Why Dallas is the learning design capital of Texas

In recent years, Dallas has emerged as a major technical hub with a thriving industry landscape. Major tech companies are moving their headquarters to Dallas, leading to a rising number of jobs across the city.¹ In fact, in 2021, tech-related company leases accounted for 38% of office space leases.¹ If you're looking for learning design jobs in Dallas, you may be able to find opportunities available in this thriving area that has quickly become one of the best cities for learning designers.

Learning design jobs in Dallas: Examining the market

There are an incredible array of learning design jobs available in Dallas that can help both new and experienced designers find their next opportunity. Before searching for a learning design opportunity in Texas, however, designers should carefully consider where they want to focus their efforts and how their skills align with the needs in that area.

Corporate opportunities

Dallas has a thriving business sector—and with growing attention on corporate training programs, there are plenty of opportunities for learning designers. There are a wide range of organizations where learning designers can thrive, including information technology, finance, manufacturing, real estate, and professional services. All those businesses develop corporate training programs and initiatives designed to help advance their employees' skills, ensure that they are in compliance with industry regulations, and provide insight into company policies and requirements. Learning designers can thrive in developing, modifying, and furthering those programs.

Education sector growth

The education sector is also growing and thriving in Dallas. Enrollment in Dallas schools increased substantially over the past few years, with 2025 enrollment reaching beyond district expectations.² Furthermore, the Dallas-Forth Worth area has many colleges and universities that are regularly in need of curriculum and learning platform design, including multiple public universities and several private university options. E-learning startups in the area also need educational design support that can help them create comprehensive learning content and platforms.

Remote work advantages

Dallas's extensive infrastructure is ideal for both hybrid and remote work roles. Because of the strong tech industry presence in the area, the necessary technology is easy to access. Many businesses are also willing to allow both employees and contractors to work remotely.

Industry growth in Dallas

Increasingly, industry growth in Dallas has opened opportunities for educational designers who are looking for new opportunities.

Economic impact

Dallas's growing economy offers many chances for learning designers to make their mark. With corporate growth typically comes the need for expanded training programs and additional training opportunities for employees. Furthermore, many Dallas businesses have made immense investment into technology, which makes digital learning programs more accessible.³

Tech influence

Dallas is a tech hub and home to many edtech companies, including Just Right Reader, JourneyEd, Instructional Connections, ExamSoft, and many more. These companies continue to drive innovation in learning design tools and platforms. As a result, educational designers in this area can be at the forefront of the latest technology and growth in the learning sciences.

Networking and resources

With so many tech, edtech, and educational industry opportunities in the Dallas area, it comes as little surprise that there are multiple opportunities available for networking, including groups like IxDF Dallas through Interaction Design Foundation or the Association for Talent Development in Dallas. The Texas Digital Learning Association (TxDLA) is also a popular resource for many educational designers. Dallas is also home to numerous conferences in educational design and learning development, including Celebrating Texas Design with the ASID Texas Chapter and the TxDLA Digital Learning Conference each year. At these conferences and events, new designers have the opportunity to make connections, learn more about the latest trends in their field, and show off their own skills.

Why Dallas is a learning design hub

Dallas stands out for learning designers for a number of reasons. If you're looking for learning design opportunities in Texas, there are several reasons why you may want to consider making Dallas your home.

Cost of living and quality of life

The cost of living in Dallas is ranked at around 2% higher than the national average, but the cost of housing and groceries is around 1% lower than that average.⁴ The city also offers numerous advantages that can make it well worth those costs, including access to professional sports teams, a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, and a wide range of restaurants and entertainment options. Dallas is also home to a number of highly-rated schools and universities, making it an ideal home for many families.

Opportunities for growth

As you launch a career in learning design, you'll find that the Dallas area offers many chances for growth across sectors. If your focus is tech, there are numerous technological businesses, including everything from startups to tech giants, where you can grow your career. Healthcare and the corporate sector are also growing and thriving in Dallas, so you can build your learning design career skills no matter which niche catches your interest.

Launch your career in educational design in Dallas

Dallas is a premier city for learning design professionals. Not only does it offer considerable economic opportunities with immense career growth potential, but it also is an area that fosters innovation through a culture that prides itself on advancement and success.

Are you ready to explore your own career in educational design? SMU's Master of Science in Learning Sciences program can help you prepare for a thriving career in learning design in Dallas and beyond. The curriculum allows you to select from specializing in Learning and Technology Design or Learning Analytics, or to develop your own specialization. Apply today to start an exciting journey into learning design. Financial aid is available.