Updated: 6/29/15
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructional Design and Performance Improvement
Program
1. Is there a good outlook for jobs for students who graduate with this
major?
Yes, there is a good outlook for instructional designers. There are opportunities for
entry-level professionals as well as for upper-level positions. On the 2015 CNN
Money “Best Jobs in America” Top 100 List, there were four jobs related to IDPI with
their average pay:
6. Continuous Improvement Manager - $96,600
14. User Experience Designer - $89,300
44. Operations Director - $108,000
66. Implementation Consultant - $91,800
Common job titles include: Instructional Designer, Director of Learning
Development, Organizational Development Specialist, Director of Training, Training
Specialist, Learning Design Manager, Instructional Design Specialist, Learning and
Development Specialist, Director of Staff Development and Education
2. What are some of the tasks that are done within this career option?
The ADDIE approach (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation)
is one way to categorize tasks that instructional designers do. The different types of
Analysis include but are not limited to learner, context, performance, job, goal, and
instructional. Design can refer to the theory, strategies and models we use to create
solutions. Development includes the creation of the deliverables. Implementation is
the phase that the audience receives the instruction. Evaluation includes different
approaches to determining if the instruction/training worked and provides
recommendations. Of course, there are models, theories and processes in
instructional design and performance improvement to assist designers in improving
performance with non-instructional interventions.
3. Will I need a Master's degree to obtain a job in this field?
In Fall of 2014, we did job analysis of ID jobs. It included the major job seeking sites
and entry-level positions. The majority of the positions required a minimum of a
bachelor's degree. We also compiled the job requirements and primary tasks. The
courses are designed to give you exposure to the knowledge and skills necessary for
you to be prepared for the workforce.
Updated: 6/29/15
4. Will I need work experience before I will be able to get a job? For
example, becoming a teacher first?
No, you do not have to become a teacher in order to be employed as an instructional
designer. People from various backgrounds become instructional designers in many
different contexts. Employers are looking for graduates who are knowledgeable of
ID competencies and various technology applications. You will be able to gain
practical experiences during your degree program. Upon graduation, you will have
completed a digital portfolio of your work.
5. Will I need to be accepted into the program?
Once you are admitted to the university, you can declare IDPI as your major. If you
have a 2.20 grade point average, you can begin your course work.
6. Does this program only begin in the fall?
The program begins in Fall of 2015. Admission to the program will occur every
semester.
7. Will I need to come to campus for anything, like or tests or anything? Is
it completely online?
The program is completely online. You will not have to come to campus. Of course,
you are welcome to come to campus and interact with the professors. We are here
for you and take an interest in the success of all of our students.
8. Can I send you a copy of my unofficial transcript, so we can see what
classes will count towards my degree and what may count as my
electives?
Yes, you may send your unofficial transcript for a review. We will be glad to assist
you in learning where you will start in the program.
9. Would it be better to take some of the classes on campus?
All of the major courses are online. Your electives may be on campus or online. We
have web conference capability and are here on campus for you. Students are our
focus.
Updated: 6/29/15
10. Will I need to declare a minor? If so what are some good choices?
You will have the option of declaring a minor or concentration. We recommend that
you work with your advisor to determine the best option for you. This program can
be customized to reflect your interests and career goals.
11. Are the class sizes kind of small? If a student has a problem and needs
help on an assignment, will the professor be able to answer?
Since this is a new program, we anticipate the classes to be 10-15 students per
class. Yes, all of our professors have years of teaching experience and will be happy
to assist you in your course needs and career path.
12. Are the classes really hard?
We are constantly designing and redesigning courses to create a high quality online
learning environment. The courses will prepare students to be good instructional
designers and performance improvement specialists. The courses are challenging
and rewarding. There is a great deal of learner control, which equates to more
customizable professional development opportunities. In this degree program, you
will experience authentic learning experiences, in project-based learning, including
exposure to experts, with methodological and technological content geared to make
you career ready.