Dual-Degree
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Visit the School of EducationNew horizons in technology offer a range of approaches to the design of educational experiences for learners of all ages and in all kinds of settings. The Dual-Degree BA or BS/MS in Instructional Design and Technology prepares you to develop engaging and effective materials based on a solid understanding of how people learn.
Instructional designers work in diverse settings, including schools, universities, corporations and nonprofit organizations where they address a variety of challenges in education and training. As remote instruction in companies and classrooms has expanded rapidly, so too have new career opportunities for experts who can bring learning to life utilizing a variety of delivery options.
Combined with a bachelor’s degree in any subject, the Dual-Degree BA or BS/MS in Instructional Design and Technology primes you for success in a wide array of roles—each centered on creating compelling and informative resources that leverage new ways of presenting content. By exploring learning and design theory and mastering a range of digital tools, you’ll generate creative solutions that address complex learning problems both within and beyond the classroom. You will gain hands-on experience as you explore new ways to design, develop and implement educational solutions for corporate or nonprofit organizations, online learning, higher education institutions and K-12 classrooms.
This unique dual-degree (4+1) program prepares you to create, develop and implement powerful learning materials across all modalities. With a well-established master's program spanning over 10 years, we continuously update our curriculum to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. You’ll leave the program with a well-developed e-portfolio that demonstrates your abilities in the field and join the ranks of our graduates who remain in high demand for careers in a variety of settings.
Median annual wage for training and development managers is $120,000. (U.S. of Bureau Labor Statistics, 2023)
There are over 44,400 active instructional design manager job openings in the U.S. (Zippia.com, 2024)
In today’s competitive market, a graduate degree is often expected and can be the key to your success. Our innovative dual-degree programs give you a clear path to achieving your goals.
As a dual-degree student, you’ll enjoy:
Seamless plan of study: Our dual-degree programs enable you to streamline the completion of both your undergraduate and graduate studies — building relationships with classmates and professors in the supportive and enriching environment that you have come to know.
Save time and money: Certain courses count toward both undergraduate and graduate requirements — allowing you to graduate earlier and spend less money.
Simplified application process: When you maintain good academic standing in the program, you are seamlessly enrolled into the graduate program of study — eliminating the need to find another graduate program, take additional tests for admission or complete a separate admission process.
Career development: Dual-degree students gain access to special career-focused programming — including global networking and internship opportunities, recruitment events, career fairs and other experiential opportunities.
Personalized advising: Students are assigned a dedicated adviser who will help with course selection, assist with internship placements and prepare you for interviews — strengthening your resume before graduation.
Career readiness: Dual-degree students enter the workforce with an advance degree in hand — increasing your potential starting salary and setting you apart from other recent graduates who did not earn a master’s.
The dual-degree program emphasizes the skills employers value — leadership, critical thinking and creative problem-solving. They also reflect our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning and career development.
Flexible scheduling to fit your needs: Start in fall or spring, and set your own pace. You can take one course per semester, two or more. Asynchronous online courses mean that you don’t have to be in class at a specific time and place.
Expert faculty with strong academic and industry backgrounds: Our faculty members are accomplished scholars and experts in their fields, and teaching is a top priority. We know our field, and we know how to teach you.
Courses designed by us, for you: Our well-designed courses are specifically geared to your needs. Small classes allow a high level of interaction and personalized attention.
A supportive learning community: Students in a demanding academic program can face a range of challenges. Our faculty understand your concerns, and reach out to help each student succeed. Your classmates also become part of your support network.
Our MS in Instructional Design and Technology positions you for a growing number of specialized and in-demand opportunities. Graduates gain valuable skills suited for a wide array of potential careers both inside and outside of education.
Instructional designers leverage their creative talent and their knowledge about how people learn to create engaging and effective learning materials. They design and develop resources such as online courses, websites, manuals or games for audiences of many kinds, in a range of environments from schools to businesses.
eLearning Developers develop and implement online courses and platforms for schools, companies and professional organizations. They apply their design skills to bring course material to life in digital formats as well as downloadable materials.
A Director of Training & Development is responsible for identifying areas of need for employers, then planning and implementing training programs to close these gaps. Training & Development staff use performance reviews and analysis at the individual, team and department levels to guide businesses towards achieving their goals.
The competencies that you’ll develop in the program are in demand for many jobs. Other positions and job titles held by graduates of our Online MS in Instructional Design and Technology include:
With a proud network of more than 50,000 Bobcat alumni across the state, the country, and the globe, we have forged meaningful connections with thousands of employers. See where recent graduates have accepted new roles:
May 23, 2022
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.