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Instructional Design & Educational Technology
Master of Science in Education
Help improve student outcomes by creating more engaging, effective learning experiences. In Capella’s MS in Education, Instructional Design and Educational Technology specialization, you’ll learn to apply theory, technology and data to design curricula, develop instructional materials and set learning goals for P-12 and adult learners. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration, an ethical mindset and real-world problem-solving, preparing you to contribute to instructional innovation in classrooms, schools or training environments.
At a glance
- Online
- 4 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 1 Elective course
- 1 Capstone course
- 46 Total quarter credits (12 Max transfer)
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $12,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore instructional design & educational technology courses
- This degree requires a total of 46 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, five specialization courses, one elective course and one capstone
Show all descriptions
ED6484
Application of Learning Theories to Instructional Design
4 quarter credits
This course presents theories of learning and instruction providing empirical guidance for designing effective instructional solutions that target specific learning outcomes. Learners engage in a variety of readings, activities, discussions, and assignments to further develop an understanding of the foundational theories of learning and instruction and their applications to instructional design. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5805
Assessment and Analytics for Differentiated Instructional Design
4 quarter credits
Learners apply theories of constructivism, neurodiversity, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to assess student achievement in a competency-based, online learning setting. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: ED5813 or ED5803 or EDT5104 or EDT5126; ED6484
4 quarter credits
ED5808
Leading in Instructional Design and Technology
4 quarter credits
Learners acquire project management skills such as planning, evaluating, communicating, anticipating risks, applying ethical standards, and managing collaborative partnerships. Learners identify and apply the tools, methods, and processes used to effectively budget, implement, and manage e-learning development projects. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): ED5813 or ED5803 or EDT5104 or EDT5126; ED6484
4 quarter credits
ED5813
Principles and Strategies of Instructional Design
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the process of instructional design and apply design research and theory while developing instructional strategies. Learners examine the process of addressing student needs, structuring the content, and applying principles of learning and instruction to create effective instructional content. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in ED5130; ED6484. ED6484 does not apply to MS Educ Innov and Tech learners.
4 quarter credits
What you'll learn
The Master of Science in Education, Instructional Design and Educational Technology provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage 21st century digital tools and resources to maximize learning at all levels of education.
The program focus on using technology to promote innovation and change in school settings and provides students with opportunities to apply their new learning to classroom. School-based interventions and instruction engage students and positively impacts their learning.
Recognized theory and best practice meets practical application in a collaborative environment to enhance students’ abilities to excel as practitioners in their chosen specializations.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Develop standards-based content, appropriate pedagogy and meaningful assessment using 21st century technology skills and multimedia tools
- Create opportunities for student voice, choice and ownership of their learning
- Use qualitative and quantitative data to make decisions about current and authentic instructional design and delivery
- Apply formative and summative assessments to improve instruction to meet the needs of all students
- Model the knowledge, skills and dispositions to work successfully with students, their families and other professionals.
- Manage instructional design projects
- Integrate ethical standards in all instructional design and development activities
How much does the MS in Education cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $485 per credit
- $150 resource kit
- 46 total quarter credits
- 12 max transfer credits
$22,310
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 24 months
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
About tuition estimate
The cost below is an example based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates. The coursework total assumes no transfer credits have been applied when a student enters into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. This rate is the same nationwide and may change depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Tuition estimate
Cost of tuition |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $485/credit
|
$22,310.00 |
| Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-10,310.00 |
|
Est. total with Capella Tuition Cap* |
$12,000.00 |
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the MS in Education admission requirements?
Applicants to the Master of Science in Education program focused on Instructional Design and Educational Technology must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attended an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an MS in Education, Instructional Design and Educational Technology degree?
Your education can help you pursue your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Education, Instructional Design and Educational Technology.
Job titles to explore* **
- Curriculum specialist
- Instructional coach
- Instructional designer
- Instructional technologist
- Learning specialist**
Employment settings to explore*
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Elementary and secondary schools
- General government support
- Libraries and archives
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
**This position may require licensure, certification, endorsement or other professional designations. The instructional design and educational technology specialization does not lead to license, endorsement or other professional credential.