Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Learning, Design & Technology – Instructional Design & Development

Overview

Gain the skills you need to advance your instructional design career with the University of Georgia’s online masters in instructional design and technology degree program. This online instructional design degree includes an emphasis in Instructional Design & Development (IDD) that prepares education, military, healthcare, business, and industry professionals to become highly skilled instructional designers in both public and private sectors. 
Our program takes a holistic approach to prepare you for success as an instructional designer. In addition to courses focused on instructional design and different technologies, online instructional design and technology program students take courses in needs assessment, program evaluation, and program management, equipping you to lead and advocate for the necessary resources in your organization. 
UGA’s distinguished Instructional Design & Development faculty demonstrate the art and science of using emerging technologies and media to develop highly effective instruction tools and support materials for face-to-face and online learning environments. Within the online instructional design master’s program, you will 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.

How Long Does It Take To Earn An Online Master’s In Instructional Design & Development? 

When the provided course sequence is followed, the program can be completed in two years.  This 100% online M.Ed. in instructional design & technology is offered in a cohort structure and consists of a minimum of 36 semester hours.  
We utilize a studio approach in our courses to provide scaffolded instruction and support our students through a variety of design activities.

What Are The Benefits Of An Online Master’s In Instructional Design & Development? 

This online master’s degree in instructional design and technology provides a flexible and convenient way to earn a degree while still meeting the demands of your busy schedule.  
By earning an online master’s in instructional design you can change the trajectory of your career, pursue advancement in your current role, or continue on to doctoral studies. 
As a student in the online instructional design and technology master’s program you will have the opportunity to develop a portfolio of products that reflects the skills you have developed and the knowledge you have gained within the program. By the time you graduate, you will have accumulated several design artifacts that you can use to showcase your work as an instructional designer.  

What Can I Do With An Online Master’s In Instructional Design & Development? 

Graduates of the University of Georgia’s online instructional design degree program are able to pursue careers such as:

• Instructional Designer 
• Training and Development Specialist 
• Director of Training and Development 
• Performance Improvement Consultant 
• Director of Teaching and Learning 
• Multimedia Specialist 

Others, seeking a more entrepreneurial route, could choose to pursue work as a freelance instructional designer. 

Why Choose UGA Online’s Master’s In Instructional Design & Development? 

Offered through the Mary Frances Early College of Education, the online M.Ed. in Learning, Design, & Technology program was ranked #3 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2023, and the University of Georgia’s online Master’s in Education programs are ranked #7 in the nation by the same publication.

As an online graduate of the University of Georgia, you become part of an extensive alumni network and a longstanding tradition of striving for excellence in every pursuit. 

For over two hundred years, we have been on a mission of leadership and service, and today, we are ranked #16 among the nation’s top public institutions by U.S. News & World Report. 

Online students are granted the same access to online resources, career services, library services, and technical support as all enrolled University of Georgia students to help ensure that you are equipped for success in every way. 

Accreditations

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. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. 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).

Admissions

Credit and Transfer

Total Hours Required to Earn Degree:  36 (credit hours)

Maximum Hours Transferable into Program:  6

Master’s In Instructional Design and Technology – Instructional Design & Development Admission Requirements

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

Application Deadlines

Master’s In Instructional Design and Technology Application Deadlines

Domestic Applicants

Fall (July 1)

Spring (November 15)

Summer (May 1)

International Applicants

Fall (April 15)

Spring (October 15)

Summer (February 15)

Cost

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.

Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $23,220 in tuition. Reference this sheet to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $422 per semester. 

Potential additional costs include:

• Textbooks
• Exam proctoring fees
• Technology upgrades 

The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.

Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

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). 

Technology Requirements

• Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
• High-speed internet access.

Curriculum

Students must maintain a 3.0 average in all graduate courses in their program of study. 

Instructional Design & Development Courses

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	Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching, and Technology
EDIT 6500e	Video Production for Teaching and Learning
EDIT 7520e	Online Teaching and Learning
EDIT 7170e	Advanced Instructional Design
EDIT 8150e	Instructional Message Design
EDIT 7150e	Principles of Human Performance Technology and Analysis
EDIT 6900e	Research Methods in Instructional Technology
EDIT 7550e	Project Management in Instructional Design

Faculty

News & Events

Testimonials

“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

Contact Information

Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7940.

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