A Comprehensive Guide to Earning a Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design

In the Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE) in educational studies with a concentration in instructional design, you’ll learn how to apply the principles, practices and theories of instructional design. You’ll also gain an understanding of how to assess learners’ needs while working with subject matter experts. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for entry-level positions in the discipline of instructional design.

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A Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand degrees for aspiring educators and trainers. With more educational content being created and delivered online, there is a growing need for professionals who can design engaging and effective instructional materials and experiences.

What is Instructional Design?

Instructional design is the systematic process of planning and developing instructional materials to facilitate learning and improve performance Instructional designers analyze learner needs and learning contexts to create instructional solutions that meet specific learning objectives

Instructional designers work in many settings, including:

  • K-12 schools
  • Higher education
  • Corporations
  • Government agencies
  • Nonprofits

Their role is to bridge the gap between instructional goals and optimal learner outcomes through the thoughtful design of instructional materials, activities, assessments, and experiences

Why Earn a Bachelor’s in Instructional Design?

A bachelor’s degree in instructional design opens up a wide range of career opportunities The degree provides foundational knowledge and skills related to

  • Learning theories
  • Instructional strategies
  • Educational technology
  • Course development
  • Assessment design
  • Project management

This broad-based preparation enables graduates to work in diverse learning environments, from classrooms to corporate training departments.

Specific benefits of earning this degree include:

  • Strong job prospects – The instructional design field is projected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

  • Flexible career options – Instructional designers work in K-12, higher ed, business, government, healthcare, and more.

  • Portable skills – Instructional design skills translate across settings and can be applied online or in-person.

  • Good earning potential – The average salary for instructional designers is over $67,000 annually.

  • Ability to impact learning – Instructional designers shape educational experiences and help people acquire new skills.

What Will I Learn in an Instructional Design Program?

Instructional design bachelor’s degree programs provide a mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. Here’s an overview of some of the key topics covered:

Foundational Courses

  • Learning theories
  • Instructional strategies
  • Fundamentals of instructional design
  • Adult learning principles
  • Diversity and inclusion in education

Instructional Design Process

  • Conducting needs assessments
  • Writing learning objectives
  • Planning instructional sequences
  • Developing instructional materials
  • Storyboarding
  • Selecting and integrating educational technologies
  • Designing assessments

Implementation and Evaluation

  • Managing instructional design projects
  • Collaborating with stakeholders
  • Conducting formative evaluations
  • Revising materials based on feedback
  • Measuring training effectiveness

Tools and Technologies

  • Microsoft Office applications
  • E-learning authoring tools like Articulate Storyline
  • Learning management systems like Canvas and Blackboard
  • Audio/video production
  • Graphic design

Sample Courses in an Instructional Design Program

Here are some examples of courses commonly found in an instructional design bachelor’s program:

  • Introduction to Instructional Design
  • Learning Theories and Instructional Strategies
  • Instructional Materials Development
  • Multimedia for Instructional Design
  • Fundamentals of E-Learning
  • Instructional Video Production
  • Instructional Project Management
  • Assessment and Evaluation in Education
  • Adult Learning and Development

Career Paths With a Bachelor’s in Instructional Design

An instructional design degree prepares graduates for a variety of roles focused on improving learning and performance. Here are some of the career paths graduates can pursue:

K-12 Education

  • Curriculum developer
  • Instructional coach
  • Technology integration specialist

Higher Education

  • Instructional designer
  • E-learning developer
  • Educational technologist

Business/Corporate Settings

  • Training and development specialist
  • Learning and development coordinator
  • E-learning developer

Government/Nonprofit Sector

  • Training specialist
  • Instructional designer
  • Curriculum coordinator

Finding the Right Instructional Design Program

When researching instructional design bachelor’s degree programs, here are some key things to look for:

  • Solid foundation in learning theories, instructional strategies, and design models
  • Opportunities to apply skills through real-world projects
  • Hands-on experience with e-learning tools and technologies
  • Coursework tailored to different learning environments
  • Customizable areas of focus or electives
  • CACREP-accredited curriculum (for curriculum and instruction programs)
  • Faculty with instructional design experience
  • Flexible delivery options like online, evenings, or accelerated formats

By considering these factors, you can find the right fit to gain transferable instructional design competencies.

