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Master of Education

Education Technology & Instructional Design Master's

Earn a versatile education technology and instructional design degree online.

The global pandemic has created an urgency for design teams to deliver next-generation solutions at a breakneck pace. In various domains including K-12, higher education, and workforce development, these teams are tasked with creating engaging and immersive virtual learning experiences that can substitute for on-ground instruction.

This master’s program was built from the ground up to help those involved in instructional design gain an updated skill set, preparing them to meet the unique needs of each student within today’s new learning environment. The program incorporates design thinking, learning analytics, and universal design and accessibility.

Choose Your Track 

The Master of Education in Education Technology and Instructional Design is offered in two tracks: the K-12 pathway and the Adult Learner pathway. These tracks allow students to specify if they are hoping to implement their knowledge in an academic or educational setting, or in a corporate setting. The courses in the K-12 pathway setting focuses on working with students in an educational setting, while the Adult pathway focuses on corporate training and adult education. Candidates may choose to complete both pathways if desired. Your career goals will ultimately help you determine which pathway is best for you.

62% of graduates finish this program within 

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their instructional design degree. Finish faster, pay less!

Average salary increase

School of Education graduates report an average salary increase of $10,916 after completing their WGU degree.

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Education Technology and Instructional Design Courses

Program consists of 12 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

This graduate-level educational technology degree is tightly aligned with employer-desired skills for instructional designers. The program offers two tracks: the K-12 pathway and the Adult Learner pathway. Candidates may choose to complete both pathways if desired.

The WGU MEd Education Technology and Instructional Design program was designed (and is regularly updated) with input from the experts on our Education Program Council , as well as ISTE and ATD standards. These respected authorities know exactly what it takes for a graduate to lead a staff of educators, administrators, and support personnel in K-12, higher education and corporate education settings. 

This program comprises the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

Learning Experience Design Foundations I provides an introduction to the field of learning experience design (LxD) and the role of the learning experience designer, which combines best practices from the fields of instructional design and user experience design, with the goal of creating human centered, goal-oriented learning experiences. This first of two foundational courses introduces Design Thinking and instructional design models, processes, and approaches. This course demonstrates how learning theories and instructional frameworks can be applied to facilitate deep learning, motivation, and engagement. This course also teaches the process for analyzing learners and their needs, as well as defining the instructional problem and goals. There are no prerequisites for this learning experience design course. 

Learning Experience Design Foundations II is the second of two foundational courses that provide the foundational knowledge and skills learning experience designers need to create human-centered, goal-oriented learning experiences. Continuing to the third, fourth, and final phases of the Design Thinking Process, this course teaches the process and importance of ideation as well as rapid prototyping. It includes techniques for creating e-learning storyboards, which communicate content plans and instructional design strategies and “look and feel” mockups, which incorporate visual design principles and usability best practices. Finally, this course introduces usability testing methods and provides guidelines for planning usability tests for e-learning solutions. Learning Experience Design Foundations I is a prerequisite for this course.

Assessment and Learning Analytics focuses specifically on applying assessment and learning analytics practices to gauge learner progress through e-learning products. This course is an introduction to assessment models, including competency and skills-based methods, as well as culturally responsive and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approaches in assessment, rubric, and feedback design. Finally, this course introduces learning analytics, specifically how they can add an additional layer of validation and visibility on learner progress.

Learning Technology provides opportunities for learners to research emerging learning technologies and see how they are changing current teaching and learning practices. This course also teaches strategies for evaluating learning technologies and their ability to facilitate deep learning and help learners achieve their learning goals, as well as their ability to accommodate learner differences and ensure access for all learners. This course covers techniques that learning experience designers can use to implement technology safely, legally, and ethically in a variety of environments. Additionally, this course explores the types of learning analytics that various technologies generate and the ways in which they can be used to better understand learner progress and optimize the learning experience.

