The intersection of technology and instruction continues to evolve as new technologies emerge—such as generative AI, personalized learning, and technology-enhanced training environments. One way to be a leader in the future of learning and its constant evolution? Pursue a master’s in education and human development from the George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) with a concentration on instructional design.
In this new personalized master’s program, students who are interested in designing the future of learning can pursue a graduate certificate in instructional design and a micro-credential in a related field, all while working toward a master’s degree. Whether you aspire to shape educational landscapes in schools, corporate settings, military training, or government agencies, the 3-in-1 personalized master’s will empower you to be at the forefront of this dynamic field.
What is instructional design?
Instructional design refers to the process of creating educational materials or training programs that are instructive, engaging, and accessible. If you’ve ever participated in a corporate training program, completed an e-learning, or taken a college course, an instructional designer was likely behind the scenes of that learning experience. The applications of instructional design are myriad, ranging from educational institutions to the corporate world to government agencies.
Who is the instructional design career best suited for?
People who tend to pursue instructional design careers are people who are equally curious and process-oriented. Some are educators looking to move out of the classroom. Some are people with a science or engineering background. In all scenarios, instructional designers are problem-solvers who consider the way people learn and design it in such a way that someone else can become a deep professional on that topic.
Specialists in this field can be found in just about any setting: museums, associations, K-12 schools and districts, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, the armed forces, corporate workplaces, sales environments, and more.
Common applications of instructional design include writing training manuals as a technical writer, conducting evaluations on the effectiveness of technology-based instruction as an instructional coordinator, or developing organizational training programs as a training and development manager.
When done right, good instructional design yields a comprehensive, tailored curriculum that leaves a learner proficient and highly competent. Today’s designers add further value through judgments informed by human practice and experience, complemented by using AI throughout the design process.
What does the future of instructional design look like?
With an increase in distributed workplaces, AI adoption, and leadership training, the future is bright for instructional designers. The global e-learning market is projected to reach $665 billion by 2031!
For students who pursue the instructional design graduate certificate within the personalized master’s, they’ll be prepared to master effective instruction for any industry or setting. Through applied projects, they’ll also be prepared to design training initiatives that integrate generative AI for an increasingly AI-driven world.
Explains Dr. Watkins, a professor of educational technology at GSEHD, “AI has never sat in a classroom and tried to learn anything. As humans, we know what it’s like first thing in the morning or in the second hour after lunch. We understand how attention and cognitive load works and can design accordingly.” With that in mind, the curriculum for the instructional design graduate certificate incorporates diagnosing organizational and performance problems, using generative AI as an instructional design tool, and designing digital learning projects in real-world conditions, among other topics.
What will I gain from the 3-in-1 master’s degree?
By the conclusion of the program, you’ll be prepared to lead instructional design projects in any setting as a forward-thinking designer—and have a graduate certificate, micro-credential, and master’s to show for your investment. GSEHD’s emphasis on real-world workplace skills bridge the gap between theory and practice, and your peers will come from a wide range of learning environments, facilitating an enhanced co-learning experience.
Coursework is completed asynchronously through online delivery, making it possible to integrate schoolwork with your busy professional and personal schedule. Most importantly, you’ll graduate not just with a degree, but with a competitive edge to excel in today's job market as well as tomorrow’s.
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If you are interested in the intersection of education and technology, the personalized master’s degree at GSEHD can upskill your knowledge and capabilities.