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Master of Education

Education Technology &
Instructional Design Master's

OVERVIEW

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 

10 Months*

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

$4,125

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

$10,916*

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

*WGU Internal Data

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?

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COURSES

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.

Foundations of Learning Design
Design Lab
Capstone
K-12 Specialty
Adult Learner Specialty

12 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.

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.
  • Instructional Design    
    • 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

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

Why WGU?

You Aren't On Your Own

WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.

Flexibility You Need

Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.

Strong Alumni Network

When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

COST & TIME

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.

Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
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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.

12%

There is a need for training and development specialists in the corporate world with demand projected to increase by 12% through 2033.

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.

K-12

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

Corporate Training

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

ADMISSIONS

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. 

Transfer Credits

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

More About the MEd in Education Technology and Instructional Design

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. 

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.

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.

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
  • Eligibility requirements
  • Examples of scholarships
  • What happens after you apply
  • FAQs
  • Other financial aid options

WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. 

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?