Are you a teacher, corporate trainer, or talent developer who wants to enhance your knowledge of education? Do you have a degree in education or a related field and want to take the next step in your academic career? Are you an organized professional who believes that tried-and-true systems should be the foundation of large-scale education? If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may be a great candidate to earn one of the cheapest online master’s in educational technology.
Instructional design is the practice of creating better learning experiences. It is a systems-based approach to education that helps teachers implement more effective plans. Often, these plans are supported by scientific findings. For example, science may find (hypothetically) that students retain visual information better than written information; as an instructional design professional, you would work this knowledge into a curriculum or learning plan to boost learning.
These degrees can lead to fascinating careers in education, and they often come with an affordable price.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$18,700
Least Expensive In-state: North Carolina A & T State University ~$6,990
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Southeastern Oklahoma State University ~$8,160
Most Expensive: University of Southern California ~$64,245
We have created the most trustworthy yet simplified system for ranking these degrees. By looking at total costs, including all fees, our rankings are easy to understand and incredibly reliable. All programs above the dividing line are “Best Buys” because they are priced below the average of $18,700. If you need the best instructional design master’s programs online at a low price, start by researching these programs.
The Cheapest Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina A & T State University | (NC) | $6,990.00 $25,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $8,160.00 | All Students |
3 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $9,050.00 | All Students |
4 | University of Central Arkansas | (AR) | $9,750.00 | All Students |
5 | Wichita State University | (KS) | $9,892.00 | All Students |
6 | Concordia University - Nebraska | (NE) | $10,200.00 $12,750.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | East Carolina University | (NC) | $10,426.00 $36,724.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Georgia College & State University | (GA) | $10,628.00 | All Students |
9 | University of North Carolina-Wilmington | (NC) | $10,630.00 $39,401.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | North Carolina Central University | (NC) | $10,714.00 $37,330.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Southwest Baptist University | (MO) | $10,725.00 | All Students |
12 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $10,748.00 | All Students |
13 | Appalachian State University | (NC) | $10,952.00 $40,972.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | (LA) | $11,220.00 | All Students |
15 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $11,340.00 | All Students |
16 | University of West Georgia | (GA) | $11,472.00 | All Students |
17 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $11,635.00 $15,181.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Lamar University | (TX) | $11,664.00 | All Students |
19 | Martin Luther College | (MN) | $11,700.00 | All Students |
20 | University of North Florida | (FL) | $11,713.00 $28,235.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $11,784.00 $41,462.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Missouri State University | (MO) | $11,829.00 | All Students |
23 | Arkansas Tech University | (AR) | $11,842.00 $20,977.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
24 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | (MN) | $11,850.00 $10,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
25 | Dordt University | (IA) | $11,900.00 | All Students |
26 | University of North Alabama | (AL) | $12,000.00 | All Students |
27 | Texas A & M University-Texarkana | (TX) | $12,032.00 $30,872.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
28 | Texas A & M International University | (TX) | $12,111.00 $33,990.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
29 | Drury University | (MO) | $12,225.00 | All Students |
30 | Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $12,300.00 | All Students |
31 | Emporia State University | (KS) | $12,425.00 $16,927.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
32 | West Texas A & M University | (TX) | $12,713.00 $25,016.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
33 | University of Wyoming | (WY) | $12,738.00 $19,338.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
34 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $12,888.00 | All Students |
35 | Georgetown College | (KY) | $12,975.00 | All Students |
36 | University of Sioux Falls | (SD) | $13,035.00 | All Students |
37 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $13,110.00 | All Students |
38 | University of Central Missouri | (MO) | $13,190.00 | All Students |
39 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | (NE) | $13,237.00 $17,881.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
40 |  National University | (CA) | $13,260.00 | All Students |
41 | New Mexico State University | (NM) | $13,332.00 $7,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
42 | Florida Atlantic University | (FL) | $13,386.00 $36,965.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
