Tips on Locating and Surviving an Instructional Design Graduate Program
Are you deciding on whether an instructional design career is ideal for you? First, you want to keep in mind that there are many instructional technology and instructional design programs that you can enroll in. However, the actual preparation and concentration will depend on what you want to specialize in upon graduation. Currently, my universities and colleges offer the program only at the graduate degree level. I.e. M.A., M.Ed., M.S., Ed.S. Ed.D, and Ph.D. level.
The second thing to consider it what instructional designers do and how that fits with yours interests. Keep in mind that instructional technologists develop content that is used by trainers, other instructional designers, teachers, instructors, etc, with the goal of improving or enhancing instructional outcomes and effectiveness. Instructional designers make decisions on effectiveness of instructional methods, and instructional delivery for a stated set of learning outcomes. Therefore, this requires one to have good knowledge of learning psychology, learner analysis, and instructional media selection.
As a future student, you ought to consider several issues when selecting your ideal program or university. It is important to think about your future professional goals, your expertise and interests, distance learning options, and the cost of the program.
Another thing to consider when conducting your research is how the program my be titled in the catalog. Common program names are Educational Technology, Computer Education, Instructional Technology, Instructional Design and Development, Instructional Systems Technology, Instructional Design, Learning Technologies, Instructional Design and Technology, Instructional and Performance Technology, and Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation. It is quite useful to now this as it generally is a good indicator of the coursework that you will be engaged in during the program.
The next important thing to consider is whether the program you select is accredited. Accreditation means that the instructional program has undergone a self-evaluation process, been reviewed by peers, and other accrediting bodies. Accrediting organizations evaluate programs on the conformity to standards, which address mission, goals, and objectives, curriculum, faculty, students, administration and financial support, and physical resources and facilities. Most potential employers require a degree from an accredited university. Also, if you ever have to transfer or join a new programs, your new institution might not accept the credits if the school is not 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.
The instructional design profession is growing steadily and is perfect for people who enjoy developing training, teaching, and designing multimedia applications. The field has a well established base in educational psychology, computing, and media for instructional purposes. It continues to flourish as more institutions and organizations adopt performance improvement strategies, e-learning, and other instructional strategies.
Sophie Peters has been an instructional designer for ten year. Learn more about the instructional design profession on her site. Also read up on the instructional design principles that guide the profession.