Top 20 Online Master’s in Instructional Design

By TED Staff
February 2021

The field of instructional design is undergoing a tremendous increase in demand for designers who are highly skilled in utilizing emerging technologies. Directors of programs that offer advanced degrees in instructional design see an influx of people from many walks of life — from education to healthcare, from business to the military, from industry to business. In these programs, students learn theories and models as they hone an understanding of the variety of methods and approaches available for different learning environments. The program participants learn to design and develop highly effective instruction. The mean annual salary for 2021 was $63,480, and the expected job growth rate is 7% for the next seven years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Applicants with experience in User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), and interactive design (IxD) may have better job prospects.”

The schools reviewed below on this list of the top 20 online master’s in instructional design offer advanced, online degrees in this attractive and burgeoning field. The schools are ranked according to the points-based system detailed below.

Student to Faculty Ratio:
10:1 and lower: 5 points
11:1 to 12:1: 4 points
13:1 to 15:1: 3 points
16:1 to 20:1: 2 points
21:1 and higher: 1 point

Estimated Program Cost (for out-of-state student):
Under $20,000: 5 points
Under $30,000: 4 points
Under $40,000: 3 points
Under $50,000: 2 points
Under $60,000: 1 point

Overall Graduation Rate: 
90% and above: 5 points
75% and above: 4 points
50% and above: 3 points
25% and above: 2 points
24% and below: 1 point

20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
10% and above: 5 points
8%-9%: 4 points
6%-7%: 3 points
4%-5%: 2 points
3% and below: 1 point

#20. University of Houston Clear Lake
Online Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology

Houston, Texas
Estimated Program Cost: $42,192
Total Points: 4
School Profile

For your online master of science in instructional design and technology degree at the University of Houston Clear Lake, you will be charged $1,172 per instructional hour if you are an out of state graduate student. Completion will require 36 credit hours, which can be completed in two years with two classes, three terms a year. The University of Houston Clear Lake offers two specializations: human resources management and information sciences for this degree. The online MS in instructional design and technology offers four options for finishing: a thesis, a research project, instructional technology practicum, or a comprehensive examination.

#19. Bellevue University
Online Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology

Bellevue, Nebraska
Estimated Program Cost: $20,700
Total Points: 6
School Profile

To complete your online master of science in instructional design and technology at Bellevue University you will need to take 36 credits at a fairly affordable rate of $575 per credit hour. Bellevue University will accept any regionally accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree and GPA of 2.5 or better on last 60 hours of coursework. Bellevue University’s online MS in instructional design and technology features course titles such as introduction to emerging technologies and foundations of education and training. Emphasis will be on understanding the differences in the ways people learn and meeting their needs through immersive, interactive technologies and media.

#18. Western Governors University
Online M.Ed. in Instructional Design 

Salt Lake City, Utah
Estimated Program Cost: $14,040
Total Points: 7
School Profile

Western Governors University was created by U.S. governors to meet the demands of their citizens for high quality, higher education. It utilizes competency-based education, meaning that students move at their own pace determined by mastery of material rather than by the passage of time. Tuition is $3,240 per 6-month term. $3,240 divided by nine (the average full-time graduate school load) is $360 per credit hour, for our purposes. The program is comprised of 13 courses, which include instructional design production, research design and analysis, and evaluation process and recommendations. Western Governors University MEd in instructional design is centered in research fundamentals, measurement and evaluation, and a capstone project in the final semester. The program is accredited by CAEP.

#17. Penn State University
Online M.Ed. in Learning, Design, and Technology

University Park, Pennsylvania
Estimated Program Cost: $26,580
Total Points: 8
School Profile

In its growing Penn State World Campus, Penn State University charges $886 per instructional hour and requires a total of 30 hours for its online master of education degree in learning, design, and technology. Act 48, for continuing professional education, has been approved for Pennsylvania educators to keep them competitive and up-to-date. Three post-baccalaureate certificates are available: educational technology integration, e-Learning design, and teaching and learning online in K-12 settings. GRE waiver available to qualified students. Three references, a statement of purpose, and a scholarly writing sample are required parts of the application.

#16. University of Central Florida
Online Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology

Orlando, Florida
Estimated Program Cost: $27,105
Total Points: 10
School Profile

The 39 credit-hour master’s degree in instructional design and technology online offered by the College of Community Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida prepares students for careers with such titles as education specialist, industrial designer, or senior consultant. Charging an out of state, hourly, graduate tuition rate of $694.82, the school requires a resume, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement of intent with the application packet. There are three tracks available in the 100% online MA in instructional design and technology at the University of Central Florida: e-Learning, educational design and instructional systems.

