Is a Master's in Instructional Design and Technology Worth It?

If you’re passionate about creating engaging learning experiences, a master's in instructional design and technology can be a smart investment in your future. As digital learning becomes central to education, corporate training, and nonprofit initiatives, the demand for professionals skilled in instructional design and technology continues to rise.

This advanced degree can unlock career opportunities, boost your earning potential, and give you the confidence to lead innovative learning projects across industries. Read on for the advantages and skills it can offer.

What Is a Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology?

A master of science in instructional design and technology, also known as an IDT master’s program, blends educational theory with the practical use of digital tools to design effective, learner-centered content. Students explore topics such as:

Instructional models and learning theories
Multimedia and e-learning design
Needs analysis and assessment
Learning management systems and authoring tools
Emerging technologies like AR, VR, and AI in education

Whether you choose a traditional or online master's in instructional design or instructional design and technology program, they are designed to build skills that apply directly to real-world instructional challenges.

Key Benefits of Getting a Master's in Instructional Design and Technology

Earning a Master's in Instructional Design & Technology offers advantages beyond the classroom, including:

Expanded career opportunities in corporate, education, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors
Deeper understanding of how people learn and how to apply that knowledge effectively
Confidence to manage and deliver projects that improve training outcomes
Skills to integrate cutting-edge technology into learning environments
A professional credential that can set you apart in a competitive job market

These benefits help explain why the field is growing and why more professionals pursue an instructional design master's or IDT program each year.

My time at Bellevue University was one of the most extraordinary periods of growth in my life. As a working adult student, my education had immediate applicability in my work. It also helped me to learn how to balance many concurrent commitments which has enabled me to continue to develop as a professional and a person while also doing the work that I love. It has been not only something I enjoy, but investing in myself- especially through education- has been a catalyst for me to achieve career goals that I never would have thought possible.

– Scott McCool, Bellevue University alum

Skills Gained in an Instructional Design & Technology (IDT) Master’s Program

Graduates of a master’s in instructional design and technology program develop valuable, job-ready skills, such as:

Designing and delivering interactive, multimedia-rich learning materials
Conducting learner and needs analyses to guide content creation
Evaluating the effectiveness of training programs and revising accordingly
Managing instructional projects from planning through implementation
Leveraging technology tools to create engaging digital learning experiences

These skills make graduates well prepared for roles like Instructional Designer, E-Learning Developer, Training Manager, and more.

Financial Considerations for a Master's in Instructional Design and Technology

When considering whether an advanced degree is worth it, you must factor in several things such as time, cost, education requirements, and personal commitment.

Weigh these costs above with the benefit of an instructional design and technology (IDT) master’s. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists current median annual salaries of instructional designers, or Instructional Coordinators, as $77,200 (as of 2023). However, earning potential in instructional design and technology varies depending on factors such as industry, location, experience, and specific job role, and this data is not intended to be reflective or representative of any particular institution’s graduate earnings.

Cost

Costs can vary greatly between schools and are usually measured by cost per credit. It’s important to do some research to guide your decision. Here are some of the facts:

Cost per credit and other fees are found on the Bellevue University Tuition and Fees page.
Graduate students are eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Military education funding and corporate tuition assistance are other popular ways to fund graduate courses.
You may be able to transfer in up to 6 graduate credit hours from a previous accredited university. Contact us to learn more about how to have your credits evaluated.

Many students find that the long-term career benefits outweigh the costs, especially in sectors with rising demand for instructional design expertise.

Education Requirements

Beyond the financial costs, educational requirements take your time, effort, and personal commitment. Here’s what you can expect.

Time commitment

Most students complete a master’s degree in 2-3 years, depending on several factors, including how many credits you take per term and how many are required (part-time students will take longer). The Bellevue University Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology degree requires 36 graduate credit hours.

The Bottom Line: Is a Master’s in Instructional Design & Technology Right For You?

If you’re driven to improve how people learn—and excited by the intersection of education and technology—a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) could be the perfect next step. It combines creativity, strategy, leadership, and technical skill to make a meaningful difference in workplaces and classrooms alike.

Bellevue University believes the best way to build instructional design skills is by applying real-world, hands-on learning to theory. The IDT master’s program offers an engaging and flexible online learning experience that fits your personal and work life.

Ready to transform your passion into a career?

Start your journey at Bellevue University, where our flexible Master's in Instructional Design and Technology program is built to help working professionals advance without putting their careers on hold. Discover why so many students choose Bellevue to earn their instructional design master's online—and see where it can take you.

Start your Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology at Bellevue University today!