What Makes the Best Instructional Design Program?

Choosing the right instructional design program or certificate is essential for setting yourself up for success in this growing field.

The best programs don’t just teach theory—they also provide hands-on experience, exposure to industry-standard tools, and expert guidance to ensure you’re job-ready.

So, what should you look for in an instructional design program or certificate?

Let's explore eight key qualities that make an instructional design program stand out and help you get the most value from your investment.

1. Curriculum That Covers Core Skills and Essential Theories

A high-quality instructional design program should provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers both fundamental instructional design theories and practical skills.

You’ll want a program that goes beyond just the basics and prepares you for the responsibilities of real-world instructional design roles.

What to Look For

• Learning Theories and Models: The program should include key instructional design models like ADDIE, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction. Understanding these models helps you build effective courses that align with best practices.
  
  
• Course Design and Development: Look for a curriculum that includes practical aspects of course design, such as storyboarding, learning objective creation, and assessment strategies.
  
  
• Adult Learning Principles: Since most instructional design is geared toward adult learners, a solid program will cover theories like Andragogy to help you understand how adults learn best.
  
  

Why It Matters

A curriculum grounded in both theory and application ensures you have a strong foundation and can apply your knowledge to create courses that effectively engage and educate learners.

2. Hands-On Experience with Industry-Standard Tools

One of the most crucial aspects of an instructional design program is hands-on experience with e-learning authoring tools and Learning Management Systems (LMS).

Top programs will include training on industry-standard tools so that you graduate with the skills employers look for.

Essential Tools to Learn

• Articulate Storyline and Rise: These popular tools are used to create interactive, multimedia-rich e-learning content.
  
  
• Adobe Captivate: Known for its versatility, Adobe Captivate is widely used for creating responsive e-learning courses and software simulations.
  
  
• LMS Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Moodle, Canvas, and TalentLMS is a plus, as these are common in both corporate and educational settings.
  
  

Why It Matters

Practical experience with tools gives you confidence in your technical skills and helps you build a portfolio of work, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

3. Experienced Instructors and Mentorship Opportunities

The best instructional design programs are led by experienced instructors who have a solid background in the field.

These instructors not only teach core concepts but also share real-world insights, best practices, and industry trends.

Programs that offer mentorship are even better, as they provide an opportunity for personalized guidance and feedback.

What to Look For

• Industry Experts: Look for programs where instructors have relevant, hands-on experience in instructional design, ideally across multiple industries.
  
  
• Personalized Feedback and Support: Programs with small class sizes or opportunities for one-on-one support allow you to get personalized feedback on your projects.
  
  
• Mentorship Programs: Some programs offer mentorship opportunities where you can work with an experienced instructional designer for career guidance and project support.

Why It Matters

Experienced instructors and mentors can provide invaluable insights, help you build a strong foundation, and guide you through challenges, setting you up for success in your career.

4. Portfolio Development and Project-Based Learning

In instructional design, having a portfolio is critical to demonstrating your skills to potential employers.

The best programs incorporate project-based learning that allows you to apply what you’ve learned and develop a portfolio of completed projects.

Ideal Projects for Your Portfolio

• Sample E-Learning Modules: These demonstrate your ability to design and develop interactive courses.
  
  
• Storyboards and Course Outlines: Showcasing your planning and organization skills can be just as valuable as the finished product.
  
  
• Multimedia and Interactive Content: Include examples of quizzes, videos, or animations to display your multimedia capabilities.
  
  

Why It Matters

Employers want to see examples of your work to understand your design style, technical skills, and ability to build engaging learning experiences.

A program that prioritizes portfolio development helps you stand out in a competitive job market.

5. Focus on Current Trends and Emerging Technologies

Instructional design is an evolving field, with new trends and technologies continually shaping how people learn.

Look for a program that emphasizes emerging technologies and current industry trends so you’ll be prepared to meet the demands of modern learners.

Trends and Technologies to Look For

• Gamification and Interactive Design: Adding game-like elements, such as badges, levels, and progress tracking, to increase engagement.
  
  
• Microlearning: Developing content that’s broken into smaller, digestible modules that are ideal for today’s busy learners.
  
  
• Adaptive Learning and AI: Understanding how data and AI can be used to tailor learning experiences to individual needs.
  
  
• Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): Explore how immersive technologies are being used in instructional design for hands-on learning experiences.
  
  

Why It Matters

Employers look for instructional designers who can incorporate innovative techniques to make learning more engaging and effective.

Staying up-to-date with current trends will help you bring fresh ideas to your future role.

6. Flexibility and Accessibility for Busy Schedules

Many individuals interested in instructional design programs are working professionals or students with other responsibilities.

A good program should offer flexibility to accommodate different schedules, whether through self-paced courses or online options.

Program Options to Consider

• Self-Paced Learning: Programs that allow you to progress at your own pace can be ideal if you have a busy schedule.
  
  
• Hybrid or Fully Online Formats: Online or hybrid options give you the flexibility to learn from anywhere, especially useful if you’re balancing work or family commitments.
  
  
• Short Modules or Micro-Credentials: Some programs offer micro-credentials or certificates for completing specific skills or tools, allowing you to customize your learning path.

Why It Matters

Flexibility ensures that you can complete the program without compromising on your other commitments, making it easier to stay motivated and on track.

7. Career Support and Networking Opportunities

The best instructional design programs don’t just teach you skills—they also help you navigate the job market.

Career support services, such as resume workshops, job placement assistance, and networking events, are incredibly valuable when transitioning to a new field.

Career Support Features to Look For

• Job Placement Assistance: Some programs have partnerships with organizations that hire instructional designers, helping connect graduates with potential employers.
  
  
• Networking Events and Alumni Networks: Opportunities to network with professionals in the field, including alumni who can offer insights and job leads.
  
  
• Resume and Portfolio Reviews: Some programs offer resume writing assistance and portfolio reviews to help you put your best foot forward in job applications.
  
  

Why It Matters

Career support can make the difference between having the skills to succeed and actually landing your dream job.

Programs that offer this type of support help you translate your new skills into career opportunities.

8. Positive Reviews and Accreditation

When researching instructional design programs, look at reviews from past students to gauge the quality of instruction, support, and overall experience.

Additionally, accreditation from a reputable institution can enhance the credibility of the program.

What to Look For in Reviews

• Graduate Success Stories: Find out if alumni are successful in securing instructional design positions after completing the program.
  
  
• Program Satisfaction: Look for reviews that mention the effectiveness of the curriculum, instructor quality, and hands-on experience.
  
  
• Accreditation and University Partnerships: Programs from accredited institutions or in partnership with established universities often provide more credible credentials.
  
  

Why It Matters

Positive reviews and accreditation indicate that a program is recognized for its quality and effectiveness.

Choosing a reputable program will make your credential more valuable to future employers.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Instructional Design Program for You

The best instructional design programs go beyond theory and provide hands-on experience, mentorship, career support, and flexibility.

By choosing a program that covers both essential skills and emerging trends, you’ll be better prepared for a successful career in instructional design.

Look for programs that emphasize portfolio development, teach industry-standard tools, and offer opportunities for networking and career guidance.

If you’re ready to start your journey, consider programs like the E-Learning Instructional Design Certificate from Oregon State University.

Designed with working professionals in mind, it offers comprehensive training in both the theories and tools you’ll need to thrive in this field.

Finding the right program is your first step toward a rewarding career in instructional design.