Overview

Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology—Instructional Design & Development

Become an eLearning 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 and cultivate learning at all academic levels. 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, students study a variety of learning theories and instructional design models as they develop an understanding of which approaches and methods best suit learning needs.

The University of Georgia’s online graduate education programs were ranked #5 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2019, and the online M.Ed. in Learning, Design, and Technology program was ranked the #6 online Master’s in Educational Technology program in 2019 according to BestColleges.

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. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia.

Technology Requirements

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

Specific software may be required.

Faculty

Instructional Design & Development Program Cost

Tuition & Fees

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.

Other Costs

Additional costs may include textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades.

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).

Admissions

Credit and Transfer

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

Maximum Hours Transferable into Program: 9

Instructional Design & Development Admission Requirements

Students are admitted in the fall and spring of each academic year. 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. The Graduate School will accept test scores as valid for 5 years (specifically, until September 15 following the 5th anniversary of the testing date). Applicants need to be fluent in basic computer skills and have proficient English language communication skills.

Application: Submit the Graduate School application online.
1. Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
Test Scores*: Send recent official entrance test scores (less than five years old) to the graduate school. UGA institutional code for ETS reporting: 5813
1. GRE or Miller Analogy Test (MAT)
2. International applicants must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
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 program. Include a link to your online portfolio.
Basic online portfolio: Include a link to this in your Goal Statement. The online portfolio or project represents your prior experience using technology successfully to design content. It should also provide evidence of your ability to learn technology skills in self-directed ways.
Letters of Recommendation: Submit three letters of recommendation online. 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 to be from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study.
Résumé or curriculum vita: Submit online along with your application.
Official Transcripts: Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.

*The Learning, Design, and Technology program can request a waiver of the GRE or MAT on your behalf if you satisfy one of the following conditions:

You have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in a related discipline with at least a 3.0 GPA, have a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, and have a well-written statement of purpose. We are seeking individuals who possess the perspective, intellectual capacity, and drive and determination to successfully complete the LDT program.
You have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and hold, in good standing, a credential relevant to your intended field, for example, the Certified Professional Learning and Performance (CPLP) credential from the Association for Talent Development.
You have completed a minimum of 6-9 credits of graduate coursework at a regionally accredited college or university in a related field with a 3.5 GPA or higher.
You have successfully completed a minimum of six credits of coursework in the eLearning Design non-degree graduate certificate at UGA.
You have previously earned a graduate degree in a related field.
You can provide evidence of the capacity and prerequisite ability needed to complete a degree in LDT. For example, provide a link to an online presence (e.g., portfolio, website) that demonstrates 2-3 projects that align with degree program of interest.

Application Deadlines

Accepting applications for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Domestic Applicants

Fall (July 1)

Spring (November 15)

Summer (March 15)

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.

Instructional Design & Development Program Curriculum

The online Master’s in Learning, Design, and Technology—Instructional Design & Development program is offered in a cohort structure and consists of a minimum of 36 semester hours. While the program is fully online, there is an opportunity to attend the annual IDD@UGA conference, a professional event that includes a new student orientation. Attendance at this campus event is strongly encouraged for all currently enrolled or newly enrolled students.

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.Example Student Portfolios:

Take a look at some Learning, Design, and Technology alumni portfolios:

You can also browse the IDD Portfolio Management site or view the IDD Student Handbook for portfolio guidelines and more.

Maximum Hours Transferable into Program: 9

Instructional Design & Development Courses

Fall Admissions Course Schedule

	Fall Term	Spring Term	Summer Term
Year 1	EDIT 6100E Introduction to Instructional Technology Explore the field of instructional technology. Gain a perspective that situates the work of instructional designers within the context of its historical perspective, current practices, and future directions. EDIT 6400E Emerging Approaches in Teachning, Learning and Technology Gain insights into the nature of teaching, learning, and performing, and the ways technology can be designed to support these. Students will explore the theoretical and research foundations of instructional design from emerging and historic perspectives.	EDIT 6170E Introduction to Instructional Design Experience a cooperative workshop approach for creating designs that facilitate active, multi-functional, inspirational, situated approaches to teaching and learning. Students design and develop innovative materials useful for teaching and learning in a variety of learning spaces EDIT 6190E Design & Development Tools Learn about the broad nature of design by designing an original, online project using cutting-edge development tools, such as Articulate Storyline. These skills will be further applied and honed while taking other courses in the IDD program. This course is taken twice in the program to provide ample opportunity to develop a repertoire of marketable skills.	EDIT 6190E Design & Development Tools Learn about the broad nature of design by designing an original, online project using cutting-edge development tools, such as Articulate Storyline. These skills will be further applied and honed while taking other courses in the IDD program. This course is taken twice in the program to provide ample opportunity to develop a repertoire of marketable skills. EDIT 6500E Video Production Engage in the design, production, and use of digital video for learning. Draw on specific theoretical perspectives to inform current uses and proposed activities related to their use of educational video. .
Year 2	EDIT 6200E Learning Environments Design I Apply instructional design, learning theory, project management, and evaluation of interactive learning environments for education and training. Students produce an eLearning project for a real-world client. EDIT 7550E Project Management This fundamental introductory course prepares you to plan, organize, and manage projects of all types, but particularly projects that involve some sort of technology. This course is based on the principles of the Project Management Institute. .	EDIT 6210E Learning Environments Design II Design interactive environments for learning and performance support. You will draw upon contemporary learning theory and best practices to work in project teams on a major instructional design & development project for a client. EDIT 7350E eLearning Evaluation and Assessment Learn how to plan, conduct analyze, and report systematic evaluations of technology-supported courses or projects, including e-learning, interactive learning tools, and distance learning. Learn about effective assessment of learning as a key component of evaluation.	EDIT 6900E Research Methods in Instructional Design Introduction to key concepts and practices in the educational research process. You will learn and apply quantitative and qualitative methods to answer research and evaluation questions in learning, design, and technology. EDIT 7520E Designing and Teaching Online Courses Gain hands-on experience in the world of teaching and learning online, including instructional strategies and current innovations and issues. Students follow the process from choosing and setting up course elements in a Learning Management System through the actual delivery and interactions of an online class

