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Instructional Design for Online Learning
Master of Science in Education
Put your passion into action and help people learn more effectively in cutting-edge digital environments. With Capella’s online MS in Education, Instructional Design for Online Learning specialization, you can build the skills you need to integrate emerging trends in online education with the highest ethical standards. Open new professional doors as you learn how to balance instructional design, the psychology of learning, and the power of technology. Sharpen your focus on methods of online delivery, software tools, and project management. You’ll also dive deep into applying instructional theory and managing projects.
Classes start January 8
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 2 Core courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- 2 Elective courses
- 1 Capstone
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore instructional design for online learning courses
- This degree requires a total of 48 program credits
- You’ll need to complete two core courses, seven specialization courses, two elective courses and one capstone
| ED5802 |
Principles of Instructional Design
Learners develop professional skills and competencies pertaining to instructional design process, theories, and strategies. Learners evaluate the decisions that instructional designers make, the principles and concepts that drive those decisions, and the ways the decisions are interrelated. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED5804 |
The Delivery of Distance Education
In this course, learners gain an understanding of current distance education delivery systems, including print, recorded audio and video, and Internet technologies. Learners also examine the ways delivery technologies inform and constrain design decisions. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED5807 |
Design of Instructional Media
Learners in this course examine instructional design skills and competencies including budgeting, communication, project management, program evaluation, and legal and ethical issues. Learners design theory-based instructional solutions and plan the design of instructional components using various forms of instructional media and technologies. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED5810 |
Project Management for e-Learning Development
This course presents project management topics, techniques, media strategies, and ethical standards specific to e-learning development. Learners identify and apply the tools, methods, and processes used to effectively budget, implement, and manage e-learning development projects. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED6503 |
Instructional Design Technologies
In this course, learners apply theories and principles of instructional design and cognitive learning utilizing instructional media strategies. Learners also identify ethical, legal, and political implications of the design in the workplace. Finally, learners examine software tools that developers and instructional designers use to create innovative e-learning experiences. Cannot be fulfilled by credit for prior learning. |
4 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
This master’s specialization is designed to provide professionals in a variety of traditional and online settings—including educational institutions, corporations, health care and government agencies, and the military—with advanced competence in the field instructional design and development. The curriculum is focused on preparing you, the instructional design practitioner, to successfully develop educational interventions based on theory and practice in the field.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate skill in instructional design
- Manage instructional design projects
- Bridge instructional design theory and real-world opportunities
- 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
$16,920
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$22,560
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$470 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 48 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, 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.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“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 MSEd in Instructional Design and Online Learning program must provide the following information for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript 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.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
5 reasons to incorporate technology into your classroom
Think that integrating technology into the classroom will only distract students and marginalize educators?
Earning an MEd Degree the FlexPath Way
Bridget Spackman is a teacher, wife, and mom knows firsthand how difficult it can be to incorporateongoing education in a busy life. Leran how Capella University’s FlexPath format, was the answer to her concerns.
University Guide
Explore degree offerings, learning formats, financing options, and more from Capella University.
What can you do with an MS in Education Instructional Design for Online Learning degree?
Your education can help you reach 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 MSEd in Instructional Design for Online Learning.
Job titles to explore
- Instructional designer
- Instructional design specialist
- Training specialist
- Training manager
- Senior instructional designer
- Instructional technologist
- Consultant
- Adjunct or part-time faculty of education courses
Employment settings to explore
- Land-based or online college or university
- Insurance carrier
- Health care
- Software publishers
- Consultant firms
- K–12 public or private school
- K–12 virtual or charter school
*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.