Learning Experience Design Lab requires learners to apply foundational learning experience design strategies to create an instructional solution in the form of an e-learning module. In the course, learners will identify an instructional problem and then design and develop a functional prototype of an e-learning solution. Learning Experience Design Lab provides an environment for learners to apply foundational knowledge and skills, experiment with various e-learning design tools and techniques, provide helpful quality feedback to peers, and receive quality feedback from peers about their own e-learning module. Finally, Learning Experience Design Lab teaches the importance of obtaining user feedback and incorporating that feedback to continuously improve the learning experience. Degree-seeking learners must complete the Learning Experience Design foundations series and two pathway courses prior to completing this course.

Identifying Learner Needs and a Research Problem is the first of three capstone courses in the program. This course provides an introduction to design-based research and focuses specifically on the first two phases of the design-based research process: identifying and analyzing the learning problem and reviewing the literature. This course also requires that learners continue applying Design Thinking as they empathize with learners and define the instructional problem that their research will help them understand and address. Finally, this course teaches learners how to conduct a literature review to determine what research has already been done and what is unknown about their research topic. Learning Experience Design Lab is a prerequisite for this course.

Developing an E-Learning Solution and Research Methodology is the second of three capstone courses in the program. This course focuses on the next two phases of the design-based research process: designing and developing an e-learning solution and designing a research methodology to test how well the solution addressed the instructional problem. This course also requires that learners continue applying Design Thinking as they ideate potential solutions to the instructional problem and begin prototyping a module of instruction. Finally, this course teaches learners how to design research studies that ensure the safety of human subjects and the ethical collection, storage, and reporting of data. The course Identifying Learner Needs and a Research Problem is a prerequisite for this course.

Implementing and Evaluating E-Learning Solutions is the third of three capstone courses in the program. This course focuses on the final steps of the Design-Based Research process: implement, test, refine, reflect, and report. This course also requires that learners continue applying Design Thinking as they test and refine the solution identified during the prototyping phase. The course requires learners to test and refine their implementation strategies, use data to evaluate the effectiveness of their e-learning solution, redesign or enhance their e-learning design based on their interpretation of the data, and summarize their design-based action research study. Developing an E-Learning Solution and Research Methodology is a prerequisite for this course.

Designing and Facilitating E-Learning Experiences for K–12 Students is the first of two courses in the K-12 Learning Designer pathway. This course teaches skills needed to plan units of study that leverage virtual settings and achieve academic standards while promoting digital citizenship. This course provides strategies for explaining essential concepts and demonstrating examples for students in K–12 virtual settings. It also provides strategies for using technology to facilitate meaningful collaboration among K–12 students. Finally, this course explains how to design effective practice and assessment opportunities for K–12 students in virtual settings and provides strategies for ensuring students get the feedback they need to improve learning. Learning Technology is a prerequisite for this course.

Quality and Impact of K–12 E-Learning Solutions is the second of two courses in the K–12 Learning Designer pathway. This course provides an introduction to the challenges K–12 students face in e-learning environments. It also directs learners to professional and academic resources where they can find current research related to issues and innovations learning experience designers implement to solve challenges to K–12 students in e-learning environments. This course also outlines a quality framework for evaluating e-learning solutions for K–12 students and provides opportunities for learners to apply that framework. Lastly, this course provides examples of how learning analytics can be used to determine the impact of e-learning for K–12 students. Through this course, learners will analyze data about K–12 learners to determine the impact an e-learning solution has had on engagement, effort, and learning. This course teaches learners how insights gained from data about K–12 learners can be used to optimize e-learning. Designing E-Learning Experiences for K–12 students is a prerequisite for this course.

Designing E-Learning Experiences for Adults is the first of two courses in the adult learning designer pathway. This course teaches best practices for supporting adult learners as they acquire knowledge and learn new skills and dispositions. This course explains effective approaches to designing learning experiences for adult learners that are collaborative, experiential, and transformative in nature. This course also explores problem-based and competency-based approaches to designing learning experiences for adults. Each evidence-based approach is defined and supported by theory and research. The course also includes best practices for designing each type of learning experience and provides real examples of each approach. Learning Technology is a prerequisite for this course.

