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Instructional Design & Educational Technology
Master of Science in Education
Learn how to use ever-changing digital tools with agility to create more engaging, innovative and equitable learning experiences.
The MS in Education, Instructional Design and Educational Technology from Capella University will help you learn how to leverage technology to meet the diverse needs of all students and empower them to have a voice and choice in their learning.
By combining instructional design best practices with leading-edge technology, you’ll learn how to develop high-quality content, pedagogy and meaningful assessment.
Classes start July 8
Apply today with no application fee.
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
| Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED6484 Application of Learning Theories to Instructional Design | Learners investigate theories of learning and instruction and gain empirical guidance for designing effective instructional solutions that target specific learning outcomes. Learners 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. Prerequisite: ED5342 or ED5343 | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5130 Competency-Based Curriculum and Design | Learners gain an understanding of the differences between professional standards, outcomes, and competencies, and how they can be integrated into curriculum design. Learners build on this understanding, mapping competencies to outcomes and aligning standards to competencies and outcomes. Learners practice integrating competency-based curriculum and instructional content with best-practice instructional approaches to develop an environment that values diverse voices. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): ED5803, ED6484 | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5805 Assessment and Analytics for Differentiated Instructional Design | 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(s): ED5813, ED6484 | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5808 Leading in Instructional Design and Technology | 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, ED6484 | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5813 Principles and Strategies of Instructional Design | Learners examine the process of instructional design and apply design research and theory while developing instructional strategies. Learners examine the systematic process of addressing the needs of the student, 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 |
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 diverse students, their families and other professionals
- Manage instructional design projects
- Integrate ethical standards in all instructional design and development activities
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
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.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- 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
$21,620
NO TRANSFER CREDITS
$470 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 46 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
This program is currently not approved for federal financial aid by the U.S. Department of Education (ED).
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
“The field of education is constantly changing, so as a teacher, I need to constantly be learning as much as I can to stay on the top of my game, and then give my students the best education that I can.”
Michelle Emerson* – Master of Education graduate
*Actual FlexPath graduate compensated for appearing in Capella promotional materials.
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.