Online Master's in Instructional Design and Education Technology Concentration

The education technology and instructional design online master's program is designed to instruct candidates to apply research and analysis skills and leverage innovative technology to create and implement educational solutions that can enhance learning and engagement in different settings and on various platforms.

This one-year master’s program in instructional design and technology can help candidates get hands-on experience with industry-authentic tools to develop career-relevant knowledge and skills. The master’s in educational technology courses are an opportunity for candidates to prepare to pursue the next steps in their career path.

The Master of Education in information technology and education design concentration focuses on learning models used in K-12, corporate training, professional and career development, and higher education. Candidates will have a chance to collaborate in a community of learners, study the professional application of skills, and develop e-learning solutions with the Articulate360 suite of products.

AIU’s Online Master's in Instructional Design and Education Technology Concentration degree program can help you learn how to:

• Design educational content and programming.
• Justify educational decision-making.
• Adapt advanced discipline-appropriate professional communication and research skills.
• Exhibit professional education disposition in practice and leadership.
• Implement instructional strategies and technologies to support learning on various platforms.
• Analyze the impact of instructional design methodology and learning theories/sciences.
• Integrate continuous improvement models, learner assessments, e-learning, education technologies and evaluation plans.
• Develop instructional, learning and educational technology strategies for a traditional/physical setting.
• Develop instructional design documents, including an e-learning storyboard, which integrates a computer-based learning module as the educational intervention solution.
• Evaluate instructional media and education technology tools used to design, develop, deliver, administratively support and evaluate an educational intervention solution.
• Evaluate the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Content Management Systems to support the education, training and learning function in a K-12, higher education, or corporate and government organization.
• Assess the utility and efficacy of gaming and social media in an online learning environment.
• Create an e-learning module utilizing an industry-aligned instructional authoring system.

Download program detail PDF

American InterContinental University’s Master of Education degree is not designed to meet state educator licensing or advancement requirements; however, it may assist candidates in gaining these approvals in their state of residence depending on those requirements. Contact the state board of education in the applicable state(s) for details.

Total tuition for this degree program may vary depending on your educational needs, existing experience, and other factors.

Estimate your costs, potential savings and graduation date.

The courses within the master’s in educational technology and instructional design concentration provide an industry-aligned, hands-on experience for candidates looking to prepare to pursue a career focusing on the inclusion of education technology tools in instruction design. The courses emphasize the practical implications of cognitive science, learning theories and e-learning best practices while offering engagement with innovative tools and real-world design implementation.

The master’s in instructional design and technology concentration is designed to survey learning models, their theories, and their impact on platforms found in K-12 and corporate and higher education organizations. candidates can study to create traditional, hybrid, computer-mediated and online learning solutions.

Master’s candidates will incorporate learning sciences, instructional strategies, instructional gaming methodologies, instructional design models and implementation best practices while developing and launching design solutions using the Articulate 360 suite of tools. Candidates will create their own ePortfolio, participate in colleague peer networking and establish badging credentials throughout the program.

For an Online Instructional Design and Education Technology Master's Degree, classes include:

Learning Environments and Instructional Media

This course applies instructional design system, theory, and practice to a face-to-face learning environment, including instructional media selection and incorporation. The course is designed to enable candidates to engage with an instructional design model to create learning solutions and evaluate instructional media aligning for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Computer-Mediated Learning and Technology Selection

The course examines computer-mediated learning environments in the classroom, lab, and distributed learning contexts. Focusing on fields of practice, learners will create computer-based instructional materials that include problem definition, learner analysis, objectives specification, criterion tests, construction, strategies selection, formative validation, and evaluation. Attention is given to ethical and regulatory issues regarding the appropriate selection and use of technology solutions and copyrighted material.

Online/Web/based/eLearning Design and Development

This course explores the organization, development, and delivery of distance learning programs. Additionally, this course explores course logistics, technology applications, and student management systems. Candidates will engage in discourse with instructors, peers, and other experts while creating Internet resources to be used in their own educational settings. By the end of the course, candidates will have an electronic portfolio of their work and prepare to assume leadership roles within their specific contexts related to technology.

Learning Theory Foundations

This course introduces the various schools of thought on how people learn. The course will emphasize the practical implications of cognitive science. Learners will explore learning theories, such as cognitivism, behaviorism, and constructivism. Candidates will also work to develop a concept of professional behavior and performance appropriate to professional educators through an in-depth study of contemporary leadership issues and leadership theories.

Integrative Design and Effective Curricula

This course examines curricula development for education and workplace learning and development. Comparison of evaluation design, curriculum design, and instructional design assists learners in aligning curriculum and instruction with foundational learning theories. Candidates will focus on creating learning objectives, assessing curriculum, designing instructional solutions, and integrating instructional technology. Program evaluation techniques will be introduced.

Data Applications for Education Technology

This course will examine ways and means to augment learning and teaching resources in the classroom through effective use of both monetary and non-monetary resources. This course is designed to provide the foundations of analysis and assessment methodologies used in the field of education. Learners are introduced to applied quantitative and qualitative educational research methods in the context of the practitioner's educational environment. Comparisons of formative and summative assessment and formative evaluation will be addressed.

University Catalog

Course content subject to change.

YouTube Module block

What is a Master of Education (MEd) with a Concentration in Instructional Design and Education Technology degree?

AIU’s Master of Education (MEd) with a Concentration in Instructional Design and Education Technology is designed to help candidates prepares to pursue advanced roles like instructional coordinator or technologist, training and development specialist, instructional designer, and more.* The program instructs candidates to apply research and analysis skills and leverage innovative technology to create and implement educational solutions that can enhance learning and engagement in different settings and on various platforms.

* American InterContinental University cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. The list of career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some career paths listed above may require further education or job experience.

What will I study in this MEd degree program?

In this Master of Education (MEd) program, candidates study a mix of division core courses and Instructional Design and Education Technology courses, including but not limited to, Integrative Design and Effective Curricula, Data Applications for Education Technology, Learning Environments and Instructional Media, and Online/Web-based/eLearning Design and Development. This master’s in Instructional Design and Education Technology program teaches candidates how to enhance learning and teaching processes and outcomes using innovative technology to serve various learning models.

When and where can I begin my Instructional Design and Education Technology master’s degree classes?

The Master of Education with a Concentration in Instructional Design and Education Technology degree program is offered online and starts every 5 weeks. Completion of the AIU admissions process will depend on how quickly you complete the steps in the AIU application process. You may speak to an Admissions Advisor over the phone (1-855-377-1888) or request information online. Once you’ve completed the online request, you may hear from an advisor within 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.

How many credits are required to graduate from the master’s degree program?

The Master of Education with a Concentration in Instructional Design and Education Technology degree requires a total of 45 credit hours. You may be eligible for transfer credit with provided official transcripts. AIU accepts up to 18 quarter hours of the qualifying credits you need toward your degree.**

**Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Why should I pursue a Master of Education with a Concentration in Instructional Design and Education Technology degree at AIU?

Discover a Master of Education with a Concentration in Instructional Design and Education Technology degree program at AIU, which is designed to provide an industry-aligned, hands-on experience for candidates looking to prepare to pursue a career path focusing on the inclusion of education technology tools in instructional design. Candidates will create their own ePortfolio, participate in colleague peer networking, develop e-learning solutions with the Articulate360 suite of products, and establish badging credentials. This degree is earned online, allowing the flexibility for learners to study on their own terms and schedules.