Master of Arts in Instructional Design

Explore how and why people learn, and how best to support them, in CSUN’s online Master’s in Instructional Design. You’ll learn how to design and deliver effective, compelling lessons – whether you’re teaching in an online classroom, preparing training sessions for employees or designing how-to modules for products and services. You’ll also delve into the development and use of instructional games and simulations, an exciting new area in the field.

A Master’s that Fits Your Schedule

This 30-unit program is designed for maximum flexibility to help working students earn their Masters in Instructional Design degree in as little as 16 months. Classes are delivered fully online and taken one at a time, with only two courses per semester. The program also uses the cohort model, in which students proceed as a group. This creates a supportive community that helps you to graduate on time and build a professional network.

What Could You Do with an Instructional Design Master’s Degree?

Course work prepares you to design, implement and assess educational programs in any setting. Upon graduating, you’ll be ready to:

• Design educational courses
• Develop employee training programs
• Design and prototype educational games and simulations
• Manage projects
• Create online instructional modules
• Assess the effectiveness of educational interventions
• Use instructional games and simulations in an education or corporate setting

Simultaneously Earn A Certificate in Instructional Games and Simulations

As a unique benefit of this program, students have the ability to earn a certificate in Instructional Games and Simulations – with no additional classes or course work. You’ll study how to design, prototype and evaluate games and simulations to engage users and enhance their experiences through play-based learning. Courses teach you how to create effective learning apps, write code for instructional software and develop tools used by popular games like Duolingo and Lumosity.

Build Your Portfolio and Gain Hands-On Experience

To prepare you for life after graduation, most course work is project-based, providing hands-on experience with many of the field's professional tools and technologies. These include learning management systems such as Canvas, as well as popular 3D modeling software, like Unity.

You‘ll also build your own learning games, test prototypes and develop an experience-rich portfolio to share with prospective employers. This, along with classroom instruction, will help you develop the practical knowledge and project management skills needed to lead teams and projects.

Your Future Starts Now – Start Your Instructional Design Master’s Degree Online

Take advantage of the distinguished faculty and leading practitioners who teach on CSUN’s campus, without ever leaving home. The university's online programs are held to the same high standards of academic excellence and student achievement. To learn more and speak with an admission advisor, simply fill out the on-page form.

The next start date may be around the corner. Invest in your future. Apply to CSUN’s Online Master of Arts in Instructional Design today!