Professional portfolio built course by course, showcasing proficiency for instructional design in education, business, health care and nonprofit contexts
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 26, 2026) — Belmont University's College of Education will launch a new Master of Science in Instructional Design & Innovation, a fully online graduate program designed for working professionals ready to enter or advance in one of the fastest-growing fields in the workforce.
The 30-credit, asynchronous program can be completed in as few as 14 months. Graduates leave equipped to design, develop and lead learning experiences in education, business, health care and nonprofit contexts.
“This program is intentionally interdisciplinary,” said Cathy Eschete, associate dean in the College of Education. “Students learn not only about teaching and learning theory, but also about instructional technology, digital design tools, e-learning development and innovation in learning systems.”
The program prepares graduates for roles including:
- 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
The M.S. in Instructional Design & Innovation also provides a strong foundation for further graduate study in fields such as learning sciences, educational technology, instructional systems design and related fields, equipping students with both the scholarly and practical competencies needed for doctoral-level work or advanced professional research.
The Design Lab Model
Every course in the M.S. in Instructional Design & Innovation functions like a design lab. Students tackle authentic challenges, collaborate with peers and produce real world deliverables that build a professional portfolio they can show employers.
Emerging technologies, including AI and digital media tools, are woven throughout the curriculum.
“One of the biggest benefits of this program is that students don’t just learn about instructional design — they actually practice it throughout the entire program,” said Geoff Price, executive director of digital learning and innovation. “Each course is built around creating real design artifacts, so students leave with clear evidence of their skills and abilities that they can show to future employers. As a result, graduates enter the field having already spent significant time doing the work of instructional design, not just studying it.”
Who Should Apply
The program is built for those coming from education, corporate training, health care, media and tech who want to design learning experiences that are flexible, engaging and effective across a wide range of environments.
Applications are now open. Students will be accepted pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
About Belmont University
Located near the heart of thriving Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University consists of nearly 9,000 students who come from every state and 33 countries. The University is nationally recognized for its innovative approach as well as its commitment to undergraduate teaching (U.S. News & World Report). As a Christ-centered, student-focused community, Belmont’s mission is to develop diverse leaders of purpose, character and wisdom who possess a transformational mindset and are eager and equipped to make the world a better place. With more than 119 areas of undergraduate study, 60 master’s programs and nine doctoral degrees, Belmont University aims to be the leading Christ-centered university in the world, producing leaders who will radically champion the pursuit of life abundant for all people. For more information, visit http://www.belmont.edu.
Media Contact
Julia Copeland, Director of PR & Content
julia.copeland@belmont.edu
615.460.6178
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