Online Master’s Degrees in Instructional Design: Reviewing Top Programs

Inside 3 Popular Online Instructional Design MEd Programs

Below, we spotlight three accredited U.S. universities offering popular online MEd programs in Instructional Design (or closely related fields). Each program provides a unique format and focus, but all are designed to help you become an expert in creating effective learning experiences.

FAQs for Future MEd Instructional Design Students

Q: Are online MEd in Instructional Design programs reputable and accredited?

A: Yes — as long as you choose a program from a regionally accredited institution, your online MEd will hold the same academic weight as an on-campus degree. Regional accreditation (for example, via agencies like SACS, NECHE, WASC, etc.) is the gold standard and ensures the program meets high quality standards. Many online MEd programs are offered by well-known universities and have the same faculty and curriculum as their campus counterparts. It’s always wise to verify a school’s accreditation status (and any program-specific accreditations) on the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA websites.

Q: Will an MEd in Instructional Design qualify me for a teaching license or any certifications?

A: An MEd in Instructional Design by itself does not lead to a state teaching license. These programs focus on designing curriculum and training programs, not on K-12 teacher preparation. If you aim to become a licensed school teacher, you would need to complete a teacher education program and meet your state’s licensing requirements (which often include student teaching and licensure exams). Aside from teaching licenses, you might consider professional certifications after or during your MEd. Many graduates pursue certifications such as Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) from ATD or the Certified Instructional Designer/Developer (IDD) certification, to demonstrate expertise in corporate training.

Q: What will I learn in an Instructional Design master’s program?

A: You’ll learn a mix of learning science, design methodology, and technical skills. Common learning outcomes include understanding how people learn and what motivates them, applying instructional design models (like ADDIE or Design Thinking) to create effective training, using e-learning authoring tools (such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate), and evaluating whether learning programs are successful. Many programs also incorporate a project or portfolio. By the end of the degree, you should be able to conduct a needs analysis for a learning problem, design a curriculum or training solution to address it, develop engaging instructional materials (like interactive modules or lesson plans), and use data (assessments, learning analytics) to assess effectiveness.

Q: Can I work full-time while earning my online MEd in Instructional Design?

A: Yes you can, as online MEd programs are typically designed with working professionals in mind. The key is the flexibility of the online format. Even programs with synchronous sessions (like live webinars or evening classes) are scheduled to accommodate typical work hours (often in the evenings). Compared to on-campus, traditional courses, online and hybrid learning can offer convenience and ease.

Q: Do these online MEd programs offer career support?

A: Many MEd programs in Instructional Design programs do offer career support. This can range from dedicated career advisors and job placement assistance to networking events and internship opportunities. Some universities host virtual career fairs for online students, and others have partnerships with organizations seeking instructional design talent. Be sure to take advantage of any mentorship programs, portfolio reviews, or resume workshops your school provides. The field of instructional design values a strong portfolio, so save your best course projects — they can often be showcased to employers. In summary, your university can be a valuable resource in connecting you with opportunities after graduation.

Understanding Costs

Funding the costs of your MEd in Instructional Design begins with understanding the factors involved. Online programs usually charge a single rate regardless of residency. Private institutions generally have higher tuition, but may offer scholarships or cohort discounts. Beyond tuition, consider fees (technology fees, program fees) and course materials. The online format can save you money on relocation, commuting, or campus housing, but you might still have other expenses to consider. 

To finance your studies, you can use federal loans and other sources of financial aid. Some schools have assistantships or scholarships even for online students. When budgeting, also think about how long it will take to finish — an accelerated program could mean paying for fewer semesters of enrollment. Below is a comparison of three example programs to illustrate cost differences. It’s a good practice to use each school’s tuition calculator or speak with an advisor, as costs can change year to year.

Cost Comparison Table: Online MEd in Instructional Design Programs

Notes: Always check with the program for the most current tuition information and what it includes. Remember to factor in fees and materials in addition to the tuition shown.

After Graduation: What Can You Do?

Completing your MEd in Instructional Design can qualify you for advanced roles in education, corporate training, government, or non-profit sectors. In the corporate world, companies are investing in e-learning and talent development more than ever, creating demand for skilled designers who can make training engaging and effective. In higher education, online course development has become a mainstay, leading universities to hire more instructional design staff. Below are a few potential career paths for MEd graduates, along with highlights of their growth and salary outlook:

Instructional Coordinator (Curriculum Specialist)

What They Do: Instructional Coordinators develop curricula and educational content, working primarily in K-12 school systems, educational service agencies, or at the district/state level. In this job, you might oversee curriculum standards, train teachers on new instructional strategies, analyze student performance data, and ensure that teaching materials meet educational guidelines. 

Why It’s a Great Path: This career is ideal if you want to impact education at a systems level, enjoy collaborating with educators, and have a passion for improving teaching and learning quality across schools.

Salary and Outlook: Instructional coordinators have a median annual wage of $74,720 as of May 2024 and a projected growth rate of 2% from 2023-2033.

Training and Development Specialist

What They Do: A Training and Development Specialist typically works in corporate or organizational settings to plan, implement, and evaluate training programs for employees. These specialists often conduct needs assessments, develop curricula, and use e-learning tools to deliver training efficiently. 

Why It’s a Great Path: If you like the idea of applying your skills outside of traditional academia and directly seeing how training improves workplace performance, this career path could be very rewarding.

Salary and Outlook: This role has a reported median annual wage of $64,850, along with a whopping 12% change in employment.

Training and Development Manager

What They Do: T&D Managers oversee a company’s training strategy and team — you’d be setting training goals, managing instructional designers or trainers, and aligning learning programs with organizational objectives.

Why It’s a Great Path: The MEd degree can give you the advanced knowledge and credibility to move into these management roles, especially if you aspire to direct learning initiatives on a big scale. It’s a role with a lot of responsibility, but also a chance to shape the professional growth of an entire workforce.Salary and Outlook: The BLS reports a median annual wage of $127,090 and a projected change of employment at 7%.

Best Online MEd Programs Ranked

Choosing the right program is a crucial step in your journey, so we’ve created a list of the best school options. We’ve evaluated programs based on key factors that matter to students: academic quality and accreditation, online access, student support services, and affordability. Dive into the rankings and find the MEd program that will set you up for success in the world of instructional design.