Spring Admissions Course Schedule

	Spring Term	Summer Term	Fall Term
Year 1	EDIT 6170E Introduction to Instructional Design Experience a cooperative workshop approach for creating designs that facilitate active, multi-functional, inspirational, situated approaches to teaching and learning. Students design and develop innovative materials useful for teaching and learning in a variety of learning spaces. EDIT 6190E Design & Development Tools Learn about the broad nature of design by designing an original, online project using cutting-edge development tools, such as Articulate Storyline. This course is taken twice in the program to provide ample opportunity to develop a repertoire of marketable skills.	EDIT 6500E Video Production Engage in the design, production, and use of digital video for learning. Students draw on specific theoretical perspectives to inform current uses and proposed activities related to their use of educational video. EDIT 6400E Emerging Approaches in Teaching, Learning, and Technology Gain insights into the nature of teaching, learning, and performing, and the ways technology can be designed to support these. Students will explore the theoretical and research foundations of instructional design from emerging and historic perspectives.	EDIT 6100E Introduction to Instructional Technology Explore the field of instructional technology. Gain a perspective that situates the work of instructional designers within the context of its historical perspective, current practices, and future directions. EDIT 6200E Learning Environments Design I Apply instructional design, learning theory, project management, and evaluation of interactive learning environments for education and training. Students produce an eLearning project for a real-world client.
Year 2	EDIT 6190E Design & Development Tools Learn about the broad nature of design by designing an original, online project using cutting-edge development tools, such as Articulate Storyline. This course is taken twice in the program to provide ample opportunity to develop a repertoire of marketable skills. EDIT 6210E Learning Environments Design II Design interactive environments for learning and performance support. Draw upon contemporary learning theory and best practices to work in project teams on a major instructional design & development project for a client.	EDIT 6900E Research Methods in Instructional Technology Introduction to key concepts and practices in the educational research process. You will learn and apply quantitative and qualitative methods to answer research and evaluation questions in learning, design, and technology. EDIT 7520E Designing and Teaching Online Courses Gain hands-on experience in the world of teaching and learning online, including instructional strategies and current innovations and issues. Students follow the process from choosing and setting up course elements in a Learning Management System through the actual delivery and interactions of an online class.	EDIT 7550E Project Management This fundamental introductory course prepares you to plan, organize, and manage projects of all types, but particularly projects that involve some sort of technology. This course is based on the principles of the Project Management Institute. EDIT 7350E eLearning Evaluation and Assessment Learn how to plan, conduct analyze, and report systematic evaluations of technology-supported courses or projects, including e-learning, interactive learning tools, and distance learning. Learn about effective assessment of learning as a key component of evaluation.

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.

News & Events

	Adult Ed Revitalized, Renamed – Online M.Ed in Learning, Leadership, and Organizational Development The College of Education acted on their commitment to teaching students today’s most relevant and desirable skills for their future pursuits. The Adult Ed program has been revitalized and aptly named the online M.Ed. in Learning, Leadership, and Organizational Development.
	Instructional Design and Development Conference (IDD@UGA) is Coming Up Soon
	UGA faculty learn to apply the Quality Matters rubric to online courses
	Guest Blog: Maybe We've Been Asking The Wrong Question
	Engaging in Sustainable Online Course Development
	Two Online Professors Selected as Service Learning Fellows
	UGA’s Online Programs Ranked Among the Best In Nation by US News
	Dr. Ikseon Choi, Online Learning Design and Technology Professor, Begins Robotics Lab at Local Elementary School Dr. Ikseon Choi, associate professor in the Department of Career and Information Studies in the University of Georgia College of Education, has initiated a new robotics lab at a local school through a partnership with South Korean robotics company RoboRobo. He has worked with the Department of Career and Information Studies’Research for the Advancement of Innovative Learning (RAIL) Program to create new curriculum for fifth-grade classrooms in Georgia counties based on the technology.
	So, You Are About to Teach Online
	A Teacher With a Love of Learning Wants to Extend Her Career Using Her LDT Degree

Contact Information

Learn more about the online M.Ed. in Learning, Design, and Technology—Instructional Design & Development program!

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.

Email us using the request for information form or call 1 (706) 452-7940

M.Ed. in Learning, Design & Technology, Instructional Design & Development