
Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design
Become a learning architect and discover the connections between thinking, learning, technology, and practical applications in the workplace. With your instructional design degree from the University of Arizona Global Campus, you will synthesize learning theory with models for instructional design. Develop expertise in instructional design theories, practices, and technologies through realistic projects. Our undergraduate program in instructional design will prepare you to serve in the global education economy where instructional designers are in demand.
What is Instructional Design?
Instructional design is the process of determining the needs of a learner, identifying the material they need to acquire, and then designing a learning plan that caters to their needs through various instructional solutions. These instructional solutions can come in the form of digital or physical products and experiences. Instructional designers build, develop, and deliver instructional products and experiences for classrooms and even corporations. By earning your bachelor’s in instructional design you will be prepared to enter the workforce and begin impacting people’s lives.
Learn more about what instructional design is by reading our blog.



What you will learn
The University of Arizona Global Campus' bachelor's degree in instructional design prepares you to design training and instruction for online, place-based, and blended learning environments. Based on the Instructional Designer Competencies of the International Board of Standards for Training and Performance Instruction (IBSTPI), the Instructional Design Bachelor’s degree program ensures you are prepared to serve in the global education economy where instructional designers are in demand. Upon completion of the instructional design bachelor program, you will be able to:
- Design instructional and training interventions and assessments for online, place-based, and blended delivery.
- Apply the results of learning, task, performance, and other analyses to the design of training and instruction.
- Apply evaluations of technologies for developing, delivering, and assessing instructional design and training interventions.
- Distinguish how different principles and theories of learning, design, and assessment influence design processes and outcomes.
- Develop plans to manage collaborative processes and participants typically involved in an instructional design project.
- Respond appropriately to ethical, legal, and political factors influencing instructional design projects for diverse learners and contexts.
- Justify design decisions through effective communication in visual, oral, and written form.
Your Courses in Instructional Design
Chart your future with your Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design. Your online instructional design courses include everything you need to know, from learning theory and studies in assessment, to adult learning and virtual collaboration. Learn more about your specific instructional design courses below.
Introductory Courses
To help students acclimate to the online classroom, you may be required to complete Introductory Course requirements. Learn more about Introductory Courses.
Major Course Requirements (39 credits, all courses are 3 credits.)
Emphases for Instructional Design
An emphasis provides you with additional opportunities to broaden and enrich your education that is distinct from and enhances your major. It may be taken as a way to expand career options, to prepare for graduate study, or simply to explore in greater depth an area different from your major. An emphasis consists of three (3), three (3) credit courses and is a worthwhile addition to your bachelor’s degree. Choose from the following emphases:
Cognitive Studies
Environmental Management & Sustainability
Public Administration
Public Relations
Web & Mobile App Technology
Careers in Instructional Design
When graduating with a bachelor's in instructional design degree, you can be ready to create and deliver high-tech instruction for varied education and corporate learning environments. An instructional designer could work in higher education, corporate, government, military, and non-profit sectors. If you want to work in education, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of Training and Development Specialists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. As more employees in a variety of occupations are required to take courses to develop their skills, the demand for professionals who can lead these trainings has increased. Take a look at your potential instructional design career options below.
Additional Programs
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How do you Become an Instructional Designer?
Most instructional designers hold a least a bachelor’s degree in the field, as it can be a critical first step to becoming an instructional designer. They are constantly updating their skills and knowledge in order to stay up to date with the field’s latest trends, technology updates, and learning management systems (LMS). Whether you have prior experience as an educator, trainer or you are completely new to the profession, pursuing your degree can be a rewarding endeavor while being an important steppingstone as you prepare your move into instructional design. If becoming an instructional designer is your goal, it’s important to take in to consideration that school districts and universities often require a master’s degree in instructional design and technology. Companies looking to hire instructional designers to focus on things like employee training, or technology tutorials, often place more value on relevant work experience. At the end of the day, it’s important to determine the kind of work you want to do, as this can determine how far you take your education.
Instructional Design Degree Why Choose UAGC
The ever-changing role of the instructional designer is reflected in the degree curriculum. This online degree explores learning theory, curriculum development, and the development and implementation of training processes. The relevant and current subject material that is covered in this instructional design degree focuses on the emerging issues in educational technology and making instructional experiences through e-learning more efficient.
Bridge the gap between theory and practice with qualified faculty. The faculty members in this instructional design program have expertise in education, training, and technologies that relate to learning. Most of the University of Arizona Global Campus' instructional design faculty have doctorates in their fields, making the discussions they have with their instructional design students more enriching.
Earning your instructional design degree online can give you the ability to continue with your current responsibilities while attending college. Pursuing your instructional design degree can help you take the next step in your professional career whether you have prior experience or are new to the instructional design field.
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