43 | Florida Gulf Coast University | (FL) | $13,442.00 $46,824.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
44 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $13,456.00 $16,729.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
45 | Doane University | (NE) | $13,470.00 | All Students |
46 |  Purdue University | (IN) | $13,500.00 $20,100.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
46 | The University of Alabama | (AL) | $13,500.00 | All Students |
46 | Southern Wesleyan University | (SC) | $13,500.00 | All Students |
49 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $13,546.00 $8,350.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
50 | California State University-Fullerton | (CA) | $13,586.00 $25,466.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
51 | Framingham State University | (MA) | $13,600.00 | All Students |
52 | Belhaven University | (MS) | $13,662.00 | All Students |
53 | Anderson University - SC | (SC) | $13,710.00 | All Students |
54 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | (IL) | $13,752.00 | All Students |
55 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | (AR) | $13,788.00 $11,520.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
56 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | (TX) | $13,800.00 | All Students |
57 | University of West Florida | (FL) | $13,846.00 $17,238.00 $13,846.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
58 | St. Thomas University | (FL) | $13,860.00 | All Students |
59 | Trevecca Nazarene University | (TN) | $13,890.00 | All Students |
60 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $14,008.00 | All Students |
61 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $14,040.00 $18,720.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
62 | Dakota State University | (SD) | $14,114.00 | All Students |
63 | SUNY College at Brockport | (NY) | $14,205.00 $17,025.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
64 | University of Colorado Denver | (CO) | $14,227.00 $16,807.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
65 | Western Illinois University | (IL) | $14,295.00 $19,919.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
66 | Ball State University | (IN) | $14,330.00 $20,870.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
67 | Boise State University | (ID) | $14,340.00 | All Students |
68 | Texas A & M University - Commerce | (TX) | $14,390.00 $26,630.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
69 | Indiana Wesleyan University | (IN) | $14,400.00 | All Students |
70 | Texas A & M University-Kingsville | (TX) | $14,473.00 $30,849.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
71 | California State University-East Bay | (CA) | $14,580.00 | All Students |
72 | Auburn University at Montgomery | (AL) | $14,660.00 $15,950.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
73 | Bowling Green State University | (OH) | $14,661.00 $14,991.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
74 | Pittsburg State University | (KS) | $14,760.00 | All Students |
74 | SUNY College at Potsdam | (NY) | $14,760.00 $17,580.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
76 | Baker University | (KS) | $14,836.00 | All Students |
77 | William Woods University | (MO) | $14,950.00 | All Students |
78 | The College of Saint Scholastica | (MN) | $14,972.00 | All Students |
79 | University of Arkansas | (AR) | $15,029.00 | All Students |
80 | The University of Texas at Tyler | (TX) | $15,085.00 $29,545.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
81 | University of South Florida | (FL) | $15,227.00 $29,937.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
82 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $15,315.00 $14,009.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
83 | Georgia State University | (GA) | $15,328.00 | All Students |
84 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | (WI) | $15,390.00 | All Students |
85 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $15,460.00 | All Students |
86 | University of South Alabama | (AL) | $15,555.00 | All Students |
87 | Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi | (TX) | $15,557.00 $33,189.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
88 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $15,580.00 $9,220.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
89 | Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $15,660.00 | All Students |
90 | Purdue University | (IN) | $15,750.00 $23,450.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
91 | Ottawa University | (KS) | $15,765.00 | All Students |
92 | James Madison University | (VA) | $15,774.00 $16,104.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
93 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $15,829.00 | All Students |
94 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $15,830.00 $30,518.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
95 | Wilson College | (PA) | $15,900.00 | All Students |
96 | Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $15,925.00 $20,612.00 $15,925.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
97 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | (NC) | $15,992.00 $48,002.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
98 | Florida State University | (FL) | $15,993.00 $38,724.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
99 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | (IL) | $16,000.00 | All Students |
100 | Marshall University | (WV) | $16,020.00 | All Students |
