What makes a master’s in the learning sciences different from instructional design?

Education looks a lot different than it did even a few years ago. Sure, plenty of teachers still give lectures and assign traditional textbooks. However, learning has also become much more interactive and tech-centric. A student might use a mobile app to study for a science quiz, then log onto Zoom to visit their teacher's virtual office hours. When they're wrapping up a research paper, they could ask ChatGPT to double-check their grammar before they click submit.

Teachers don't need to figure out these major transitions on their own. Learning sciences professionals use theory and data to understand how people gain knowledge. Meanwhile, instructional designers apply that research to develop educational materials like lesson plans and online courses. If you're considering a career in education, understanding the differences between these fields can help you choose the right area of study.

This post breaks down the main differences between learning sciences vs. instructional design, including areas of focus and potential career paths.

What is learning sciences? 

Learning sciences focuses on understanding how people learn and which methods and tools help them gain knowledge effectively. It's an interdisciplinary field that combines education, neuroscience, cognitive psychology and other areas.¹

Learning scientists gather and analyze data to study the cognitive and social processes that power knowledge acquisition. Here are a few common methodologies they use to collect this information:²

• Experimental design: Students get randomly sorted into different learning environments, and the scientists study how each group performs
• Quasi-experimental: Researchers compare two similar classrooms with one key difference, such as writing with tablets vs. writing on paper
• Design-based research (DBR): Learning scientists develop new learning methods or tools and test them in the real world
• Interaction analysis: Researchers film students learning and analyze how they interact and solve problems 

For example, DBR could involve creating new software that uses music to help elementary students learn math concepts. The scientist could partner with third-grade teachers to test this technology in their classrooms. While the students hum and tap along to songs about equations, the researcher takes notes on how quickly they pick up the concepts.

What is instructional design? 

Instructional design is the process of creating and evaluating effective learning experiences. Professionals in this field still study learning theories, but they focus on applying these ideas in the classroom and beyond.³

Instructional designers often use evidence-based models to create educational content. One popular option is ADDIE, which stands for:³

• Analysis
• Design 
• Development
• Implementation
• Evaluation 

This straightforward model starts with identifying a learning problem and designing a solution. The designer puts this plan into action with real students and studies the results.⁴

Many designers also use the Successive Approximation Model (SAM). It involves close collaboration with stakeholders and frequent iteration throughout the design process.³ For example, if you're building a mobile app for social studies students, you might ask teachers and parents for feedback.

Core differences between learning sciences and instructional design 

Learning sciences and instructional design share the same goals: to understand how students acquire knowledge and help them succeed. However, they take different paths to get there. Learning scientists focus on conducting experiments and analyzing data. By contrast, instructional designers develop educational programming and tools.

They also rely on different skills. A learning scientist's toolkit should include these abilities:⁵

• Collaboration
• Critical thinking 
• Data analysis
• Experiment design 
• Knowledge of statistical software, such as R
• Research methods 

For an instructional designer, core skills include:⁶

• Ability to translate complex topics for different audiences 
• Graphic design 
• Knowledge of industry-specific or state-level education standards 
• Problem-solving 
• Project management 
• Research abilities 

Industries differ, too. Learning scientists often work in academia or for commercial EdTech companies, such as Duolingo.⁷ Meanwhile, instructional designers can find roles in corporate training, government agencies, health, finance and more.⁸ If a company needs to develop training programs, chances are they need an instructional designer to help.

Curriculum and degree structure comparison 

The career path you choose will influence the knowledge and skills you gain. A Master of Science (M.S.) in the Learning Sciences curriculum typically includes research-focused courses, such as:

• Cognitive Theory
• Data, education and society 
• Introduction to learning analytics 
• Research methodologies in the learning sciences 
• Theories and trends in the learning sciences 

You may also need to conduct original research or complete a capstone project to show what you've learned.

Instructional design curricula often cover these topics:⁹

• Assessment and evaluation 
• Curriculum design 
• Media production 
• Needs analysis 
• User experience design 

Many instructional design programs also require a capstone project. This could involve designing a portfolio of learning materials you've created or writing a thesis.

Career paths for each degree

People often assume that instructional designers always work in schools, but that's not the case. Here are a few rewarding careers that you can pursue in this field, along with their average salaries:

• Instructional designer - $77,000¹⁰
• Training manager - $83,000¹¹
• E-learning developer - $90,000¹²

As more organizations invest in skills development and online learning, they need learning experts to help them design useful programs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that approximately 22,000 instructional design jobs will open each year between 2024 and 2034.¹³

Learning sciences often leads to more research-focused careers, such as:

• Learning and development consultant - $83,000¹⁴
• Technology strategist - $137,000¹⁵
• Learning scientist - $163,000¹⁶

While the BLS doesn't gather data for learning scientists specifically, it forecasts that job openings for training and development specialists will grow by 11% between 2024 and 2034. Two of the biggest factors fueling this demand are new technologies and shifts in the workforce.¹⁷

How the two fields work together 

Educational projects often marry learning sciences and instructional design to provide highly engaging, evidence-backed learning experiences. For example, professionals in both fields may collaborate on EdTech software.

Studying learning science for instructional designers can also help professionals excel. For example, you may also study learning theory or even ask scientists for advice to improve your course materials and practices.

Which program is right for you? 

Still torn between learning sciences vs. instructional design? Consider your interests before making a decision. If you love sifting through data and tinkering with experiments, you might relish a learning sciences career. If you like coming up with games and activities, instructional design might be the right fit.

Weigh your career goals, too. Learning sciences can lead to academic and consulting roles, while instructional design lets you support students more directly.

Don't forget about your preferred work environments: Do you enjoy the solitude of academic study, or would you rather work for a company or school?

Lead the future of learning 

Learning sciences studies the nuts and bolts of cognition and skill development. Meanwhile, instructional design applies that research to real course materials and learning experiences.

SMU’s online M.S. in the Learning Sciences can help you pursue either path. Our hands-on program combines theory and practical application, preparing you for careers in either field. You'll study cutting-edge methods and technologies, such as AI, learning analytics, gamification and virtual reality.

Explore our admissions criteria to learn more.