M.A. Instructional Design for Learning

M.A. Instructional Design for Learning

Design impactful learning experiences for today’s digital world. West Liberty University’s Instructional Design for Learning concentration prepares you to create engaging, effective, and accessible learning environments across classrooms, online platforms, and organizations.

Shape the future of learning

anywhere, anytime

The Instructional Design for Learning concentration equips you with the skills to design, deliver, and evaluate effective learning experiences in both traditional and digital environments. By combining instructional theory, technology, and data-driven strategies, you’ll be prepared to meet the growing demand for skilled instructional designers across education and industry.

Instructional Design for Learning

Overview

The Instructional Design for Learning concentration within the M.A. in Education program focuses on preparing professionals to develop high-quality, engaging learning experiences across a variety of delivery formats. Students explore how to design instruction that supports learner engagement, accessibility, and measurable outcomes in both in-person and online environments.

With the increasing demand for effective online and remote learning, this concentration emphasizes practical, technology-driven approaches to course development and instructional strategy. Graduates develop advanced expertise in instructional design, positioning them for roles in education, corporate training, and eLearning development.

Who is

This For

Educators Expanding into Online Learning
Teachers seeking to design and deliver engaging digital instruction

Aspiring Instructional Designers
Professionals pursuing careers in eLearning and course development

Corporate Trainers & Learning Managers
Individuals developing training programs in business or organizational settings

Career Transitioners
Professionals looking to pivot into instructional design or digital learning roles

Tech-Forward Educators
Those interested in integrating technology into teaching and learning

What

You’ll Learn

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Instructional Design & Learning Theory

  • Apply instructional design models to create effective learning experiences
  • Align learning objectives with outcomes and assessment strategies
  • Design learner-centered instructional materials

eLearning Development

  • Build engaging online and blended courses
  • Use digital tools and platforms for course design
  • Integrate multimedia and interactive elements into instruction

Assessment & Analytics

  • Develop assessments that measure learning outcomes
  • Use data to improve course design and learner performance
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional programs

Technology Integration

  • Leverage emerging technologies in education and training
  • Ensure accessibility and usability in digital learning environments
  • Design scalable learning solutions across delivery formats

Professional Certification /
Licensure Alignment

While this concentration is not tied to a specific licensure, it aligns with industry-recognized instructional design and eLearning competencies.

Certification / Credential Alignment

Prepares students for certifications such as:

  • ATD (Association for Talent Development) credentials
  • eLearning and instructional design certifications (varies by provider)

Builds competencies aligned with industry standards in instructional design and training

Important Notes

  • Certification requirements vary by organization and career path
  • Students should explore professional organizations like ATD or eLearning Guild
  • This concentration enhances employability in rapidly growing digital learning fields

Skills You’ll

Develop

Instructional Design

  • Create structured, engaging learning experiences
  • Align content with measurable outcomes

Digital Learning Development

  • Build and deliver online and hybrid courses
  • Incorporate multimedia and interactive tools

Data Analysis

  • Use learner data to improve instruction and outcomes

Critical Thinking

  • Evaluate instructional effectiveness and make improvements

Problem Solving

  • Design solutions for diverse learner needs and environments

Curriculum

The Instructional Design for Learning concentration integrates specialized design and technology coursework within the broader MAEd framework, offering flexibility and career-focused learning.

Program structure / key curriculum features

Core MAEd courses include:

  • Professional writing
  • Research methods
  • Assessment and data literacy
  • Capstone experience

Instructional Design concentration courses focus on:

  • Instructional design models and theory
  • Online and blended course development
  • Educational technology and digital tools
  • Assessment and evaluation of learning

Program highlights:

  • 30 total credit hours (12 core + 18 concentration)
  • Flexible delivery with online coursework options
  • Accelerated course formats (8-week and 6-week terms)
  • Capstone project focused on instructional design application
View MAEd in the Catalog

Careers

& Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in education, corporate training, and digital learning environments, including:

Instructional Designers

$ 74,620

Median Wage

2 %

Job Growth

19,200

Openings Per Year

Training & Development Specialists

$ 63,080

Median Wage

6 %

Job Growth

35,400

Openings Per Year

eLearning Developers

$ 75,000+

Median Wage

Increasing

Job Growth

Instructional Coordinators

$ 74,620

Median Wage

Steady

Job Growth

Corporate Trainers / Learning Managers

$ 80,000+

Median Wage

Increasing

Job Growth

Source: US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Admissions

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution

Minimum 2.5 GPA for MAEd concentrations

Completed graduate application

Official transcripts from all institutions attended

The Hilltop

Advantage

West Liberty University’s M.A. in Education –Instructional Design for Learning concentration combines:

  • Flexible learning formats for working educators
  • Small class sizes with personalized faculty support
  • Career-relevant focus on digital learning and instructional design
  • Affordable tuition from a public university
  • Practical, application-based learning you can use immediately

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Your Career?

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