Design the Future of How People Learn
Brilliant teaching in any setting starts with intentional instructional design. Whether you're looking to enter the field or advance your career, Belmont's Master of Science in Instructional Design & Innovation gives you the skills, experience and portfolio to make an immediate impact.
This program is different. You study theory, and you'll solve real problems, build professional-grade deliverables and graduate with proof of what you can do.
What Makes This Program Stand Out
The Innovation Studio Model
Every course functions like a design studio. You'll tackle authentic challenges, collaborate with professionals from different industries and create work you'll actually use in job interviews and client pitches.
Human-Centered Design
Learn to design with empathy. You'll apply design thinking and inclusive design frameworks that put learners first — creating experiences that truly meet people where they are.
Bridging Education and Industry
Whether you're coming from the classroom or the corporate world, this program connects educational theory with practical application across sectors: corporate training, higher education, health care, government and nonprofits.
Technology as a Creative Partner
Explore AI, digital media tools and emerging technologies as supports for innovation. You'll learn to leverage technology ethically and effectively.
Portfolio-Driven Outcomes
Graduate with a showcase of applied work that demonstrates your creative process, technical skills and strategic thinking. Your portfolio proves you're ready to deliver results.
Study on your schedule while working full time. The fully online, asynchronous format gives you flexibility without sacrificing quality mentorship and peer collaboration.
Who This Program Serves
This program is designed for early- and mid-career professionals who want to enter or advance in instructional design and curriculum development.
Ideal for:
- Educators and academic staff developing curriculum and course content
- HR and learning and development professionals in business, government or health care
- Professionals designing training, onboarding and employee development programs
- Those looking to transition into instructional design from another field
- Those ready to advance into leadership roles in learning innovation
What You'll Learn
You'll gain the knowledge, skills and strategic mindset to design, develop and lead learning experiences that make a difference. Through hands-on projects in every course, you'll master the full spectrum of instructional design — from understanding how people learn to leveraging emerging technologies that enhance accessibility and engagement.
Skills You'll Gain
- Design Meaningful Curriculum – Apply instructional design models, learning theories and human-centered design principles to create engaging, effective learning experiences
- Chart New Paths with Technology – Integrate digital tools and emerging technologies to enhance accessibility, interactivity and learner engagement
- Oversee Complete Projects – Manage design projects from ideation through evaluation with effective planning, collaboration and stakeholder communication
- Create Effective Learning Tools – Develop multimedia learning materials that align with cognitive and visual design principles
- Lead with Purpose – Demonstrate professional leadership, ethical practice and innovation within the instructional design field
About the Program
SUMMER I (Full Term, 10 weeks)
IDI 5000 Instructional Design Theory & Practice (10 weeks)
Explores the major models and frameworks of instructional design, including ADDIE, backward design and the Community of Inquiry framework. Students apply theories of adult learning, cognitive processing and universal design for learning (UDL) to create inclusive and effective learning experiences.
IDI 5010 Digital Design Techniques & Tools (10 weeks)
Introduces the essential tools and platforms used in instructional design, from authoring software to multimedia editing. Emphasizes accessibility, copyright and ethical use of digital media in learning environments.
FALL
IDI 5020 E-Learning Design & Development (15 weeks)
Applies instructional design theory to the creation of online and hybrid learning experiences. Emphasizes interaction design, learner engagement and the use of learning management systems (LMS).
IDI 5030 Project & Process Management (8 weeks)
Covers the principles of agile workflow, stakeholder communication and iterative prototyping. Students practice project planning, scoping and collaboration using project management software and design documentation.
IDI 5040 Multimedia Development for Learning (8 weeks)
Explores design principles and cognitive theories related to multimedia learning. Students practice audio, video and visual design skills using industry tools.
SPRING
IDI 5050 Assessment & Evaluation in Learning Design (15 weeks)
Examines how to design assessments and evaluate learning effectiveness at both course and program levels. Includes performance-based assessment design, usability testing and data-informed improvement.