101 | Liberty University | (VA) | $16,036.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
102 | University of Southern Mississippi | (MS) | $16,174.00 | All Students |
103 | Idaho State University | (ID) | $16,214.00 | All Students |
104 | University of Illinois at Springfield | (IL) | $16,242.00 | All Students |
105 | University of North Texas | (TX) | $16,252.00 $23,575.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
106 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | (LA) | $16,524.00 | All Students |
107 | Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $16,559.00 | All Students |
108 | Bowling Green State University | (OH) | $16,598.00 $16,972.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
109 | University of Northern Iowa | (IA) | $16,670.00 | All Students |
110 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | (AL) | $16,710.00 | All Students |
110 | Coker University | (SC) | $16,710.00 | All Students |
112 | Central Michigan University | (MI) | $16,730.00 $12,020.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
113 | Kent State University | (OH) | $16,947.00 $17,247.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
114 | University of South Alabama | (AL) | $17,064.00 | All Students |
115 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | (WI) | $17,070.00 | All Students |
116 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $17,100.00 | All Students |
117 | University of South Dakota | (SD) | $17,112.00 | All Students |
118 | Missouri Baptist University | (MO) | $17,190.00 | All Students |
119 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $17,457.00 $22,242.00 $16,335.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
120 | Northern Illinois University | (IL) | $17,490.00 | All Students |
120 | University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $17,490.00 | All Students |
122 | Tennessee State University | (TN) | $17,589.00 $25,146.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
123 | Morehead State University | (KY) | $17,700.00 | All Students |
124 | Bemidji State University | (MN) | $17,775.00 | All Students |
125 | Austin Peay State University | (TN) | $17,783.00 $24,653.00 $16,133.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
126 | Mississippi State University | (MS) | $17,787.00 | All Students |
127 | Coastal Carolina University | (SC) | $17,940.00 $34,380.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
128 | Lindenwood University | (MO) | $17,970.00 | All Students |
129 | Tiffin University | (OH) | $18,000.00 | All Students |
130 | McNeese State University | (LA) | $18,016.00 $20,016.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
131 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $18,074.00 $18,794.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
132 | Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $18,075.00 | All Students |
133 | University of Maine | (ME) | $18,150.00 | All Students |
134 | Point Park University | (PA) | $18,210.00 | All Students |
135 | SUNY at Albany | (NY) | $18,296.00 $21,116.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
136 | University of Virginia | (VA) | $18,380.00 | All Students |
137 | University of Mobile | (AL) | $18,530.00 | All Students |
138 | Carlow University | (PA) | $18,540.00 | All Students |
139 | Houston Christian University | (TX) | $18,550.00 | All Students |
140 | Concordia University Texas | (TX) | $18,640.00 | All Students |
141 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $18,642.00 $20,796.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
142 | University of Florida | (FL) | $18,657.00 $23,644.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
143 | Baldwin Wallace University | (OH) | $18,700.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Indiana University Online | (IN) | $18,717.00 $22,156.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Southwest Minnesota State University | (MN) | $18,731.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $18,768.00 $21,573.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Wilkes University | (PA) | $18,890.00 | All Students | |
The University of Tennessee - Martin | (TN) | $18,930.00 $20,640.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $19,044.00 $24,264.00 $17,820.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Boise State University | (ID) | $19,080.00 | All Students | |
Park University | (MO) | $19,145.00 | All Students | |
University of Toledo | (OH) | $19,173.00 $19,323.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
North Carolina State University at Raleigh | (NC) | $19,191.00 $57,603.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Utah State University | (UT) | $19,233.00 $20,173.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Ashland University | (OH) | $19,260.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $19,550.00 | All Students | |
University of Memphis | (TN) | $19,680.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University Irvine | (CA) | $19,685.00 | All Students | |
Saint Leo University | (FL) | $19,685.00 | All Students | |
Wright State University | (OH) | $19,800.00 $33,750.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
National University | (CA) | $19,890.00 | All Students | |
City University of Seattle | (WA) | $19,995.00 | All Students | |
SUNY Oneonta | (NY) | $20,100.00 $23,766.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $20,233.00 $29,143.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Utah State University | (UT) | $20,405.00 $21,809.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Massachusetts-Boston | (MA) | $20,700.00 | All Students | |
