Instructional design is a growing industry. And as competition for top roles increases, obtaining a professional qualification can help set you apart in a sea of candidates.
In this guide, I round up ten of the best instructional design master’s degree programs for 2024. They’re perfect for those looking to kickstart their career in the field or for seasoned pros interested in moving to the next level.
To make my selection, I’ve considered:
- University reputation and standing
- Curriculum
- Course reviews and accolades
But first, do you really need a master’s to become an instructional designer?
Do you need a master’s in instructional design?
The short answer is no. You don’t need a master’s degree (or even a bachelor’s, for that matter) to become an instructional designer. The most important criterion is an ID portfolio demonstrating your skill set and experience.
That said, a master’s degree can open many doors for you.
If you have limited work experience, most good master’s programs allow you to gain real-world practice. As a result, you finish the program with the confidence to step into your first role. You’ll also have a portfolio to show to potential employers.
For experienced practitioners, a master’s qualification showcases your commitment to your career development. What’s more, it’s an opportunity to widen your skill set and stay up-to-date with the latest industry practices.
Interestingly, research by Zippia shows that just 25% of instructional designers hold a master’s degree 1. Devlin Peck’s survey of hiring managers also revealed that just 8.9% require a master’s degree 2.
While it’s certainly not necessary, having a master’s-level qualification will most likely earn you a higher salary.
Best instructional design master’s degree programs
I’ve done my homework, and the results are in. Here are my top ten instructional design master’s degree programs for 2024.
1. M.S.Ed. in Instructional Systems Technology – Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington is a world-renowned academic institution. The university received the 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award.
Its Instructional Systems technology master’s program ranks number three in the “Best Online Master’s in Education” category, according to the U.S. News and World Report.
The program is also the Instructional Design Central’s (IDC) top-rated instructional design program.
The highlights include an optional internship, a year-long studio project, and the creation of a professional portfolio.
Here’s a brief overview of the program:
- Credits: 36 credit hours (minimum)
- Format: Online or residential
- Fees: Starting from $639.43 for non-residents (online program)
- Reviews: The program scores 3.7 stars on MastersPortal (top 1% worldwide)
2. M.S. in Instructional Systems & Learning Technologies – Florida State University
Florida State University is one of the leading public institutions in the nation. Its Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies program ranks number two on the Instructional Design Central’s (IDC) list of top-rated ID programs.
FSU’s Online Master’s in Education programs also rank number 28 among all public institutions, according to the U.S. News & World Report in 2024.
One of the main reasons behind the consistently high rankings for this program is the faculty of experienced instructors.
Some of the biggest names in the field have taught on the program, including Robert Gagné, Leslie Briggs, and John Keller
Here’s an overview of the program details:
- Credits: 36 credit hours
- Format: Online or on-campus
- Fees: Starting from $1,075.66 (out-of-state rate per credit hour)
- Reviews: The program scores 4.3 stars on MastersPortal (top 2% worldwide)
3. M.S. in Instructional Design & Technology – Bloomsburg University
Bloomsburg Commonwealth University is a well-respected university that has won several accolades for its nationally-ranked M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology.
Bloomsburg’s master’s course was recently ranked the second-best program in the country by the College Affordability Guide.
This program is perfect for those interested in games, branching simulations, AR and VR, and storytelling.
You can choose from two concentrations and have plenty of practice opportunities thanks to the project-based courses, internships, and focus on portfolio creation.
Here’s an overview of the program details:
- Credits: 33 credit hours (with internship option)
- Format: 100% Online
- Fees: Starting from $568 (non-resident)
- Reviews: Bloomsburg scores 4 stars on GradReports
4. M.S. in Education in Learning Design and Technology – Purdue University Online
Purdue University is known nationwide for its exceptional online degree programs. Its MS in Education in Learning Design and Technology ranks number four on the Instructional Design Central’s (IDC) list of top-rated ID programs.
It also places number ten in the U.S. News & World Report 2024 for Best Online Master’s in Educational/Instructional Media Design Programs.
This program shines thanks to its capstone portfolio, which aligns with the IBSTPI (the industry gold standard).
You can also obtain technology badges to showcase your proficiency with industry-leading instructional tools like Articulate and Camtasia.
Here’s an overview of the program details:
- Credits: 32 credit hours
- Format: Online
- Fees: Starting from $670 (out-of-state rate per credit hour)
- Reviews: The program scores 4.5 stars on MastersPortal (top 0.5% worldwide)
5. M.A in Learning Experience Design – Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a widely recognized academic institution with a great range of online master’s degrees.
Its MA in Learning Experience Design ranks fifth on the Instructional Design Central’s (IDC) list of top-rated ID programs.
It also holds the sixth spot in the U.S. for online educational/instructional Media design, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2024.