Earning Your Degree From [University of Arizona Global Campus] or [Arizona State University]

Both [University of Arizona Global Campus] and [Arizona State University] offer CACREP-accredited online bachelor’s degrees in instructional design.

[University of Arizona Global Campus] offers a [Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design] that provides foundational skills for designing training in various settings. The program includes courses in learning theory, instructional strategies, educational technology, and instructional design models. Students have the flexibility to complete the 120-credit degree at their own pace.

[Arizona State University] offers an [online Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies with an emphasis in Instructional Design]. The 120-credit program combines theory and application to prepare graduates for instructional roles. Students take core courses in learning science, assessment, and design thinking, along with instructional design electives. The program has fall, spring and summer admission starts.

Both programs feature faculty with real-world instructional design experience and offer affordable tuition options. By earning your instructional design degree from an accredited university like [University of Arizona Global Campus] or [Arizona State University], you can gain the knowledge and credentials for this high-demand field.

Get Started in Instructional Design

Instructional design is an exciting and meaningful career where you can make a difference in people’s lives by shaping impactful learning experiences. With strong job prospects and opportunities across industries, an instructional design degree is a smart investment in your future.

By earning a Bachelor of Arts from a reputable university, you can develop the diverse skillset needed to thrive as an instructional designer or training developer. Let your passion for educating others guide you as you embark on this rewarding career path.

bachelor of arts in instructional design

Study instructional design with leading ASU Online faculty members

The faculty of Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College draws from a range of academic disciplines – including cognitive science, psychology and economics – to gain insight into important questions about the process of learning, the practice of teaching and the effects of education policy. The faculty is committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. Our teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

Courses for the educational studies degree

This 120-credit program is made up of 16 required courses and 14 elective courses. Through the educational studies degree courses, you’ll develop self-directed skills in leading instructional design functions, such as assessment development, communication, graphic design, project management, research and technology presentation. Courses include:

What is Instructional Design?

FAQ

What is a bachelor’s degree in instructional design?

What is a Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design? Instructional design is the process of determining the needs of a learner, identifying the material they need to acquire, and then designing a learning plan that caters to their needs through various instructional solutions.

What degree is best for instructional design?

Obtain relevant education: Most instructional design positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Degrees in education, instructional design, instructional technology, or subject-matter areas paired with a teaching credential can be beneficial.

What can you do with instructional design?

Instructional designers work with companies to create training programs for employees on a wide range of topics, such as software applications, sales techniques, and leadership development.

What is the difference between a teacher and an instructional designer?

As a teacher, you get to know your students and may customize lessons to meet individual student needs. By contrast, instructional designers are creating learning opportunities that support students in a particular audience or demographic. They may not know learners personally.

What is a Bachelor of Arts in instructional design?

A Bachelor of Arts in instructional design is a four-year degree program that helps you develop skills and knowledge in the field. This degree program can prepare you for an entry-level or associate position in learning and development, curriculum design or a related field.

Where can I get a degree in instructional design?

The University of Arizona offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design in Educational Technology. It aims to teach students how to build, develop, and deliver instructional products and experiences.

Does Arizona State University offer a degree in instructional design?

Arizona State University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Education with a concentration in Instructional Design. Potential courses include Digital Learning Theories, Diversity in Learning, and Design of Digital Learning.

What is a BAe degree in instructional design?

The BAE program in educational studies with a concentration in instructional design helps students build critical competencies related to designing effective online learning to meet the needs of learners. The curriculum is grounded in modern learning theory and design.

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