#15. University of West Florida
Online Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology

Pensacola, Florida
Estimated Program Cost: $14,370
Total Points: 10
School Profile

The online master of education in instructional design and technology offered by the University of West Florida has two specializations: instructional design and technology, and technology leadership. For students with an undergraduate GPA at or above 3.25, the graduate admission test requirement will be waived. The University of West Florida has three admit dates per year for the MEd in instructional design and technology online. Out of state students are eligible for up to a 90% waiver of out of state fees, resulting in a discounted online tuition rate of $478.83 per unit for the 30-hour program.

#14. University of Colorado, Denver
Online Master of Arts in Learning Design and Technology

Denver, Colorado
Estimated Program Cost: $13,440
Total Points: 10
School Profile

The University of Colorado Denver offers an online master’s degree in instructional design that is 30 semester hours long. The in-state rate is a lower than average $448 per instructional hour. The program insists that out of state online students pay 120% of in-state tuition, though this is still a savings compared with similar schools and their programs. The University of Colorado Denver’s online master of arts in instructional design has three primary tracks: e-Learning, K-12 teaching, and instructional design/adult learning.

#13. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Online Master of Science in Instructional Design and Development

Birmingham, Alabama
Estimated Program Cost: $30,000
Total Points: 11
School Profile

The master of science in instructional design and development offered in the University of Alabama at Birmingham is offered fully online, has rolling enrollment, and requires 30 hours. Admissions expects a minimum of a 2.5 GPA cumulative in undergraduate coursework and does not need a GRE score submitted. They do not ask you to have education background; any bachelor’s degree is fine. The online MS of instructional design and development at the University of Alabama at Birmingham runs a 14-week semester system, with 7-week A and B terms. To complete your degree, a comprehensive, oral examination and digital portfolio are due in the last semester of program. If you reside out of state, graduate tuition is $1000 per credit.

#12. California State University — Fullerton
Online Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology

Fullerton, California
Estimated Program Cost: $22,560
Total Points: 11
School Profile

California State University Fullerton’s online master of science in instructional design and technology contains 30 units, which covers five semesters in roughly 21 months. This breaks down to two courses each semester. No references, no GRE. Essay, resume, and phone interview required. To complete California State University Fullerton’s online MS in instructional design and technology, you must have two on-campus/video conference events, a boot-up orientation, and a mid-point research symposium. If you are from out of state, your graduate tuition is $752 per instructional hour.

#11. Old Dominion University
Online Master’s in Instructional Design & Technology

Norfolk, Virginia
Estimated Program Cost: $20,448
Total Points: 11
School Profile

Founded in 1930, Old Dominion University offers an online master of science in education in instructional design and technology. The school charges $568 per credit if you are an out of state student. The university has three admit dates per year, by which students must submit a GRE score, three letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Part of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, Old Dominion’s online MSE degree in instructional design and technology is a 30-36 credit program. In addition, you will have the option of earning a certificate in Modeling and Instruction.

#10. Saint Leo University
Online Master of Science in Instructional Design

Saint Leo, Florida
Estimated Program Cost: $17,820
Total Points: 12
School Profile

Saint Leo University’s 36-credit degree will cost you a reasonable $495 per credit hour. Typically, offered courses include design for learning and program evaluation. Saint Leo’s master of science in instructional design degree is open to holders of an accredited bachelor’s degree who can supply letters of recommendation, appropriate undergraduate GPA, and a professional goals statement. Course instructors are also regular presenters at conferences world-wide, and courses are in line with accepted, professional standards in the field. Online courses can be combined with face-to-face learning within the program, if desired.

#9. Sam Houston State University
Online M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design and Technology

Huntsville, Texas
Estimated Program Cost: $14,707.50
Total Points: 12
School Profile

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Sam Houston State University has been accredited by the NCATE since 1954. The master of education in instructional systems design and technology offered by the department is a 30-credit hour program, entailing coursework in distance learning and educational multimedia. Tuition for this degree is $490.25 per unit of instruction, and out of state tuition does not apply. Sam Houston State University’s online MEd in instructional systems design and technology requires applicants to submit transcripts and a $45 application fee.

