Prepare yourself for the growing field of instructional design.
Become an e-learning specialist, a corporate trainer, or an educational coordinator! This 100% online master’s degree program helps you gain valuable skills to develop and deliver engaging and effective learning experiences. You will be prepared to meet the unique needs of today’s learning and training environments.

Industry Expert Faculty
Our courses are designed and taught by doctoral faculty with IBSTPI standards in mind. Get to know our program director, Dr. Lynn Lease, in our blog interview.
100% Online Program
This program is offered 100% online to accommodate busy working adults' schedules. Learn more about what to expect from an online degree program and how SNU's programs can fit your busy schedule!
Earn a Degree in 16 months
SNU's Master of Science in Instructional Design is a flexible 30-credit hour program consisting of 6-week courses taken one at a time to master each topic. Looking for more details and how to get started?
Build Transferable Skills
This graduate-level degree is aligned with employer-desired skills for instructional designers. Check out this blog by Program Director Dr. Lynn Lease about how she leveled up in her career.

"The MSIDT program at SNU was a perfect fit for me. With it being completely online, it provided me with the flexibility I needed to complete the program while teaching full-time. From the very first class to the capstone, I was both challenged and supported the whole way through. Now that I've graduated, I'm still being supported - I know I have industry people in my corner that I can reach out to for professional advice...I'm thankful for the support of the professors in this program that helped build my skills and knowledge, allowing me to step out with confidence to make this transition.
Jessica Tracy
Master of Science in Instructional Design Graduate
What will I learn in this instructional design and technology Master’s degree program?
Graduates of SNU’s Master’s Degree in Instructional Design and Technology learn how to combine effective design with emerging technologies. They collaborate within organizations using digital and multimedia tools guided by instructional design principles. They also gain practical experience in creating, assessing, and managing training materials using technology. The program includes training in Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, artificial intelligence, and current media editing tools.

Instructional Design Employment Outlook
The average salary for a Master's Degree in Instructional Design is $83,240.-1.png?width=658&height=266&name=MSIDT%20icons%20(12)-1.png)
From 2022 to 2032, instructional digital design is expected to increase by 15%.
Courses
This flexible 30-credit hour program is offered 100% online. Each course is six weeks long, and students can graduate in as few as 16 months.
IDT-5003: Principles of Instructional Design
IDT-5113: Principles of Human Performance Improvement
IDT-5223: Interactive Learning Media and Design
IDT-6113: Project Management and Leadership
IDT-5133: New and Emerging Technologies
IDT-5123: Legal and Ethical Considerations
IDT-5153: Trends and Innovation in Instructional Design
IDT-6123: Learning Design Evaluation and Assessment
IDT-6133: Design Concepts and Evaluation
IDT-6833: Instructional Design and Technology Capstone

Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about our program!
Instructional designers are the architects of the education and training industry. We are the creators behind the training and education that trainers and teachers deliver. We gather information, conduct analyses, develop concepts, create prototypes, refine designs, and iterate based on feedback. Ultimately, we create inviting learning experiences that engage and support learners in achieving their educational objectives.
If you want to level up in your career by helping innovate and improve individual learning and organizational performance, the Master of Science in Instructional Design degree at SNU might be the perfect choice for you. Through this program, you will gain the expertise, tools, and practical experience necessary to play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and implementing impactful and engaging learning experiences tailored for diverse learners in various environments.
Instructional design is a versatile career path, with many opportunities in government, nonprofits, higher education, K-12 education, and corporations. Instructional design offers many remote as well as contract opportunities. Recent graduates have been employed in the education, military, and government sectors.
Depending on the sector, an instructional design and technology degree can prepare you for many roles. Here are just a few:
- Instructional Designer
- Training and Development Specialist
- Instructional Technology Specialist
- Director of Learning Experience Design
- Learning Experience Designer
- Director of Instructional Design
- Director of eLearning
- eLearning Designer/Developer
Professionals in an instructional design role have a variety of titles depending on the organization or institution, but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, instructional (digital) designers have a median annual wage of $83,240 as of May 2022.
Instructional designers have diverse backgrounds, including education, training, management, technology, and others. Specific requirements for becoming an instructional designer depend on the organization and the type of instructional design work. Successful instructional designers are adept at project management, communication, and applying learning theories. Organizations may vary, but these core capabilities enable instructional designers to develop effective training and learning materials.
SNU's online Master in Instructional Design is tailored to fit the needs of busy adults. You can graduate in as little as 16 months, one course at a time and 100% online.
Taught by industry experts with practical experience, our courses combine effective design with emerging technologies. Students gain practical experience in creating, assessing, and managing training materials using technology while developing their skills using tools like Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, artificial intelligence, and many more.
“The MSIDT program provides so many interesting components, including the principles of instructional design, the ethical considerations within this field, the latest trends, project management, and design elements. I am so happy and thankful for the group of amazing and supportive instructors and my helpful and caring classmates!”
Dale Hammond
Master of Science in Instructional Design Graduate
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