University of Massachusetts Global | (CA) | $20,850.00 $12,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $20,856.00 $19,767.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $21,030.00 | All Students | |
Eastern Connecticut State University | (CT) | $21,030.00 | All Students | |
Western Kentucky University | (KY) | $21,210.00 | All Students | |
Franklin University | (OH) | $21,525.00 | All Students | |
Webster University | (MO) | $21,550.00 $12,640.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Tennessee Technological University | (TN) | $21,582.00 $26,202.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Dayton | (OH) | $21,640.00 | All Students | |
Wayland Baptist University | (TX) | $21,988.00 | All Students | |
University of Maryland-Baltimore County | (MD) | $22,090.00 $37,150.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Quinnipiac University | (CT) | $22,280.00 | All Students | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $22,380.00 $22,830.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor | (WI) | $22,406.00 | All Students | |
Fontbonne University (School Closing) Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology CAEP,14 | (MO) | $22,515.00 | All Students | |
Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $22,722.00 $17,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Stockton University | (NJ) | $22,737.00 | All Students | |
University of Hawaii at Manoa | (HI) | $23,012.00 | All Students | |
Loyola University Maryland | (MD) | $23,040.00 | All Students | |
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | (TN) | $23,100.00 $25,575.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Georgia | (GA) | $23,232.00 | All Students | |
Saginaw Valley State University | (MI) | $23,662.00 $43,483.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Western Michigan University | (MI) | $23,769.00 | All Students | |
Bellevue University | (NE) | $23,780.00 | All Students | |
Western Oregon University | (OR) | $24,085.00 | All Students | |
Rowan University | (NJ) | $24,118.00 | All Students | |
George Mason University | (VA) | $24,210.00 | All Students | |
Messiah University | (PA) | $24,255.00 | All Students | |
California State University-Northridge | (CA) | $24,527.00 | All Students | |
Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $24,598.00 | All Students | |
Grand Valley State University | (MI) | $24,948.00 | All Students | |
Wayne State University | (MI) | $25,250.00 $51,022.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Johnson & Wales University | (RI) | $25,260.00 | All Students | |
Freed-Hardeman University | (TN) | $25,400.00 | All Students | |
University of Delaware | (DE) | $25,559.00 | All Students | |
Widener University | (PA) | $25,610.00 | All Students | |
Adelphi University | (NY) | $25,620.00 | All Students | |
Fairfield University | (CT) | $25,710.00 | All Students | |
University of Kentucky | (KY) | $25,758.00 | All Students | |
Saint Peter's University | (NJ) | $26,685.00 | All Students | |
University of Michigan - Dearborn | (MI) | $26,900.00 $33,410.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Walsh University | (OH) | $27,170.00 | All Students | |
Seattle Pacific University | (WA) | $27,940.00 | All Students | |
Michigan State University | (MI) | $27,990.00 | All Students | |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | (VA) | $28,368.00 $53,793.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
New Jersey City University | (NJ) | $28,825.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $30,210.00 | All Students | |
Texas A & M University | (TX) | $32,104.00 $70,232.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Syracuse University | (NY) | $33,330.00 | All Students | |
The George Washington University | (DC) | $33,668.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $33,900.00 | All Students | |
Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $36,396.00 | All Students | |
Roosevelt University | (IL) | $36,444.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $36,765.00 | All Students | |
University of Denver | (CO) | $36,960.00 | All Students | |
Pepperdine University | (CA) | $42,750.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $47,115.00 $44,010.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Rochester | (NY) | $55,110.00 | All Students | |
Columbia University in the City of New York | (NY) | $63,208.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $64,245.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online master’s instructional design program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
ALA-CoA American Library Association, Committee on Accreditation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited, online master’s in instructional design. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online master’s in instructional design in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online master’s instructional design program including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an online master’s in instructional design that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online master’s in educational technology may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the cheapest online master’s in educational technology for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get an Online Master’s in Instructional Design?
