Become an instructional design expert with the University of Georgia’s online Master’s degree in Learning, Design, & Technology program. The program includes an emphasis on Instructional Design & Development (IDD) that prepares education, military, healthcare, business, and industry professionals to become highly skilled instructional designers.
UGA's distinguished Instructional Design & Development faculty demonstrate the art and science of using emerging technologies and media to develop highly effective instruction for face-to-face and online learning environments. Students learn to use media creation tools and technology to create eLearning modules, video presentations, and more while studying how design approaches such as games, simulations, and educational multimedia can help develop meaningful learning experiences. In addition, you'll study a variety of learning theories and instructional design models as you develop an understanding of which approach and methods may work best for a given learning need.
The online M.Ed. in Learning, Design, & Technology program was ranked #5 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2022, and University of Georgia online Master's in Education programs are ranked #3 in the nation in the same publication.
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
| Online Tuition | $629 per credit hour | 36 credit hours | $22,644 USD |
| Student Fees | $597 per semester | 6 semesters | $3,582 USD |
| Total Program Cost | $26,226 USD |
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Tuition is the same regardless of residency. Visit the Bursar's Office website for current tuition and fees. If you register for less than 5 credit hours, student fees are reduced to $372 in that semester.
Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, Special Institutional, and Technology. See UGA Tuition and Fees for the complete schedule of fees.
Additional costs may include textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades.
Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section).
Total Hours Required to Earn Degree: 36 (credit hours)
Maximum Hours Transferable into Program: 6
Students are admitted in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. All students holding a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by the proper regional accrediting association are eligible to apply to the Instructional Design program. Applicants need to be fluent in basic computer skills and have proficient English language communication skills.
1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online. Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International (waived for US veterans).
2. Select Campus - Online
3. Select Intended Program - MED, Learning, Design, & Technology (Career and info Studies)[MED_LEDT_ONL]
4. Select Area of Emphasis - Instructional Design and Development
5. Résumé or curriculum vita – Upload to the Graduate School application.
6. Goal Statement – Submit online to the graduate school. The goal statement should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the instructional design and development program.
7. Transcripts – Upload unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended to the Graduate School application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
8. Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably at least two of them are from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study. The application will prompt your recommenders to submit their letters electronically.
9. International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Have official entrance exam scores sent to the UGA Graduate School by the testing service. Specify UGA as the recipient of the scores, institutional code for ETS reporting: 5813
Domestic Applicants
Fall (July 1)
Spring (November 15)
Summer (May 1)
International Applicants
Fall (April 15)
Spring (October 15)
Summer (February 15)
Registration deadlines vary per semester. The UGA Office of the Registrar web site provides up-to-date information on registration dates.
The online Master’s in Learning, Design, & Technology—Instructional Design & Development program is offered in a cohort structure and consists of a minimum of 36 semester hours.
Students must maintain a 3.0 average in all graduate courses in their programs of study. Instructional Design students also develop a portfolio of products that reflect the skills they have developed and the knowledge they have gained within the program. The portfolio serves as the basis of a comprehensive oral examination that is required at the end of the program.
Students seeking this degree will take the following courses:
| Course | Title |
| EDIT 6170e | Introduction to Instructional System Design |
| EDIT 6190e | Design Thinking and Development Tools |
| EDIT 6200e | Designing Interactive Learning Environments |
| EDIT 7350e | Evaluation and Analytics in Instructional Design |
| EDIT 6400e | Foundations for Learning for Instruction Design and Technology |
| EDIT 6500e | Video Production for Teaching and Learning |
| EDIT 7520e | Online Teaching and Learning |
| EDIT 7170e | Advanced Instructional Design |
| EDIT 6210e | Team-Based Design of Interactive Learning Environments |
| EDIT 7150e | Principles of Human Performance Technology and Analysis |
| EDIT 6900e | Research MEthods in Instructional Technology |
| EDIT 7550e | Project Management in Instructional Design |
NOTE: Student class scheduling is subject to course availability. All courses are offered at least once per year. Be sure to communicate with your academic advisor.
Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.
Ready to learn more about the online Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology—Instructional Design & Development program? Contact the online Learning Design and Technology Coordinator for answers to any additional questions you may have.
"I looked at a couple of different programs and liked that UGA is in-state for me. UGA’s also a great school. I loved that the cohort this year was 100% online for the first time. This really jived with my schedule since I live in Cumming, GA and because doing it 100% online is really helpful for my lifestyle." - Marissa Munroe, '16
"The use of technology in the UGA online degree program is one of my favorite parts of learning online. While working in class with Articulate Storyline, a software used to create interactive content for classroom presentations, I thought it was really cool to see the different things you could do and the different forms of interactivity you could build into your slides." - Ben Hall, '15
"Because of the program, I started taking on the role of being the go-to person for technology and design and curriculum ideas. UGA was the perfect program for me since it was totally online and had a great reputation. I am now a Learning Design Specialist, teaching teachers how to use emerging technologies to enhance their student's learning experience." - Cheryl Stanga, '14
"Through my experience with these online classes, I'm learning what good delivery of online content looks like. I'm learning theory, how to use the software, and also how my instructors are doing the delivery online. It’s almost like they’re modeling for me. It’s one of the things I really want to get out of the program." - Tracy Arner, '15
"I realized I have a thing for this online learning, and when I switched to Learning Design and Technology, I thought this could extend my career and I could be retired from public school and be adjunct at a couple of different schools, extend my finances. It’s just really, really exciting. The things that I’m learning to teach with are going to make such a difference, and thankfully I have supportive administrators and that’s always a good thing." - Beth Littlejon, '15
