Transform your career: Learning sciences & instructional design jobs
Turn your passion for education and technology into a high-impact career with SMU's online Master of Science in the Learning Sciences. Whether you're seeking instructional design jobs, exploring learning and development careers, or advancing in corporate training, our program prepares you for the next generation of learning innovation.
The field is changing rapidly, with new roles and opportunities emerging constantly.
High-growth career paths in learning sciences
As technology evolves so does the need for professionals who understand and implement educational theory and cutting-edge technology. SMU's MSLS graduates can pursue diverse roles with competitive salaries:
Median total pay for learning sciences jobs
Achievement unlocked.
Level up your career when you master gamification and learning technology. Complete the form to receive a program brochure.
Get valuable insights into the online experience, learn more about SMU, and see where the online MSLS can take you.
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Put your skills to use across industries
Find jobs like instructional designer, professional development training manager, content engagement and training manager, instructional technology specialist, e-learning specialist, talent development specialist, education manager, and more at top employers.*
*Based on survey of open positions on Indeed.com on September 8, 2025
Career tracks by specialization
Learning and technology careers
Transform training and education through immersive technologies. Career opportunities include:
- Corporate training development
- Military simulation design
- Healthcare training systems
- Educational gaming and simulation
- Museum and cultural education
- E-learning platform development
Learning analytics careers
Lead data-driven educational innovation as a learning analytics specialist. Career opportunities include:
- Learning data analyst
- Educational outcomes specialist
- Training effectiveness manager
- Learning platform strategist
- Performance analytics director
- Educational technology consultant
Beyond the classroom: Lead learning innovation
For educators seeking to expand their impact beyond traditional settings, the MSLS program opens doors to diverse roles in corporate training, learning analytics, and instructional innovation. Drawing on your teaching experience as a foundation, you’ll learn to analyze learning patterns and outcomes, design evidence-based training programs, and lead organizational learning initiatives. You’ll also develop the expertise to create data-informed educational solutions, design innovative learning experiences, and measure training effectiveness—equipping you to drive meaningful change in diverse professional settings.
Why choose SMU’s MSLS for your career growth?
At SMU, you’ll master both the science of learning and the tools to apply it. Our program uniquely combines cognitive research, data analytics, and emerging technologies like AI and VR to solve real learning challenges. Work directly with faculty who have pioneered award-winning educational solutions, from mathematics mobile games to VR surgical training. Plus, our collaboration with SMU’s Guildhall program gives you unprecedented access to expertise in gaming and simulation design. Build exactly the expertise you need through our flexible specialization options.
SMU Guildhall partnership advantage
MSLS students benefit from SMU’s unique connection to the prestigious Guildhall program, a world-renowned center for digital game development education. This powerful collaboration gives learning sciences students access to cutting-edge gaming and simulation technologies, while enabling cross-disciplinary projects with game design experts.
Through this partnership, MSLS students can explore the intersection of educational theory and interactive design, leveraging Guildhall’s extensive industry network and expertise in gamification, advanced simulation development, and innovative learning design. This relationship exemplifies SMU’s commitment to pushing boundaries in educational technology, creating opportunities for students to develop next-generation learning solutions that engage and inspire.
Professional connections
Build your network through:
- Texas Digital Learning Association (TxDLA)
- Association for Talent Development (ATD)
- SMU's industry partnerships
- Guildhall industry events and expos
- Professional development events
- Faculty-led workshops
Career support and resources
As an MSLS student, you'll have access to:
- Career coaching and mentorship
- Professional development workshops
- Industry networking events
- Job search resources
- Alumni connections
- Internship opportunities
Industry demand and regional opportunities
Dallas's emergence as a major tech hub has created strong demand for learning sciences expertise. As one of the birthplaces of the video game industry, the region offers a unique ecosystem for learning technology innovation, including:
- Thriving corporate training sector
- Educational technology startups
- Game development and production companies
- Major healthcare training centers
- Military training facilities
- Higher education innovation centers
Ready to advance your career in the learning sciences?
Transform your professional future with SMU's online Master of Science in the Learning Sciences. Whether you're transitioning to instructional design careers or advancing in workplace learning, our program provides the expertise and credentials you need to succeed.
Admissions Deadlines
Become an education innovator
- Retrieved on August 28, 2025, from indeed.com/cmp/Age-of-Learning/salaries/Analytics-Manager
- Retrieved on August 28, 2025, from glassdoor.com/Salaries/director-of-educational-technology-salary
- Retrieved on August 28, 2025, from glassdoor.com/Salaries/educational-technology-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,33.htm
- Retrieved on August 28, 2025, from ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Talent-Development-Salary
- Retrieved on August 28, 2025, from ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Corporate-Trainer-Salary
- Retrieved on August 28, 2025, from ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Learning-Experience-Designer-Salary#Yearly