If you are trying to decide on whether a career as an instructional designer is for you, there are a few things to consider. First, remember that you have many options for schools that offer instructional design and instructional technology but you must choose the right one for you depending on what you want to do when you graduate. In most universities, the degree is available only at the graduate level, and programs offered may include M.Ed, M.S., A.M., Ed.D., Ph.D, and Ed.D.

Second, consider what instructional designers to, and 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.

As a prospective graduate student, it is vital to take into account various factors when selecting your ideal instructional design program. Hence you should keep in mind your future career goals, your area of expertise and professional interests, online learning options, and how much it will cost you to complete your program of study.

Something else to look for when doing your search is the name that the programs might be listed as. Common program titles are: Computer Education, Educational Technology, Instructional Design and Development, Instructional Technology, Instructional Systems Technology, Learning Technologies, Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation, Instructional Design and Technology and Instructional and Performance Technology. It is important to know this as this may be an indication of the types of courses you would be taking.

Another important issue to consider is whether the university you are contemplating is one that has accreditation. Being accredited means that the graduate program has undergone in-depth self-evaluation evaluation by peer institution and peers, and accrediting bodies. Accreditation organizations have the task of performing evaluations so as to ensure that the programs are conforming to the established mission and goals, objectives and curricula, administrative and financial stipulations, as well as faculty and student expectations. Also, if you ever have to join a new program at a different university or to transfer your credits, the new institution will determine whether your degree is credible, so it is best to ensure the institution you graduate from is accredited.

Instructional design programs offer different areas of specialization to prepare their students. Instructional designers, instructional technologist, or e-learning specialists work in a variety of different settings in corporations, K-12 schools, universities, government, the military, and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s).

If possible, visit the schools you want to enroll in and talk to the faculty and students in the program. Ask questions about employment and internships as well as the kinds of courses you will be required to take.This will help you select the program that best meets your goals. Also take time to examine facilities such as classroom, computer and library resources.

Your academic advisor can help you in the process of developing a program of study that fits your goals. The programs have required courses to provide general preparation to practice in the profession. Some departments also offer specialized tracks or courses that permit or encourage concentration in a specific area. The opportunity to specialize depends on the availability of relevant courses, on focused class projects.

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

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Tags: Accreditation, Distance Learning, e-learning, graduate studies, Instructional Design, instructional technology, learning outcomes

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