IDI 5060 Current & Emerging Trends in Learning Innovation (8 weeks)
Explores evolving topics in instructional design, including learning analytics, adaptive systems, artificial intelligence, XR (AR/VR) and social learning. Students critically analyze how innovation drives the future of learning design.
IDI 5070 Leadership for Learning Design (8 weeks)
Focuses on leadership of self, teams and the learning design profession. Topics include change management, communication, professional ethics and cultivating creative and psychologically safe design teams.
SUMMER II
IDI 5080 Instructional Design Internship (12 weeks) (3-6 Credits)
Students work under the guidance of an experienced instructional designer or learning leader to complete a full instructional design project from concept to implementation. Through this mentored internship, students apply their accumulated knowledge and skills in a real-world context — collaborating with clients, navigating project constraints and refining their professional workflow.
- Application Form: Apply Online from the BU4U application portal.
- Application Fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee is required.
- Official Transcripts: Request official transcripts from previous colleges. You may request official hard copies to be mailed, or they may be sent using a secure third-party electronic service, if your institution participates (i.e. parchment, student clearing house, etc.). Please allow 4-6 weeks for all official transcripts to be received and processed.
- Official copies should be mailed to: Belmont University, Office of Admissions, 1900 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212. Electronic copies should be sent to belmontadmissions@belmont.edu.
- Recommendations: Contact two individuals for professional recommendations. These are completed after the application fee has been submitted and are listed under the Supplemental Items section. Recommendations are done entirely through the BU4U portal through email.
- Resume: A professional resume is required and is uploaded through your BU4U portal as a supplemental item.
- Interview: Qualified applicants may be invited to an interview to discuss their professional interests and ensure the program is the right match for their academic and career goals.
Graduates lead learning innovation across diverse sectors — from K-12 and higher education to corporate training, health care, government and nonprofit organizations. Whether you're launching a new career or advancing into leadership, this program equips you with the portfolio, credentials and network to thrive in this high demand field.
Career paths include:
- Instructional Designer or Learning Experience Designer
- E-Learning Developer or Multimedia Specialist
- Curriculum or Training Specialist
- Learning & Development Consultant or Manager
- Educational Technologist or Digital Learning Strategist
Your Instructional Design Mentors
Geoff Price
Executive Director, Digital Learning & Innovation
“This program isn’t about learning about instructional design—it’s about actually doing instructional design. From day one, students are practicing the work, building real artifacts and experiences they can carry forward into their careers.”
Cathy Eschete
Associate Professor and Associate Dean, College of Education
"At its core, instructional design is about people. The MSIDI program prepares educators and learning professionals to lead innovative, evidence-based learning across P–12, higher education, corporate and health care settings, always grounded in sound pedagogy and real-world application.”
Build Your Professional Future
Develop a Career-Ready Portfolio – Every course produces tangible deliverables. Graduate with a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your work — from e-learning modules to complete curriculum designs.
Gain Real-World Experience – The capstone internship places you in a professional setting to complete a full project, strengthen your resume and build professional references.
Build Your Professional Network – Collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds — educators, corporate trainers, HR professionals and consultants.Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Master of Science in Instructional Design & Innovation program is completely online and asynchronous, allowing working professionals to earn their degree while working full time.
Most students complete this 30-credit program in 16-21 months. The flexible schedule lets you progress at a pace that works for your life and career.
No. This degree is designed for those who want to enter or advance in instructional design and curriculum development across multiple fields — HR, business, health care, nonprofit organizations and education.
Graduates work as Instructional Designers, Learning Experience Designers, E-Learning Developers, Curriculum or Training Specialists, Learning & Development Consultants or Managers, Educational Technologists and Digital Learning Strategists in corporate training departments, higher education, K-12 schools, health care systems, government agencies and consulting firms.
Launch Your Career in Learning Design
Explore how Belmont's M.S. in Instructional Design & Innovation can help you enter or advance in this growing field.
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Contact Us
Addison Wallace
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.5505
Email Addison