During the program, you can earn three graduate certificates to boost your resume. There’s also an impressive 15:1 student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring you get plenty of support and individual attention.
This MA is ideal if you’re interested in the role of equity, accessibility, and social justice in learning experience design.
Here are the main details for this master’s program:
- Credits: 10 courses
- Format: Online
- Fees: Starting from $1,703 per credit hour (non-resident)
- Reviews: The program scores 4 stars on MastersPortal (top 1% worldwide)
6. M.S. in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences – Utah State University
Utah State University is a popular institution with a great range of online master’s degree programs to choose from.
Its MS in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences ranks number six among the Instructional Design Central’s (IDC) top ID programs.
Its Instructional Technology & Learning Sciences (ITLS) online graduate programs in education also ranked thirteenth nationally in the U.S. News & World Report 2024.
You can choose between an MA or an MS ITLS program, depending on your career goals and specialization. The MA offers an internship or creative project to prepare you to design instructional materials in a school, corporate, or government setting.
On the other hand, the MS is perfect if you’re interested in research studies. You’ll complete a thesis and carry out your own research in place of an internship.
Here are the main details for this master’s program:
- Credits: 40 credits
- Format: Online
- Fees: Starting from $504 per credit hour (non-resident)
- Reviews: The program scores 4.4 stars on MastersPortal (top 5% worldwide)
7. Online MEd in Learning, Design, and Technology – Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is an internationally recognized university with a wide range of highly ranked graduate education programs.
Its online master of education in Learning, Design, and Technology is a hands-on and interactive program of studies.
There’s a strong focus on the impact and evolution of technology in the learning experience design process. As such, it’s ideal for people interested in a more tech-based role.
As well as 30 coursework credits, you must complete a noncredit unit on scholarship and research integrity and a noncredit capstone portfolio. Your advisor reviews this work and provides you with personalized feedback.
Here’s the essential information:
- Credits: 30 credits
- Format: 100% online
- Fees: Starting from $1,017 per credit
- Reviews: The program scores 4.4 stars on MastersPortal (top 0.5% worldwide)
8. Online M.Ed. in Educational Technology – University of Florida
The University of Florida is one of the nation’s top five public land-grant research universities. It ranks 6th in the Top Public Schools, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2024.
Its online master’s in Educational Technology is a flexible, practical program that you can complete in two years. There are also options for both full-time and part-time study.
You can choose between two course sequences. One is designed for people in K–12 and Teacher Education environments, and the other is for those in instructional design or management settings.
You’ll also complete a project where you’ll present your research into the impact of technology on learning outcomes and receive feedback from your peers and instructors.
Here are the main course details:
- Credits: 36 credit hours
- Format: Online
- Fees: Starting from $656.40 per credit (non-residents)
- Reviews: The program scores 4.2 stars on MastersPortal (top 1% worldwide)
9. M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a prestigious higher education institute with a number of nationally ranked graduate programs and a distinguished faculty.
In 2023, the Princeton Review ranked it the second-best-value public university in the US. Then, in 2024, it was ranked the second-best online graduate education program in the country by the U.S. News and World Report.
The online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program boasts a top-tier faculty and flexible study options.
It best suits educators looking to deepen their knowledge of curriculum design and instruction in diverse learning environments.
On top of the four pillars of the program (curriculum, instruction, assessment, and diversity), you can choose an area of emphasis to tailor your studies.
Here’s the key information for this master’s degree:
- Credits: 30 credits
- Format: 100% online
- Fees: $36,182 per academic year (full-time)
- Reviews: The program scores 4.3 stars on MastersPortal (top 1% worldwide)
10. MA in Instructional Technology and Media – Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College, Columbia University is the US’s largest graduate school of education. It’s also ranked as the number one Graduate School of Education in the U.S. News & World Report 2024.
The Master of Arts in Instructional Technology and Media is an excellent choice if you’re interested in the relationship between technology, digital media, social interaction, and learning.
The practical graduate program also explores the cultural context of learning and instruction. You’ll also have to complete an integrative project to improve your knowledge.
It’s ideal for entry-level professionals and those looking to move into a more advanced specialization in the instructional design field.
Here are the course details:
- Credits: 32 credits
- Format: On-campus
- Fees: Starting from $2,049 per credit
- Reviews: The program scores 4.2 stars on MastersPortal (top 0.1% worldwide)
Final thoughts
If you’re considering doing a master’s degree in instructional design but don’t know where to start, try looking into these ten options.
Based on student reviews, curriculum, and university accolades, these master’s programs stand out for being the best in class.
Whether you want to break into the field or get that promotion, a qualification from these institutions will set you up for success.
By Nicola Wylie
Nicola Wylie is a learning industry expert who loves sharing in-depth insights into the latest trends, challenges, and technologies.