Master of Business Administration in Instructional Design and Technology
Design Better Learning. Lead Organizational Growth.
Organizations are continually adapting to new technologies, changing workforce needs, and evolving ways of working and learning. Effective learning and development can help organizations build capabilities, strengthen performance, and prepare people for change.
Waldorf University's online Master of Business Administration in Instructional Design and Technology combines advanced business education with specialized study in learning theory, instructional systems design, adult learning, online learning, and digital media.
Designed for professionals interested in leading learning, training, instructional design, talent development, and technology-enabled education initiatives, the program develops the business perspective and instructional design expertise needed to connect learning with broader organizational priorities.
Designed for Learning and Development Leaders
Waldorf University's online MBA in Instructional Design and Technology is designed for professionals who want to create effective learning experiences while developing the business and leadership capabilities to guide learning initiatives within organizations.
The flexible online format allows students to continue working while developing knowledge they can apply across corporate learning and development, education, training, instructional design, workforce development, and other learning-focused environments.
Program Highlights
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100% online format
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Flexible scheduling for working professionals
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36-credit curriculum
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Instructional Design and Technology concentration
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Advanced business foundation combined with specialized instructional design study
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Coursework in adult learning, instructional systems design, online learning, and digital media
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No campus residency requirements
Why Pursue an MBA in Instructional Design and Technology?
Learning has become an important organizational capability. Employers must continually develop people, introduce new technologies and processes, transfer knowledge, and prepare employees to perform in changing environments.
Instructional design professionals understand how people learn. Business leaders must also understand how learning supports organizational goals.
Waldorf University's MBA in Instructional Design and Technology brings those perspectives together. Students develop an advanced business foundation while studying how learning is designed, delivered, managed, and supported through technology.
Students may pursue this degree to:
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Design learning experiences grounded in learning theory and instructional design principles
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Better understand the needs of adult learners
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Develop and manage online learning initiatives
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Apply digital media to learning and development
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Connect training and learning initiatives with organizational priorities
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Strengthen business and leadership capabilities for broader organizational responsibility
For professionals seeking responsibility beyond the development of individual courses or learning experiences, the MBA provides a broader perspective on how learning, people, technology, and organizational strategy intersect.
MBA in Instructional Design and Technology vs. M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology: What's the Difference?
Both Waldorf University's MBA and M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology prepare professionals to develop effective learning experiences and use technology to support learning, but the two degrees approach that work from different perspectives.
The M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology provides a broader education-focused curriculum encompassing instructional design, learning theory, instructional strategies, educational technology, assessment, program evaluation, leadership, and continuous improvement.
The MBA in Instructional Design and Technology combines specialized study in learning and instructional design with a graduate business foundation. Students complete 21 credits of MBA coursework and 15 credits of specialized IDT coursework, providing an opportunity to understand learning within the broader context of business and organizational decision-making.
MBA in Instructional Design and Technology |
M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology |
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Combines graduate business education with instructional design and technology |
Provides an education-focused graduate curriculum in instructional design, technology, learning, and program improvement |
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Builds broader knowledge of business, management, technology, research, and organizational decision-making |
Builds broader knowledge of learning theory, instructional strategy, assessment, program evaluation, educational technology, and learning environments |
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Adds specialized study in adult learning, instructional systems design, online learning, and digital media |
Includes study in instructional design, adult learning, instructional strategies, digital learning, assessment, program evaluation, leadership, and continuous improvement |
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May appeal to professionals seeking broader leadership or management responsibility for learning initiatives |
May appeal to professionals seeking broader preparation in education, instructional design, educational technology, and learning improvement |
The right degree depends on your professional goals. Professionals interested in connecting instructional design and learning technology with broader business and organizational responsibilities may find the MBA a stronger fit. Those seeking a more extensive education-focused curriculum in instructional design, learning, assessment, and program improvement may prefer the M.Ed.
Learning and Development in a Changing Workplace
Organizations are under increasing pressure to develop new workforce capabilities as technology, automation, and changing business needs reshape jobs and skills. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing how learning itself is designed and delivered.
For instructional design and learning professionals, these shifts are expanding the role beyond creating individual courses or training materials. Organizations increasingly need professionals who can help identify learning needs, design effective experiences, apply new technologies, and connect workforce development with broader organizational priorities.
Learning & Workforce Reality |
What It Means for Organizations |
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59 out of every 100 workers are projected to need reskilling or upskilling by 2030, while 63% of employers identify skills gaps as a major barrier to business transformation |
Organizations need scalable learning strategies that help employees build new capabilities as jobs and technologies change |
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U.S. organizations invested $102.8 billion in training in 2025 |
Learning and development represents a significant organizational investment requiring decisions about priorities, resources, technology, and measurable value |
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80% of instructional designers surveyed by ATD Research reported using AI tools in their design work |
Instructional design professionals increasingly need to understand how AI affects learning design, workflows, quality, and responsible technology use |
Sources: World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025; Training Magazine, 2025 Training Industry Report; ATD Research, Instructional Design in the Age of AI.