There are many reasons why you might pursue one of these excellent degrees, including:
- Strong growth in education careers: While the expected growth for all professions is expected to be 5%, education careers are expected to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- High pay for experienced, educated professionals: Graduates of these programs can become training and development managers, a career with a median annual income of $120,130.
- Improve the lives of others: With this degree, you can improve the lives of others through education, while helping people develop a lifelong love of learning.
- Convenient learning for busy people: The instructional design master’s programs in this database are at least 80% online, making them convenient for busy adults, parents, and non-traditional students.
What’s the Price for the Cheapest Online Master’s in Educational Technology?
Many students are looking for the cheapest online master’s in educational technology. While you need to make sure a program meets your academic and career goals, there are plenty of affordable options in this large database.
North Carolina residents enjoy the lowest price for an online master’s in instructional design. The Master of Arts in Teaching / Technology Education from North Carolina A & T State University only costs $6,990 for in-state students. However, out-of-state students will pay over $25,000.
For all students, regardless of residency, the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Educational Technology from Southeastern Oklahoma State University is the cheapest online master’s in educational technology. In fact, all students pay a price of just $8,160 for the program. Assuming a four-semester track, this means students pay roughly $2,040 per semester. (Most schools require payment by the semester.)
There are almost 250 degrees in this database, so aspiring education experts should have little trouble finding an affordable option that meets their needs. There are six options under $10,000, 27 under $12,000, and 85 programs priced below $15,000.
The average cost is $18,700. Assuming a four-semester plan, this means the average per-semester bill will be about $4,675.
The most expensive online master’s in educational technology is the Master of Education in Learning Design & Technology from the University of Southern California. This program costs $64,245, making it over three times more expensive than the average, and nine times more expensive than the lowest-priced option.
In general, the most affordable degree will come from a public school in the state where you live. Private schools and out-of-state schools usually have higher tuition. With thorough research into the best instructional design master’s programs online, students should find a top-quality option that fits their needs.
Top Three Cheapest Online Master’s in Educational Technology
#1. North Carolina A & T State University – Master of Arts in Teaching / Technology Education
The cheapest instructional design master’s degree on our list is based in North Carolina. Students in this state can complete the MAT in Technology Education from North Carolina A&T State University for just under $7,000. Those who are out of state can expect tuition and fees totalling around $25,800.
This CAEP-accredited Master of Arts in Teaching program provides students with a pathway to initial teaching licensure. The program focuses on delivering technology education in public schools and developing students into instructional leaders. Two semesters of clinical experience prepare future educators for the demands of real-world classrooms.
North Carolina A&T offers a number of resources to make online study easy, engaging, and convenient, such as remote registration, asynchronous classes, and the learning management system Blackboard Learn.
#2. Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Educational Technology
The M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction / Educational Technology from Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers one low tuition rate to all students and completion possible in as few as 12 months. With a total cost of approximately $8,160, this degree ranks as the cheapest instructional design master’s degree for students outside of North Carolina (the location of our #1 program).
With CAEP accreditation, students can be assured of a quality, industry relevant education. Courses hone your expertise in educational technology to help create innovative learning environments. Beyond the traditional K-12 classroom, graduates can also put their skills to use in settings such as nonprofit organizations, museums, universities, and more.
Some of the job titles available to graduates of this program include:
- Technology integration specialist
- Distance learning director
- Training and development specialist
- Instructional designer
#3. Valdosta State University – Master of Education in Instructional Technology / P-12 Technology Applications or Non P-12 Technology Applications
The #3 cheapest online instructional design master’s program comes from Valdosta State University in Georgia. Students can choose from two concentrations in the M.Ed. in Instructional Technology program – P-12 Technology Applications or Non-P-12 Technology Applications. The low cost of $9,050 is available to all students nationwide for both of these specialized tracks.
With subject matter that delves into innovative uses of technology and ways to effectively design learning experiences in the digital era, this CAEP-accredited program prepares you for success in this rapidly growing field. Whether you want to work in PreK-Grade 12 classrooms or use your skills in settings such as libraries, government, and nonprofits, these programs cover all the vital topics. Graduates can find employment as e-learning specialists, instructional designers, media specialists, IT directors, learning experience designers, training specialists, and more.