Quality and Impact of Adult E-Learning Solutions is the second of two courses in the Adult Learning Designer pathway. This course introduces the issues learning experience designers often encounter when designing e-learning experiences for adults. It also directs learners to resources about current research related to issues and innovations in designing online learning experiences for adults. This course also outlines a quality framework for evaluating e-learning solutions for adults and provides opportunities for learners to apply that framework. Lastly, this course provides examples of how learning analytics can be used to determine the impact of e-learning solutions for adults. Learners will analyze dashboard data and determine the impact an e-learning solution has had on learner engagement, effort, and learning and how insights gained from data about learners and the learning experience can be used to optimize learning and the environments in which it occurs. Designing E-Learning Experiences for Adults is a prerequisite for this course.

Capstone Project

Special requirements for this program

WGU's online master's degree program in education technology and instructional design requires the successful completion of a capstone project. You'll take what you've learned during your studies and apply it to a real-world situation, proposing a solution to an actual issue you're likely to face in a professional environment. 

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

• Communications: Developed clear, concise, and organized written communications.
• Research: Developed evidence-based processes rooted in research findings, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of educational initiatives.
• Detail Oriented: Identified key areas for improvement in a project, leading to expected outcomes and project success.
• Applied an instructional design model, resulting in well-defined and engaging learning activities.
• Modeled solutions for instructional projects, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the learning experiences.
• Presentations: Demonstrated effective presentation skills in both physical and online settings.

“Working on a master's degree through WGU was amazing. I loved working on my own time and schedule, especially since I have a full-time job. My mentor and class instructors were always helpful and proactive in reaching out. The classwork was relevant to my degree. I feel like the classwork was difficult but doable. I would highly recommend WGU to anyone who is working toward a degree WGU offers.”

—Rebecca Hanson Teachers College Graduate

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Traditional Universities

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When We Say Affordable We Mean It

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

A Master's Degree Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

* WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

Education That’s Truly at Your Own Pace

What makes WGU uniquely flexible? We allow you to finish courses as quickly as you can show competence. You do so by passing assessments instead of sitting in class for a set number of weeks. At WGU, there are no rigid class schedules, no set log-in times, and no hard deadlines set by professors. Rather, you work with your Program Mentor to create a Degree Plan that works with your busy life. Want to take a test at 2 AM? At WGU it’s possible. Earn a career-focused education on your time.

"While getting my degree I was faced with learning how to teach from home, and help my own children adapt to learning online because of our pandemic. I love how WGU was flexible and I was able to breeze through courses when I knew the information and take my time on the ones I needed to.”

—Rachel Hink Teachers College Graduate

CAREER OUTLOOK

A Master’s in Education Technology Paves the Way to the Next Step in Your Career as an Educator

The education landscape is changing rapidly, whether it be in the K-12, higher education, or corporate training space. An increased demand for online education and a greater appetite for custom-tailored and individualized education has created an urgency in the new and expanding field of educational technology. As demand continues to grow, these industries need skilled professionals with a deep understanding of the education technology and instructional design disciplines.

This Master of Education in Education Technology and Instructional Design offers two pathways depending on your desired area of expertise. One prepares you to develop educational programs, methods, and curriculum for K-12 students, while the other is more focused on readying you to provide the same, but in areas including higher education and workforce development. A master’s degree program will help you gain the skills needed to improve learning experiences and play a part in the evolving future of education.

Return on Your Investment

On average, wgu graduates see an increase in income post-graduation.

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source:  2023 Harris Poll Survey  of 1,655 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the  demand for instructional coordinators  at the K-12 level is set to grow by  7% from 2021 to 2031. There is a similar need for  training and development specialists  in the corporate world with demand projected to increase by 8% over that same period.

Learn About All the Opportunities in Education Technology and Instructional Design

With a master’s degree in education technology and instructional design you could be prepared for the following jobs, depending on your industry of focus.

