Design Unforgettable Learning Experiences
The M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Educational Technology program offers a streamlined curriculum that integrates the best of a master’s in instructional design and a master’s in educational technology. Not only will you be immersed in the best practices and strategies of learning experience design, but you’ll have the option to further tailor your coursework by choosing a focus of study in Adult Education and Corporate Training or K-12 Educational Technology.
We ensure you’re equipped with a solid foundation in learning theory and instructional design models so you can feel confident when designing learning experiences for any audience. You’ll not only learn instructional design principles but also become an expert at designing professional media, identifying opportunities for learning, creating curriculum maps and more.
In tandem with learning how to design, you’ll explore the tools you can design with. Your coursework will show you how to leverage the latest ed technology tools and strategies, and you’ll apply that knowledge to build your own online learning environment, allowing you to finish the program with hands-on experience. Further, coursework equips you to leverage technology and innovative applications of gamification and artificial intelligence (AI) that support digital literacy development in a variety of learning environments. This includes using AI to develop lessons and activities, inspire equitable digital learning and integrate AI with Universal Design for Learning.
Whether you’re passionate about K-12 education, higher education or corporate training, this program will equip you to become a leader in learning experience design.
Empower your students and community, and take the next step toward a future full of possibility.
This program prepares professionals to design, develop, implement, and evaluate effective online instruction using evidence-based learning, assessment, and evaluation approaches in settings, such as K-12 education, higher education, and government, corporate, or other professional development settings. Learners apply curriculum and instructional design theories, frameworks, and ethical principles to create learning experiences suitable for their profession. Learners gain the skills to perform quality assurance for online course content, accessibility, and universal design. Throughout the program, learners use digital tools and technological resources to build an ePortfolio showcasing their expertise in course design and digital media.
Here are the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. If no focus of study option is selected, you can choose any 3 courses from the study options below.
Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.
We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.
Continuing your education is a big decision that involves an investment of your time and money. We recognize that, which is why we're committed to ensuring you experience a positive return on that investment.
You only pay the cost it takes for us to deliver your education, nothing more. By keeping our tuition low, we’ve helped our students see a $19.20 return in future higher earnings for every $1 they invested in their ACE education.1
Because of our low tuition and total program cost, 87% of our students graduate debt-free.2 Popular payment options include paying by course, paying by month or paying in full. Visit our payment options page to learn more.
You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master's degrees at a total average cost of $10,000*. We also award over $1.2M in scholarships and grants each year.
Tuition & ROIWe are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 84% graduation rate.3 Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.
Success StoriesOur virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.
Support ServicesBecause we don’t have a physical campus, our students don’t need to pay infrastructure or facility fees. We also keep our operational costs low by not participating in Title IV federal funding. We pass all these savings along to our students.
Due to our engaging online format, you’ll connect and learn from industry peers worldwide. And even though you’re learning online, you won’t feel alone thanks to student discussion boards and online forums.
Learn strategies and skills you can apply immediately and leverage for future career advancement. Employers of ACE graduates report a 96% satisfaction rate,3 while 98% of our students felt their professional skills were stronger after graduation.3
Every course is created by our in-house curriculum and production team working in tandem with our academic leaders. Plus, all courses follow a consistent structure. No outdated coursework, no surprises.
*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.
**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.
All applicants must submit, to the Admissions Office, an official evaluation from a NACES-approved organization.
All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language as demonstrated in one of three ways:
2Internal research conducted November 2025
3Across all ACE Programs. See Student Right to Know. Accessed May 28, 2026
4Education Data Initiative. Accessed January 28, 2026
Our Enrollment Counselors are here to answer your questions and walk you through the enrollment process.