What to Expect from One of the Cheapest Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs
Before enrolling in an online master’s in instructional design, you need to know what to expect. First, it will be roughly two years (four semesters) of study. This is the standard length for a master’s degree, although some options offer completion in a single year. These programs usually require summer, fall, and spring courses and often have a heavier per-semester workload.
Each program is different, but in general they will prepare you for careers in instructional coordination, curriculum design, and educational technology. They will, essentially, shape you into an education expert, one who knows how to create, implement, and evaluate educational programs, usually with an focus on technology.
The coursework in many of these online master’s in educational technology is part education, part technology. You’ll learn advanced techniques and the latest trends in education. But you’ll also learn about software, hardware, technology, and mobile devices that make education more effective.
You can choose between three basic types: a master of arts, a master of science, or a master of education. A master of arts in instructional design or technology will be rooted in theory and philosophy, while a master of science in education will be more technical. A master of education, on the other hand, will be more focused on the structure and administration of education.
Within each of these types, there are also various focus areas. Students completing some of the best online instructional design master’s programs can specialize in subjects like:
- Technology education
- Instructional design
- Training and development
- Applied digital learning
- E-Learning
- Classroom technology
- Adult education
- Evaluation technology
There are many options available. With this database, you can search through the top options to find a concentration that works best for you.
Structure and Courses in These Online Master’s Degrees
Let’s look at the structure and course requirements from a few of the top instructional design online master’s programs. While every degree is different, this will help you understand the expectations of these programs.
Arkansas Tech University – Master of Education in Instructional Technology
This online master’s in educational technology comes with two specializations, including an Instructional Design & Technology option. To complete this master’s program, students will go through a total of 36 semester hours, all online. The program focuses particularly on technology and software as they relate to education and research.
The “Instructional Design & Technology” section requires 12 classes that cover research, media programs, and more. They fall under titles such as “Production of Digital Instructional Materials,” “Literature for Children and Young Adults,” and “Survey of Instructional Technology.”
University of North Carolina-Wilmington – Master of Science in Instructional Technology
As a master of science degree, this program focuses on the technical and skills-based application of education design and technology. During the program, students learn from IT professionals, building design, technical, and project management skills.
Courses are often technical, making the program more of a technology degree than a degree in education. Courses include “Design and Development of Instructional Technology,” “Managing Instructional Development,” and “Evaluation and Change in Instructional Development Process.”
University of Maryland-Baltimore County – Master of Arts in Learning & Performance Technology
To graduate from this online master’s in educational technology, students must complete 30 credit hours, including 21 hours (seven classes) of core courses and three electives. Students must also submit a professional portfolio of course-related work samples, which will show their work throughout the program.
Core courses include “Analysis for Design and Evaluation,” “Principles of Training and Development,” and “Human Performance Technology.” As part of the core, students can select a class on either adult learning or the business of learning technology. For the electives, students must select three courses from a list of 10 options. These classes cover topics like performance technology, e-learning, corporate training, instructional technology design, and consulting for learning.
Accreditation for Instructional Design
Accreditation is a review of the academic quality at a college or university. It also includes the specific degrees they provide. Accreditation is conducted by independent organizations, each with its own system of reviewing and approving schools and degrees.
Accreditation is important for many reasons. Firstly, students who want federal aid, including grants and loans, must attend an accredited school. Later, employers may check if your school is accredited. Some graduates of these cheapest online master’s in educational technology programs may seek state licensing for teaching or instructional coordination positions. To apply for licensing, you need a degree from an accredited school.
The most common form of accreditation is institutional. This type, completed by regional groups, covers the entire school. All the programs in this database come from institutionally-accredited schools; it’s a requirement for inclusion.
There is also programmatic accreditation which, as the name suggests, covers just the program or degree. Different academic subjects have different programmatic accrediting groups. For example, psychology degrees can have accreditation from the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS).