• Instructional coordinator  
• Instructional designer 
• Curriculum developer
• Instructional technologist
• Instructional developer
• Educational technologist
• Learning designer
• Director of eLearning
• Learning Engineer
• Learning architect
• Instructional design coordinator
• Distance education administrator
• Academic technologist
• Learning Experience Designer

Higher Education

• Director of Learning Experience Design  
• Academic technologist 
• Distance education administrator 
• Director of instructional design 
• Online course designer
• Online course developer
• Learning Architect

Corporate Training

• Multimedia producer
• Training and development specialist
• Instructional technology specialist 
• Director of Learning Experience Design
• Director of instructional design
• eLearning Designer/Developer 

Master in Education Technology and Instructional Design Admission Requirements

To enroll in this program, you must be in possession of a bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and be interested in advancing your expertise in education technology and instructional design.

You will also need access to a community of learners. This community of learners will be the focus of your capstone project at the end of your program and other assessments throughout your program, and you will need to identify this group during your first term. 

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More About the MEd in Education Technology and Instructional Design

• More About This Degree

Do I have to be a teacher to pursue this master’s degree?

No. You do not have to be a teacher to pursue WGU’s Master of Education in Education Technology and Instructional Design. In fact, the program is built to provide knowledge and skills not only to teachers but also to individuals planning to work in other fields like corporate training. 

What background do I need to have for this program?

You can have any bachelor's degree and be working in any sector to pursue this Master of Education in Education Technology and Instructional Design. In fact, the program is built to provide knowledge and skills to any individuals planning to work on training, curriculum, instruction, and more.

Does WGU offer financial aid?

WGU is approved to offer  federal student aid . You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.

Are there scholarships available?

Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates.  This video shows more  about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:

• How to apply
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• Best Online Educational Technology Master's Degree

Best Online Educational Technology Master’s Degrees Of 2024

Updated: Oct 4, 2023, 4:52pm

In the wake of the pandemic, technology plays a bigger role than ever in the education sector. Zoom and Teams made it possible for classes to meet throughout 2020 and 2021, with interactive whiteboards, tablets and educational games growing increasingly common in K-12 classrooms.

Understanding how technology can shape and enhance education is valuable knowledge for educators and administrators alike. By earning an online educational technology master’s degree, you can gain the knowledge needed to become an instructional coordinator or even a principal.

And as a distance learner yourself in an online degree program, you will likely use learning management systems to complete your coursework, giving you firsthand experience with educational technology from the student’s perspective.

Read on to learn about the 10 best online master’s in education technology programs.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We scored 119 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online master’s in educational technology degree programs in the U.S. using 16 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.

We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private , third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of January 2023.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Application Process:

• Acceptance rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 92% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Educational Technology Master's Degree Options

William woods university, concordia university-chicago, park university, north carolina state university at raleigh, ottawa university, drexel university, liberty university, grand valley state university, wilson college, waynesburg university.

• Featured partners

Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Educational Technology Program?

Accreditation for online master’s degrees in educational technology, how to find the right online master’s in educational technology for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online master’s in educational technology programs.

Graduate Tuition

$450/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Based in Fulton, Missouri, William Woods University offers an online master’s in education technology program that prepares graduates to advance to instructional technology coach positions in school districts. The 30-credit curriculum includes classes like instructional design with technology and integration of multimedia production and curriculum. All learners complete a capstone project in which they create an e-book that synthesizes what they’ve learned.

Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Instructional design with technology
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$505/credit

Located just outside of Chicago in River Forest, Concordia University-Chicago offers an online educational technology master’s program that prepares licensed teachers for a state technology specialist endorsement.

The program’s 30-credit curriculum covers topics like visual literacy, delving into various hardware and software that can enhance teaching. The program culminates in a capstone project in which students summarize and synthesize what they’ve learned throughout their time at CUC. Most students finish the program in 24 months.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Integrating technology across the curriculum

$695/credit

Park University maintains campuses in Parkville, Missouri, and Gilbert, Arizona, along with a significant online learning presence. The university’s online master’s program in educational technology for teachers primarily serves working professionals in the field, delivering courses in eight-week terms. Park maintains small class sizes with a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

The program’s 30-credit curriculum concludes with the development and presentation of an electronic portfolio. Other notable courses include issues and ethics with technology integration and trending tools of the internet.