#8. University of Georgia
Online M.Ed. in Learning, Design, & Technology

Athens, Georgia
Estimated Program Cost: $22,644
Total Points: 13
School Profile

At a fairly affordable $629 per semester hour, the master of science in instructional technology degree at the University of Georgia requires 36 hours. The University of Georgia allows nine possible hours to transfer into the program. The department requires the admissions packet to include a GRE or MAT score, a basic online portfolio, and a goal statement. Two admission dates are offered per year, in the spring and fall, for the online MS in instructional technology at the University of Georgia, and the program prides itself on staying current with the newest developments in the field.

#7. University of Cincinnati
Online M.Ed. in Instructional Design & Technology: Teaching Specialization

Cincinnati, Ohio
Estimated Program Cost: $19,200
Total Points: 13
School Profile

Among the oldest public universities, the University of Cincinnati offers a cutting-edge, online master of education in instructional design and technology, “with a specialization in teaching for blended and online learning environments.” At 30 semester credits in length, the program allows students to choose one of two specializations: design and development; and online learning: teaching. The University of Cincinnati charges $640 per credit, but does not ask for out of state fees. For admission to the online MEd in instructional design and technology program, an accredited baccalaureate degree and a “B” average is required.

#6. West Virginia University
Online Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology

Morgantown, West Virginia
Estimated Program Cost: $17,820
Total Points: 13
School Profile

West Virginia University charges $594 per credit hour for entry into its online master of arts in instructional design and technology program. Requirements include a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, an accredited bachelor’s degree, and a GRE waiver available to those who can document two years of work experience. No out of state tuition is charged. West Virginia University’s online MA in instructional design and technology calls for completion of 30 credit hours, which takes an average of two years. Interactive classroom components provide a large part of the learning experience in this program.

#5. Wichita State University
Online M.Ed. in Learning and Instructional Design

Wichita, Kansas
Estimated Program Cost: $14,544
Total Points: 13
School Profile

The online master of education in learning and instructional design at Wichita State University can be pursued full or part-time at a tuition rate of $404.19 per unit of credit. At 36 hours in length, the program requires evidence of the potential to do graduate work that can be supplied by undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, a combination of the two, or other information documenting academic aptitude. Wichita State University supplies academic advisors to students of the MEd in learning and instructional design online, who will help you to best plan your course schedule and career options after graduation.

#4. Brandeis University
Online Master of Science in Instruction Design and Technology

Waltham, Massachusetts
Estimated Program Cost: $35,370
Total Points: 14
School Profile

Brandeis University charges $1,179 per credit hour for its 30-credit, online master of science in instructional design and technology. Accepting students on a rolling basis, Brandeis University requires that the student application packet should contain a current resume, a statement of goals, and one letter of recommendation–however, neither a GRE nor an MAT score is required. The headline on the program’s website is “Innovate digital learning with the latest instructional design practice and technologies.” The online MS in instructional design and technology at Brandeis University has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

#3. Northeastern University
Online Master’s in eLearning and Instructional Design 

Boston, Massachusetts
Estimated Program Cost: $25,830
Total Points: 14
School Profile

Established in 1898 and currently a private research institution, Northeastern University offers an online degree in instructional design that requires 45 quarter credit hours. At $574 per unit of instruction, the cost is in the middle range of affordability, though the program itself is designed to show the latest strategies through courses with titles such as how people learn and models for learning design. Northeastern University’s online degree in instructional design program requires a GPA of at least 3.0.

#2. Purdue University
Online Master’s in Learning Design and Technology

West LaFayette, Indiana
Estimated Program Cost: $23,625
Total Points: 14
School Profile

Purdue University’s online master of science in education in learning design and technology applies competency badges, which “highlight mastery of crucial skills” in the field. Also, technology badges which show “mastery of (specific) digital tools.” The degree requires 35 credits, including classes with titles such as human performance technology and educational applications of multimedia. Students in the MSE in learning design and technology program will be charged $675 per credit for online, out of state, graduate tuition. Admission into the program requires a telephone interview, three professional letters of recommendation, and a GRE score.

#1. Quinnipiac University
Online Master of Science in Instructional Design 

Hamden, Connecticut
Estimated Program Cost: $20,400
Total Points: 14
School Profile

Founded in 1929, Quinnipiac University’s online offerings have grown including that of the online master of science degree in instructional design. Once part of this program, you can follow one of three specializations: design and development of online learning, technology for the K-12 classroom, and instructional design for the corporate or non-profit world. Within one of these, you will find courses such as implementing digital media for learning and design for interactive educational environments. To fulfill the MS in instructional design online, you must complete 30 credits while paying $680 per unit of instruction.

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