Why Education Matters in Instructional Design
Instructional design sits at the intersection of learning science, design thinking, and digital technology. While it’s a growing field with non-linear career paths, education still plays a major role in shaping the skills and credibility needed to thrive.
Whether you’re starting out or pivoting careers, understanding which degrees (and alternatives) open the most doors is key.
Top Degrees Held by Instructional Designers
According to recent surveys from ATD and Pew Research, most instructional designers hold at least a bachelor’s degree, with many having master’s degrees. The most common fields include:
Instructional Design or Instructional Technology
- Often includes coursework in learning theory, digital tools, and curriculum development.
- Ideal for corporate training or eLearning development roles.
Education (Curriculum and Teaching)
- Great for those transitioning from teaching into instructional design.
- Provides a strong foundation in pedagogy and learner assessment.
Psychology or Educational Psychology
- Focuses on how people learn and retain information.
- Useful for designing behaviorally effective learning experiences.
Communication or Media Studies
- Covers storytelling, presentation, and digital media production.
- Essential for instructional designers who work with video and multimedia.
Computer Science or IT (for Technical IDs)
- Useful for those designing technical training or working with coding simulations, LMS integrations, or learning analytics.
What If You Don’t Have a Traditional ID Degree?
You’re not out of luck! Many successful instructional designers come from non-traditional backgrounds, including:
- Graphic design
- Journalism
- Business or HR
- Film and media
- STEM fields
Transferable Skills That Work
- Project management
- Writing and editing
- UX/UI design
- Public speaking and facilitation
- Coding or animation
Certificates That Bridge the Gap
- Coursera: Instructional Design for Online Learning
- IDOL Courses Academy
- Google Instructional Design Certificate (via Coursera)
Popular Instructional Design Certifications
ATD (Association for Talent Development)
- Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)
- Recognized globally, especially in corporate environments.
IDOL Academy & AECT
- Great for structured mentorship and project-based learning.
Coursera & LinkedIn Learning
- Accessible and self-paced.
- Cover topics from instructional design theory to tool mastery (e.g., Articulate, Camtasia).
Bachelor’s vs. Master’s Degree: Does It Matter?
| Level | Pros | Cons |
| Bachelor’s | Faster entry, cost-effective | May limit leadership roles |
| Master’s | Higher pay, advanced positions | Time-consuming and expensive |
A master’s degree is not mandatory, but it can be helpful if you’re targeting roles in academia, consulting, or senior management.
Choosing a Degree Based on Your Career Path
Corporate vs. Higher Education
- Corporate: Focus on business, tech, or ID certifications.
- Higher Ed: Degrees in education or learning sciences are preferred.
Freelancing and Entrepreneurship
- Prioritize practical skills like project-based portfolio work.
- Digital marketing or creative media degrees can also help.
Tips for Getting Into the Field Without a Degree in ID
- Build a portfolio: Create sample learning modules or redesign existing materials.
- Volunteer: Offer to create training materials for nonprofits.
- Network: Join LinkedIn groups like “Instructional Designers in Education” or “IDOL Courses”.
- Learn authoring tools: Get hands-on with tools like Storyline, Rise, and Vyond.
- Take short courses: Use free and low-cost platforms like HubSpot, LinkedIn Learning, or Coursera.
FAQs
What degree is best for instructional design?
A degree in Instructional Design, Education, Psychology, or Instructional Technology is most common, but others can work too.
Can I be an instructional designer without a degree?
Yes, especially if you have experience, a strong portfolio, and relevant certifications.
What’s more important: a degree or skills?
In the digital age, skills and project work often outweigh formal education, especially for freelance and corporate roles.
Do I need a master’s to advance in this field?
Not always. It depends on your career goals, but having a master’s may help for leadership or academic roles.
In Conclusion
Your degree can open doors, but it’s not the only key to success in instructional design. Whether you hold a degree in education, psychology, or another field, what really matters is your ability to design engaging learning experiences and showcase your work.
Are you ready to build a career in instructional design, degree or not?
Join e-Learning Hub Africa today and start building real-world skills, certifications, and a winning portfolio to attract global job offers.