The Waldorf Difference
The Power of AND
Professionals shouldn't have to choose between understanding how people learn and developing the business perspective needed to lead learning initiatives within an organization.
Waldorf University's online MBA in Instructional Design and Technology brings advanced business education and specialized instructional design study together in a flexible format designed for working professionals.
Students explore the principles and technologies behind effective learning while developing a broader understanding of the organizational environment in which learning takes place.
Design Learning AND Understand the Business
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Understand how adults learn AND connect learning to organizational needs
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Design effective instruction AND manage learning initiatives
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Apply learning technology AND understand broader business priorities
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Advance your career AND continue working full-time
YOUR LIFE CONTINUES. YOUR EDUCATION DOES TOO.
Who Should Consider This Program?
Waldorf University's MBA in Instructional Design and Technology is designed for professionals interested in combining learning and instructional design expertise with broader business and leadership capabilities.
It may be particularly valuable for instructional designers, learning and development professionals, corporate trainers, training managers, educational technology professionals, workforce development professionals, and others responsible for designing, delivering, or managing learning initiatives.
For professionals seeking greater organizational responsibility, the combination of advanced business coursework and specialized instructional design study can help develop the broader perspective needed to connect learning initiatives with workforce needs, technology, organizational priorities, and performance.
Career Outlook for Learning and Development Professionals
Professionals with expertise in instructional design and learning may pursue opportunities across workplace learning, training and development, and learning leadership. Career paths and requirements vary by employer, industry, and prior experience.
Career Area |
2024 Median Annual Salary |
2024–34 Job Growth |
Projected Annual Openings |
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Training and Development Managers |
$127,090 |
6% |
3,800 |
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Training and Development Specialists |
$65,850 |
11% |
43,900 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Training and Development Managers and Training and Development Specialists.
Together, these trends are expanding the role of learning professionals—from designing instruction to helping organizations build capabilities, apply new technologies, and make strategic decisions about workforce development.
Curriculum Designed for Learning and Organizational Leadership
Effective instructional design begins with understanding how people learn and how learning experiences can be intentionally designed to achieve specific objectives. Leading learning initiatives also requires understanding technology, people, organizational priorities, and the environments in which learning occurs.
Waldorf University's Instructional Design and Technology concentration explores learning theory and adult learning before moving into instructional systems design, online learning and management, and digital media.
Together, these areas help students examine both how effective learning is created and how technology-enabled learning can be delivered and managed
This program is available online only.
Master's Degree Requirements
- Completion of 36-credit hour curriculum
- Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA
- Grade of B or higher in all required courses and professional electives
| Prefix | Number | Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACC | 5301 | Management Applications of Accounting | 3 |
| ORG | 5100 | Leadership Theory and Practice | 3 |
| MKT | 5900 | Advanced Marketing | 3 |
| MBA | 6081 | Corporate Finance | 3 |
| MBA | 5401 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| MBA | 5652 | Research Methods | 3 |
| MBA | 6053 | Economics for Managers | 3 |
| Total Major Requirement Credit Hours: | 21 | ||
| Prefix | Number | Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDP | 5100 | Learning Theories for Instruction | 3 |
| EDU | 5000 | Adults and Learners | 3 |
| IDT | 5100 | Instructional Systems Design | 3 |
| IDT | 5200 | Online Learning and Management | 3 |
| IDT | 5300 | Digital Media | 3 |
| Total Concentration Credit Hours: | 15 | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 | ||
Ready to Lead What's Next in Learning?
Develop the instructional design expertise and business perspective to help organizations build skills, develop people, and adapt to change.
MBA in Instructional Design and Technology Degree Requirements
Students must complete the 36-credit curriculum with a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA and earn a B or higher in all required courses and professional electives.
For complete admission requirements and application details, request information or speak with an admissions representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Waldorf University's MBA in Instructional Design and Technology fully online?
Yes. Waldorf University's MBA in Instructional Design and Technology is offered 100% online.
How many credits are required?
The program consists of 36 total credit hours, including 21 credits of MBA coursework and 15 credits of Instructional Design and Technology concentration coursework.
What will I study in the Instructional Design and Technology concentration?
Students study learning theories for instruction, adult learning, instructional systems design, online learning and management, and digital media.
Do I need to be a teacher to pursue this degree?
No. Instructional design and learning development take place in corporate, educational, nonprofit, government, and other organizational environments. The program may be relevant to professionals from a variety of backgrounds interested in designing or leading learning initiatives.
What career areas can an MBA in Instructional Design and Technology support?
Depending on professional experience and other qualifications, graduates may pursue opportunities in instructional design, learning and development, corporate training, training management, educational technology, workforce development, online learning, and related learning leadership roles.
Explore Related Programs
Turn Learning Into Organizational Capability.
Develop the business perspective and instructional design expertise to create learning experiences that help people—and organizations—grow.