations. Retrieved Sept. 11, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Instructional Coordinator as of May 2023, retrieved on Sept. 11, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as instructional coordinators, nor does reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
3 Kurt, S., PhD. (2016, Dec. 9). What Is Instructional Design. Educational Technology. Retrieved Sept. 11, 2024.
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How to Become an Instructional Coordinator. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Sept. 11, 2024.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Education. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course focuses on brain research (from neuroscience to the behavioral and cognitive sciences) that relates to teaching and learning and suggests ways that brain research can be translated into instructional practices within organizational settings. Candidates will examine the inner workings of the brain and the effect on learning, memory, and transfer. Specifically, the course explores the body of knowledge that represents the application of brain research to instructional practice, and how knowledge about the human brain can affect the curricular, instructional, and assessment decisions that the candidates make every day. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to applied research in education across the major quantitative, qualitative, and action research traditions. Coursework focuses on understanding the research process and its integrated components to foster knowledge in navigating research reports and projects. Research designs and data analysis options are also explored.
Course Description
This course introduces the field of instructional design, its history, research based structures, and practical strategies. This course prepares future Instructional Design professionals to advocate for the use of a systematic approach to meeting organizational learning needs. Students explore the instructional design life cycle through the ADDIE model, culminating in a design document that guides a training intervention. Specifically, students learn to write measurable objectives and instructionally aligned, meaningful assessments.
Course Description
Candidates will be introduced to current theories of learning and approaches to curriculum design. The emphasis will be on examining and identifying the concepts, principles, and models of curriculum design. Candidates will evaluate curriculum based on learning theories and approaches to curriculum.
Course Description
This course provides hands-on work with multimedia tools, informed by multimedia learning principles and visual graphics guidelines. Learners use an empathetic process to determine training needs, and assess the use of media products in meeting those needs. In the process of developing various multimedia eLearning modules, students investigate industry standards and emerging technologies. Technology Requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own Adobe Captivate software and a computer that meets the technical requirements to run the software. The version of Adobe Captivate should not be older than the 2019 release. Verify the University Technology Requirements and Programmatic Technology Requirements in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: EID-500.
Course Description
This course covers the theoretical underpinnings of instructional design. Students explore several instructional design models, as well as strategies for managing instructional design and development projects. Students use various systematic processes to design training interventions and present justifications for the design decisions they make. Technology Requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own Adobe Captivate software and a computer that meets the technical requirements to run the software. The version of Adobe Captivate should not be older than the 2019 release. Verify the University Technology Requirements and Programmatic Technology Requirements in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: EID-500. Prerequisite: EID-500.
Course Description
Designing effective instruction requires a focus on learner needs and outcomes. This course focuses on using an empathetic design process to prioritize and organize learning and organizational outcomes to create instructional strategies and sequences comprised of multiple mediums. Students practice leveraging the strengths of each medium to serve learner needs and scaffold desired outcomes. Technology Requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own Adobe Captivate software and a computer that meets the technical requirements to run the software. The version of Adobe Captivate should not be older than the 2019 release. Verify the University Technology Requirements and Programmatic Technology Requirements in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: EID-500 & EID-505.
Course Description
In the ever-evolving digital transformation age it is vital to understand a variety of people and design experiences that support what they need and want to do. In this course, students develop an experimental mindset as well as the basics of gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing a variety of evidence to inform design decisions and lay the ground work for evaluating effective instructional and learning experiences. Prerequisites: TCH-539 and EID-500.
Course Description
Organizations face obstacles, such as disruptive innovation which threaten their ability to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market place. This course explores the latest skills and strategies instructional designers can use to influence vision and strategy and assist in creating a learning organization that tracks soft and technical skills development for organizational impact and return on investment. Technology Requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own Adobe Captivate software and a computer that meets the technical requirements to run the software. The version of Adobe Captivate should not be older than the 2019 release. Verify the University Technology Requirements and Programmatic Technology Requirements in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: EID-500.
Course Description
This course is a culmination of all instructional design knowledge and skills students have developed throughout the instructional design program. Students are stretched to demonstrate their ability to be a professional instructional designer. Students also develop a professional portfolio to show their preparation to work in the instructional design field. Technology Requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own Adobe Captivate software and a computer that meets the technical requirements to run the software. The version of Adobe Captivate should not be older than the 2019 release. Verify the University Technology Requirements and Programmatic Technology Requirements in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: EID-500, EID-505, EID-510, EID-515, EID-520, EID-525.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.