M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Educational Technology
Earn your master’s in one year or less!
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TOTAL COST
$9,500*
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NEXT START DATE
May 19, 2025
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COMPLETION TIME
12 Months†
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AVG. SALARY PREMIUM
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SEMESTER CREDITS
34
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- Overview
- Why ACE?
- Tuition
- Program Details
- Start Dates
- Courses
- Featured Faculty
- Admission Requirements
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. You’ll also have the option to specialize your coursework in pivotal emerging technologies – such as artificial intelligence and social media – and learn how to integrate them effectively in a variety of learning environments.
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.
Why ACE?
Low-Cost, High Quality
You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master’s degrees at a total average cost of $9,500. Our graduates enjoy an average pay increase of over $21,000.¹ We also award over $1.1M in scholarships and grants each year.
Quality You Expect
We 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 86% graduation rate.¹ Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.
Flexibility You Need
Our 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.
1Source: Student Right to Know
Tuition
We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.
Total Cost M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Educational Technology |
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Total Tuition 34 semester credits x $235 per credit |
$7,990 |
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Fees $50 Application Fee$100 Conferral Fee $1360 Technology and Library Fee (34 Semester Credits X $40 per Credit) |
$1,510 |
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Total Program Cost |
$9,500* |
Find a plan that fits your budget.
When We Say Low Cost, We Mean It

Western Governors University
Walden University
University of Phoenix
Purdue Global
Grand Canyon University
Southern New Hampshire University
Source: Internal Research Completed June 2024
Program Details
Focus of Study
Adult Education and Corporate Training
General Track
K-12 Educational Technology
This program prepares professionals to design, develop, implement, and evaluate effective online instruction using evidence-based learning, assessment, and evaluation approaches in diverse 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.
Program Outcomes
- Employ theories, frameworks, and models of instructional design for effective online learning environments.
- Apply collaboration and communication skills to create and evaluate online courses and projects.
- Demonstrate ethical applications of emerging technologies by creating original, accessible, and inclusive learning environments.
- Utilize digital tools to design, implement, and evaluate innovative learning activities that leverage data-informed decision-making.
- Develop a growth mindset to become a leader in learning design, adapting to evolving trends and technology.
Start Dates
With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it’s best for you.
May 19, 2025 Term
May 16, 2025
Application Due
May 16, 2025
Payment Due
May 19, 2025
Term Start
May 23, 2025
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
Jun 22, 2025
Term End
June 09, 2025 Term
July 07, 2025 Term
August 18, 2025 Term
September 08, 2025 Term
September 29, 2025 Term
November 10, 2025 Term
January 12, 2026 Term
February 23, 2026 Term
Courses
Here are just some of the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.
TECH5203 |
Fundamentals of Learning Design and Technology |
3 Semester Credits |
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TECH5213 |
Curriculum Alignment and Planning |
3 Semester Credits |
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TECH5223 |
Quality Assurance and Evaluation of Online Learning |
3 Semester Credits |
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TECH5233 |
Learning Design Activities and Assessment |
3 Semester Credits |
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TECH5243 |
Design of Instructional Media |
3 Semester Credits |
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TECH5253 |
Online Course Design |
3 Semester Credits |
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TECH5263 |
Advanced Design Lab 1 |
3 Semester Credits |
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TECH5273 |
Advanced Design Lab 2 |
3 Semester Credits |
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Featured Faculty
Our real-world coursework is taught by experienced faculty.
Admission Requirements
ACE General Admission Requirements
Program Admission Requirements
International Transcript Requirements
English as a Second Language Applicants
*This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, receipt of institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
†This is an estimated time to completion. Actual completion time may vary depending on the number of transfer credits applied, availability of courses, a satisfactory pace, successful course completion, and meeting program milestones as required.
State of California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)
It is a state of California requirement that a student who pays his or her tuition is required to pay a state-imposed assessment of zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges, rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, for the California Student Tuition Recovery Fund. For more information and to see if you must pay the state-imposed assessment for Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) click here.
A Note About Licensure:
While this program provides a comprehensive understanding of the intended program outcomes, it does not lead to licensure, certification, or endorsement. ACE offers several programs that do provide a pathway to licensure, certification, or endorsement and they can be found here.