Instructional design and technology degrees are, at their heart, education programs, which means they are often accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Another potential accrediting body for these programs is the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). In this database, you will also find degrees accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation (ALA-CoA).
Not all programs will hold programmatic accreditation. As long as they come from accredited schools, they will deliver a high level of education.
Typical Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s Degree in Education
A master’s degree is the second-highest level of academic achievement, sitting only behind a doctorate. As such, the admission standards are high. You’ll have to meet a range of requirements. Not only will you need a strong academic background, you may need a teacher’s license to enroll. In addition, you’ll need numerous documents, far more than when you applied for a bachelor’s program.
The most universal requirement for a master’s program is a bachelor’s degree. For these online programs, you’ll specifically need a bachelor’s in education, training, technology, instruction, or a similar field. Schools will look at applicants’ degrees on a case-by-case basis to determine suitability. You may need a certain GPA from these past studies. Many schools require a 2.5, 2.75, or 3.0. Some schools may even require a 3.5 GPA from their students.
Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, provides a good example. Its Master of Education program has enrollment requirements including an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. You will also need a resume, transcripts, and a letter of recommendation from an administrator or supervisor. You also need at least one year of “successful teaching experience,” which can be in a preschool through high school setting.The online master’s in educational technology in this database require a variety of documents and a strong academic background, but most students should be able to find an affordable option that fits their needs.
Licensing and Certification for Instructional Experts
Many careers require a license or state-mandated certificate. Lawyers, engineers, and nurses are just a few examples. There are numerous career opportunities after you complete one of the cheapest online master’s in educational technology, and some may require a license. Most, however, will not.
One of the most common careers with an online master’s in educational technology is instructional coordinator. This job does not require a license unless you choose to work in a public school. (43% work in elementary and high schools.) In that case, you may be required to hold a teaching certificate or an education administration license.
Another possible career, depending on the program, is a school principal. This career will almost always require a license, specifically if you are working at a public school.
One of the best careers after an online master’s instructional design program is a training and development manager. These professionals usually work in the private sector, so certification or licensing is rarely required. However, professionals in this career can become certified through groups like the Association for Talent Development and the International Society for Performance Improvement. This voluntary designation will improve your skills and open more career options.
Note: If you expect to enter a career that requires licensing, you must attend an accredited school. All the degrees in this database come from accredited colleges and universities.
Instruction and Training Careers: Salary and Job Outlook
These careers bring some of the highest salaries in the job market. While you need to have more motivating you than just income, you can expect a large paycheck. This is especially true if you have an advanced education and years of experience.
Here are the median salaries, as of May 2021 (BLS), for some top careers in instructional design:
- Training manager: $120,130
- School principal: $98,420
- College administrator: $96,910
- Instructional coordinator: $63,740
There is a high demand for people with skills in education, including curriculum development, instructional design, and education technology.
These careers can be stable and reliable as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the career field of education to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031. This outpaces the overall job market growth of 5%.
Working in education, regardless of the specialty, brings a one-two punch of high pay and relative job stability, making this a high-quality profession.
What’s the Next Step in Your Education?
If you want to continue your education after earning one of the cheapest online master’s in educational technology, you can enroll in a doctorate in education. These elite-level degrees are available in many education-based subjects, including instructional design.
When choosing a doctorate in education, you can select between a doctorate of education (Ed.D.) or a doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) in education. These two types share qualities, but they are vastly different as well. Most notable is the time required. A Ph.D. usually requires five to seven years, although some students may need eight years to complete these programs. An Ed.D. is much faster, needing only three years of study.
A Ph.D. tends to be more research-based, while an Ed.D. focuses on academic systems. University presidents and high-ranking school leaders often hold Ed.D. degrees, while professors of education or instruction have Ph.D.s. There are other differences, so research the programs to ensure you find the right one for your goals.
Want to Enhance Education? Start by Continuing Your Own!
An online master’s instructional design can help you enhance the education of others, including young students and adult learners. If you want to join this stable, rewarding career field, start with one of these online programs. Submit your information at GetEducated.com, and we’ll help you get the information and resources you need.