• Application Fee: $100
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Issues and ethics with technology integration

$525/credit (in state)

Located in the state capital of Raleigh, North Carolina State University offers an online master’s degree in learning design and technology with an optional thesis. Students can choose between a 30-credit M.Ed. and a 36-credit MS degree. The MS program requires a thesis, and students in both programs must compile a portfolio, which requires that students apply what they’ve learned in field-based education settings.

Coursework for both degrees runs on a part-time schedule.

• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 30 to 36 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Design and evaluation of instructional materials
• In-Person Requirements: Yes

$499/credit

Headquartered in Ottawa, Kansas, Ottawa University also operates campuses in Surprise, Arizona; Kansas City, Missouri; Phoenix, Arizona; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The university offers an online master of education with a concentration in learning technologies that requires 30 credits. In addition to taking courses in educational technology and instructional design, students complete a research project and a 40-hour supervised practicum in a professional education setting.

OU’s teacher education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Games and simulations in education
• Concentrations Available: Learning technologies

$1,079/credit

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University offers an online master’s in educational technology that students can complete in two years. The program runs on a part-time, quarter-based schedule in which terms last only 10 weeks. The 45-credit curriculum finishes with either a thesis or a practitioner capstone course.

Distance learners at Drexel must pay a small online graduate program fee. The university delivers most online coursework asynchronously.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 45 to 46.5 quarter credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Using and integrating learning technologies

$415/credit

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University enrolls more than 130,000 students, most of whom are distance learners. The university’s online master of education in educational technology usually takes students around 18 months to complete. The 36-credit curriculum delivers all coursework asynchronously and covers topics in leadership and technological practices in education.

Each course lasts eight weeks, and the program offers eight start dates each year. Transfer students can earn up to 18 credits for previous coursework.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Technology practices for instructional improvement

$792/credit

Based in Allendale, Michigan, Grand Valley State University provides an online master of education in educational technology that allows all students up to eight years to finish. Each course in the program lasts 15 weeks, and GVSU delivers much of the 33-credit curriculum asynchronously. The program culminates in either a master’s project or a thesis, and students can also gain practical experience during a fieldwork requirement.

Transfer students entering the program can earn up to nine credits for prior coursework.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 33 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Instructional systems design

$530/credit

Based in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Wilson College offers a highly customizable online master of educational technology program. The curriculum includes six required courses in four main focus areas, along with various options for elective courses. Students also take two capstone courses to finish the program. Wilson delivers all online coursework asynchronously, and completion times vary based on students’ schedules.

Applicants must have a teaching license for admission to the program.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: The mindful classroom

$705/credit

At Waynesburg University , you can earn a fully online master of education with a specialization in instructional technology. The 36-credit program takes one to two years to complete, with courses lasting eight weeks.

Students in the instructional technology track have the option of pursuing an instructional technology specialist certification, which involves a practicum experience and additional courses focusing on content area teaching strategies and English language learning. Regardless of whether they opt for certification, all instructional technology students take courses in advanced multimedia, educational research, and curriculum development and instructional design.

Waynesburg’s education department holds accreditation from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

• Application Fee: N/A
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Introduction to educational technologies, online course design and instructional strategies
• Concentrations Available: Instructional technology with or without instructional technology specialist certification

Online learning is a popular option for many types of students, but it isn’t the right fit for everyone. Ask yourself a few key questions before committing to an online program.

What Can You Afford?

Distance learners often pay less for their degrees than their on-campus counterparts. Online students save on costs like housing and transportation, and some public universities allow out-of-state distance learners to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates.

How Much Flexibility Do You Need?

