WKU Instructional Design

Madeline (Maddie) Flynn

Justin Matthews

"My goal in entering the Instructional Design program at Western Kentucky University was to obtain the skills and qualifications necessary to improve my future professional prospects, and I was not disappointed. Since becoming an Instructional Design student, I have taken on additional responsibilities in my company, including designing curriculum for several of our short-term summer programs and developing professional development plans for my fellow teachers. The ID program definitely opened the door for these opportunities, and the program has made me a more successful professional.

The program provides a wide variety of courses that allow students many options for shaping their educational experience. Beginning with exceptionally structured foundational courses that provide students with general background in Instructional Design concepts, the courses quickly move towards designing your first instructional unit and experimenting with multiple instructional materials and programs. The combination of practicum and internship courses allow students to get hands-on experience in applying the concepts learned in coursework, as well as giving students an opportunity to network and connect with potential employers. For example, my own practicum experience has given me the opportunity to utilize Audacity and MovieMaker in an authentic workplace setting; these are programs I had never used before entering the ID program, and they have proven valuable at my job.
All in all, I have been very impressed with my experience in the program, and it has positively impacted me both personally and professionally. Enrolling in the program was the best decision of my professional life."

Kurt Borne

"As I near the completion of my M.S. in Instructional Design, I am already reaping the benefits of the program. Not only has it taught me much of the knowledge, and given me the skills, that I need to round out my instructional design portfolio, it is already helping me advance in my career.  The Fortune 50 telecommunications company that I work for has been assigning me one high priority project after another! For example, in their recent merger effort with another telecommunications powerhouse, I was selected to compare and analyze the training curricula for both organizations, and then come up with my recommendation for a combined 'best of the best' training strategy. I have no doubt that both the skills WKU has given me, plus the simple fact that I am working on a Master's in ID, have helped me to earn these plum assignments. And the real benefit is that all of this enhances my career prospects along the way."

Julia C. O’Brien

"The online M.S. in Instructional Design program at Western Kentucky University is an actively engaging, highly enriching academic experience that expands the teaching paradigm beyond the traditional. This program has truly challenged me and prepared me for a career in instruction in the 21st century. “ - Julia C. O’Brien"

Hannah Page

The Instructional Design program at WKU equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in my current role as Instructional Support Specialist with WKU’s Distance Learning Department. The lessons, real-world case studies, technical training, projects, and faculty support allowed me to achieve my goals in a competitive job market. While working toward a degree in Instructional Design, a full-time position – in the field of Instructional Design – became available. I was able to capitalize on the tools and skills that I acquired from the program during my interview and was offered the position. I continually use the same skills and knowledge I obtained from the program to collaborate with faculty and instructional designers to create and support quality online and web-enhanced courses. An Instructional Design degree from WKU can be an asset in the job market, can provide career advancement, as well as improve work performance.

Cara Worick

The Instructional Design Program at WKU has been instrumental in my both my personal growth and career development. As I complete my final requirements for graduation, I feel extremely confident in my skills and abilities as an instructional designer. The program appealed to me because it was online. I am a non-traditional student returning to school with a full-time job and personal-life responsibilities. This program provided me the convenience and flexibility that I needed in order to succeed. The courses were still extremely challenging, but learning how to guide myself and structure my time in order to succeed online was one of the best aspects of the program because these skills translate directly into work-life. I work at a university and my education in the ID Program at UK has had a huge influence on my growth at work. I am on track for a promotion into a position more suited toward my education and skill set, and I am applying to continue my education in a doctorate program. People on my campus now come to me when they have questions about course design, online and hybrid learning, and best practices for teaching which is very rewarding and wouldn’t be possible without the education I received in the Instructional Design Program at WKU!