2027 Is Walden University's Online MS in Instructional Design & Technology - Training & Performance Improvement Worth It? What Students Should Know

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

What makes Walden University's online MS in Instructional Design & Technology - Training & Performance Improvement program stand out?

Choosing Walden University's online MS in Instructional Design & Technology - Training & Performance Improvement involves a tradeoff between flexibility and the demands of self-directed learning. The fully asynchronous format suits professionals who must balance work and study but requires strong time management skills.

For those working within large organizations or seeking roles in corporate training, the program's emphasis on practical application of instructional design and technology aligns closely with employer expectations for measurable performance improvements.

Walden's sizeable enrollment of 44,223 students and 3,423 staff reflects institutional capacity to provide comprehensive support, which benefits students needing resources like virtual labs, multimedia tools, and practitioner guidance.

This infrastructure uniquely positions the program to offer applied learning environments that go beyond theory, catering both to early-career individuals aiming to build foundational skills and to experienced professionals seeking evidence-based strategies to enhance workplace training effectiveness.

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Is it difficult to get admitted to Walden University's online MS in Instructional Design & Technology - Training & Performance Improvement program?

Admission difficulty for most MS programs in Instructional Design & Technology - Training & Performance Improvement tends to fluctuate based on institution size and program demand, with many highly selective options limiting enrollment to a small, competitive cohort.

This selectivity often means strong academic records and standardized test scores are necessary, creating barriers for working professionals or nontraditional applicants seeking entry. Limited availability and high application volumes can elongate wait times and increase uncertainty for candidates.

In contrast, Walden University's program adopts an open admission policy that removes standardized test requirements such as the SAT or ACT. This effectively lowers the barrier to entry by accepting all qualified applicants, sidestepping the typical constraints of application caps or cutthroat competition.

While this approach facilitates access for a broad range of candidates, it transfers more responsibility onto the student to demonstrate preparedness through coursework and experiential components rather than prior test performance. This can be advantageous for individuals balancing career and education but may also require self-motivation to thrive without traditional academic gatekeeping.

This model reflects a tradeoff between accessibility and the filtering mechanisms common at other institutions. Candidates prioritizing flexibility over exclusivity will find fewer obstacles starting their MS journey at Walden, though the program's inclusivity does not inherently speak to academic rigor or employer recognition, which depend heavily on the individual's applied skills and networking efforts after admission.

One graduate recalled, "I almost hesitated because the lack of standardized testing felt unusual compared to my undergrad experience, especially when employers I consulted mentioned rigor concerns. But the simplicity of the application process allowed me to apply quickly after deciding to switch careers."

"The few weeks of waiting were nerve-wracking since I wasn't sure how my background would be assessed beyond transcripts. Ultimately, the open admission gave me a relief valve when time was pressing, which made all the difference."

Walden University’s online MS in Instructional Design & Technology - Training & Performance Improvement program aligns with current industry trends by combining performance-based strategies, emerging technologies, and flexible learning approaches. Its curriculum reflects the growing demand for professionals who can design, evaluate, and improve digital learning experiences across evolving workplace environments.

  • Performance-Driven Instruction: The curriculum emphasizes performance analysis and evaluation, training students to measure and refine training effectiveness through data, which is essential for organizations seeking measurable ROI on learning initiatives.
  • Technological Integration: Students gain proficiency with multimedia development and contemporary learning management systems (LMS), reflecting the expectations of employers prioritizing immersive, scalable, and accessible e-learning solutions.
  • Adaptability to Emerging Trends: By incorporating training in virtual platforms and mobile learning, the program anticipates workforce shifts toward remote and hybrid environments, equipping graduates to design flexible, learner-centered experiences.

While Walden University's MS in instructional design and technology curriculum alignment with industry standards addresses many employer expectations, prospective students should weigh how this translates into their targeted roles. Practical exposure to technology and evaluation techniques enhances employability in corporate training and instructional coordination, but students must remain proactive in updating their skill sets to keep pace with ongoing technological innovation.

Those considering accelerated pathways, such as 1 year PhD programs online free, might encounter a divergent focus, emphasizing research over applied skill-building, so alignment with career goals is key.

What Graduates Say About Walden University's Online MS in Instructional Design & Technology - Training & Performance Improvement Program

  • Chloe: "Studying at Walden University gave me the flexibility I needed while working full-time. The MS in Instructional Design & Technology - Training & Performance Improvement program helped me build a strong portfolio, which proved more valuable than traditional certifications when I applied for instructional design roles. Though I faced tough competition, the program's focus on practical projects made it easier to demonstrate relevant skills to employers."
  • Hope: "After completing my MS in Instructional Design & Technology - Training & Performance Improvement at Walden University, I quickly realized that advancement in this field often requires more than just a degree. While the coursework was rigorous and enriched my understanding, I found that employers prioritize hands-on experience and internships. Navigating the job market has meant balancing further certifications and practical work, but the remote learning format gave me crucial opportunities to pivot my career during uncertain times."
  • Eva: "Walden University's MS in Instructional Design & Technology - Training & Performance Improvement program equipped me with relevant skills for a career in workforce development organizations. I appreciated how the curriculum integrated real-world scenarios, helping me understand the complexity of training projects beyond theory. Though salary growth can feel limited without licensure in related fields, the program opened doors to consulting roles that value the expertise I gained during the degree."

Other Things You Should Know About Degrees

How flexible is the program in accommodating students with existing professional commitments?

The program's fully online format allows students to access coursework asynchronously, which provides a degree of flexibility in when they complete assignments. However, there are structured deadlines and scheduled group activities that require timely participation. For professionals with variable work hours or international students, this structure means that flexibility has limits and missing deadlines can delay progress. Prospective students should realistically assess their availability each term before committing.

Do employers in instructional design and training value this degree as a standalone qualification?

While the degree provides foundational expertise in instructional design and performance improvement, many employers also prioritize practical experience and relevant certifications. Graduates with only the MS from Walden may need to supplement their credentials with hands-on projects or additional industry-recognized certifications to enhance employability. For those early in their careers, this degree alone is a strong credential, but mid-career professionals might find more value by combining it with direct experience or niche technical skills.

Is the program suitable for students aiming to transition from unrelated fields?

The program does accommodate learners coming from diverse professional backgrounds, but students without prior experience in education, training, or technology may face a steeper learning curve. Those making a field change should be prepared for foundational coursework and possibly investing extra time in mastering instructional design tools and theories. For these students, a commitment to supplementary learning resources or mentorship is advisable to maximize the program's benefits and improve transition success.