If you are a parent or need to work while pursuing your online master’s in educational technology, distance learning might provide a good fit. Many online programs provide 24/7 access to coursework and lectures and allow students to complete assignments around their schedules.

What’s Your Learning Style?

Online students need discipline, organization and time management skills to succeed in relatively unstructured learning environments. If you prefer the additional accountability and support of a classroom and a peer group, in-person learning might provide a better fit.

Institutional accreditation is administered by organizations overseen by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These accrediting bodies evaluate the quality of schools’ programs, faculty, services and finances to determine accreditation status.

You should only enroll at schools that hold institutional accreditation. Many employers, professional credentialing bodies and advanced degree programs do not recognize degrees from unaccredited schools. Plus, you must be enrolled at an accredited college or university to qualify for federal student aid.

To find out whether a school is accredited, you can search for a dedicated accreditation page on its website or check CHEA’s database .

Programmatic accreditation applies to specific departments and degrees within broader universities. While programmatic accreditation is not prevalent in educational technology, your chosen university’s school of education may be accredited by an organization like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation or a state-specific accrediting body for education degree programs.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online master’s in educational technology is generally a good fit for classroom teachers who want to advance to instructional coordinator or coach roles. Given the prevalence of technology in today’s classrooms, master’s degree holders in ed tech may also be able to advance into administrative roles as principals or assistant principals.

If you are a teacher who wants to leave the classroom but stay in education, an ed tech master’s might be the right fit. If you already hold a state teaching license, a master’s in educational technology can help you earn additional endorsements or credentials, such as state technology specialist certification.

If you are looking to advance your career within your school or district, a master’s in ed tech could help you get where you want to be.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 online master’s in educational technology programs in our guide range from $415 to $1,079. Over the course of a 30- to 36-credit master’s program, this translates to total tuition costs of approximately $12,500 to $40,000.

According to the National Center of Education Statistics , the average annual tuition for a graduate program costs $19,749, which translates to nearly $40,000 for a two-year master’s program. In comparison, many of the ed tech master’s programs on our list are relatively affordable.

To finance your education, consider filling out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can help you access federal loans, grants, scholarships and work-study programs. You can also seek out these opportunities through your prospective school and third-party organizations.

What is the difference between an MA and an M.Ed.?

A master of education focuses exclusively on the practice and theory of teaching and pedagogy, while a master of arts may provide a broader, more academic scope.

What can you do with a degree in educational technology?

Educational technology master’s degree holders can pursue careers as instructional coordinators or seek out administrative positions within school districts.

How long is a master’s in educational technology?

Many of the programs in our guide take 18 to 24 months to finish. However, completion times can vary based on whether you enroll full time or part time.

Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.

Master’s Programs in Education

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As you embrace the next chapter in your development as an educator, innovator, and leader, consider a graduate program that builds on a century of innovation, that’s grounded in the skills every educator needs, and that fully supports your current work and future aspirations.

At the Harvard Graduate School of Education, our master’s degree program is driven by passion and empowered by evidence. We share a vision of education where every learner has an opportunity to be seen, to be challenged, to excel, and to reach their full potential. We are motivated by urgency to build a future that recognizes and overcomes grinding systemic inequities.

Whether you seek to make an impact in early education, in K–12 districts and networks, or in higher education — or whether you want to drive educational change outside of those realms — you belong at HGSE. 

No matter which program you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with HGSE’s world-class faculty, build a sustained community of practice and a lifelong professional network, and gain the preparation necessary to grow, advance, and become the type of leader that education needs.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education offers the Master's in Education (Ed.M.) degree in two formats —  residential and online — and in a variety of programs.

Residential Master's

HGSE’s  on-campus master’s degree is a one-year, full-time, immersive Harvard experience. You'll apply directly to one of its five distinct programs, spanning education leadership and entrepreneurship, education policy, human development, teaching and teacher leadership, and learning design and technology. 

Online Master's

Our Online Master's in Education  is a part-time, two-year, online program in education leadership. It is designed for experienced professionals who want to advance in their careers and deepen their impact. The online program in education leadership offers a choice of two pathways, preK–12 or higher education, that complement your career and chosen area of impact.  

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Online Master of Education in Learning Design and Technologies

The Master of Education in learning design and technologies prepares you to take on a vital position in the design and development of digital learning. You’ll develop an understanding of learning theory and technology and how these elements can be used together to improve learning experiences.

Quick facts

Next start date: 08/22/2024

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Learning Design and Technologies (Master of Education) ? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What is learning design and technology?

Why should i earn a master of education in learning design and technology.

• Education and training, whether formal or informal.
• Learning and development.
• Online and blended learning.
• Technology use.
• Visual communication.

Is this an instructional design degree?

Does my master's in learning design and technologies say 'online'.

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Please note, this program does not lead to teacher certification. 

Learning design and technology courses

The master’s in learning design and technology online curriculum combines theory and practice for an in-depth education. You’ll take on relevant challenges and apply your knowledge in a variety of projects. Cutting-edge technology is a key area of focus. Featured courses include:

What can I do with a degree in learning design and technology?

A learning design and technology degree can open the door to many career paths in organizational training, learning and development or higher education. Specific career examples include, but are not limited to:

Faculty on the leading edge of education theory and practice

The faculty of Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College draws from a range of academic disciplines — including cognitive science, psychology and economics — to gain insight into important questions about the process of learning, the practice of teaching and the effects of education policy. The faculty is committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. Our teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

Learning design and technologies degree admission requirements

Applicants to the Master of Education in learning design and technologies program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Application requirements

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

If you don't meet the GPA requirement, you may be eligible for provisional admittance or a non-degree pathway.

All applicants must submit:

• Graduate admission application and application fee
• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

Additional admission information

An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.

Join one of the best colleges of education in the nation

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of individual educators and the performance of education systems. According to U.S. News & World Report, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is the only U.S. college of education to rank in the top 15 in both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.

best online master’s in educational administration programs.

best online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs.

best online master’s in educational/instructional media programs.

best online master's in education programs.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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Master's Programs

You are here, learning design and technology (ms).

The face of education is changing.

New technologies have catalyzed an evolution in tools for learning. As schools, governments, and corporations look to emerging technologies to enhance learning environments and improve outcomes, these efforts must be guided by empirically-grounded learning sciences and design.

The Learning Design and Technology program builds the creativity, knowledge, and skills necessary to pioneer the future of equitable, effective learning.

The program

This 11-month, full-time residential program integrates powerful contemporary ideas about learning with emergent technologies to design and evaluate learning environments, products, and programs. The LDT program features a blend of theory and project-based courses, a real-world internship, and a major design project. It awards a master’s of science (MS) degree.

Learn more about program content

Learning design and technology at Stanford

Why Stanford?

Located in Silicon Valley, Stanford is known for its spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. The LDT program embraces that creative energy, and gives students the flexibility to explore what Stanford has to offer. Our students are welcome in courses across campus, including the schools of law, business, engineering, and humanities and sciences, as well as the creative hub known as the “d.school.”

Our students are interested in making an impact on learning through design. Curious and creative, they come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide variety of experiences. What they share is a passion for asking big questions about how people learn, and a conviction that thoughtful design can improve the quality of learning experiences.

Learn more about our students

After you graduate

LDT opens doors to a wide range of opportunities. During the program, internships allow students to explore different ways to apply their learning in the real world. At the end of the program, LDT portfolios showcase a variety of student projects. After LDT, our graduates go on to design and evaluate effective technology-based learning environments in settings such as schools, museums, research organizations, and industry.

Learn more about our alumni

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What you need to know

Admission requirements.

To learn more about requirements for admission, please visit the Application Requirements page .

Financing your education

To learn more about the cost of the program and options for financial support, please visit Financing Your Master’s Degree on the admissions website.

Contact admissions

For admissions webinars and to connect with the admission office, see our  Connect and Visit page .

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