10 Affordable Online Master's in Instructional Design Programs 2025

With more education happening digitally, there is a continually growing need for professionals who can design and manage online learning materials. A master's in instructional design and technology prepares students for developing and implementing digital educational content and systems.

Many students complete their program through e-learning, or online learning, as it enables them to complete coursework around their schedule. Developing educational design skills increases career opportunities in different industries and positions. Continue reading to explore the top instructional technology master's programs available through distance learning.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Instructional Design and Technology?

A master's in instructional design and technology is a graduate program that provides students with skills for designing and implementing educational materials. The most common instructional design master's online is the Master of Science (MS) in instructional design and technology.

Many schools offer online options for master's in instructional design programs, enabling students to earn their degree entirely online. Whether on campus or online, students learn to create, manage, and utilize up-to-date technology and instructional systems.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Instructional Design and Technology Cost?

The cost of an instruction design master's online program depends on the number of credit hours required, the per-credit tuition rate, and the associated fees. Most programs for a master's in instructional design and technology have 30 to 36 credit hours.

For example, a per-credit tuition rate of $500 would cost between $15,000 and $18,000 total tuition across the course of the program. This does not include applicable fees and is only an estimate — tuition rates vary by school. Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and utilize scholarships and other aid to reduce their costs.

Cheapest Online Master's in Instructional Design and Technology Programs

Many schools offer programs for a master's in instructional design online, enabling students to work from anywhere. Some schools have different tuition rates for students, based on where they live, while others offer flat-rate tuition for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. Below, we explore 10 of the most affordable programs for a master's in instructional technology.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University offers a fully online Master of Education (Med) in higher education — instructional design and technology. Students learn how to develop effective educational materials that advance students in their education. Online courses are delivered through eight-week accelerated terms. Students take classes like instructional technology and principles of design.

• Estimated tuition cost: $430 per credit (full-time); $290 per credit (military)
• Financial aid: Liberty University offers several in-house scholarships to graduate students.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

University of Wisconsin - Whitewater offers a 30-credit MS in instructional design and learning technology that enables students to earn three certificates during the program. The program is entirely online and the certificates available include foundations of learning design, producing effective learning experiences, and emergency technology for digital learning.

• Estimated tuition cost: $595 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can apply for in-house grants and assistantships, as well as use external aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers an MS in instructional design and technology that can be completed online, on-campus, or through a hybrid mix. The program enables students to build a portfolio of designed resources. Coursework includes assessment of educational systems, emerging technologies, applied leadership, and blended learning.

• Estimated tuition cost: $680 per credit
• Financial aid: Bellevue University offers several types of scholarships and also accepts outside financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Saint Thomas University

Saint Thomas University offers an MS in instructional design and technology that can be completed online in as few as 10 months (full-time enrollment). The program emphasizes multimedia design and evolving technology. Core coursework includes technology integration, educational measurement, theories and models of instructional design, and applied research methods.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can apply for several institutional scholarships as well as utilize external sources of aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University (QU) offers an MS in instructional design and technology that consists of 30 credit hours and allows students to customize their program with some electives. Students can progress at their own pace through asynchronous online classes. Coursework includes design and implementation of educational materials, as well as platforms and multimedia.

• Estimated tuition cost: $755 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can apply for institutional grants for graduate students as well as merit-based scholarships.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

6. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers an online MS in instructional design and learning technology program. Students can complete the 30 credit hours through accelerated courses at their own pace and build a professional portfolio during their program. Textbooks are free and the curriculum aligns with the standards set by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI).

• Estimated tuition cost: $649 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can participate in a work study program as well as apply for in-house financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. California State University, Fullerton

California State University, Fullerton, offers an MS in instructional design and technology that is designed for the working education professional. Students progress as a part-time cohort/group and earn two certificates during their program. The program contains two cohort meetings, including an orientation and research session, that students can attend virtually or on campus.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can apply for federal and in-house aid, as well as apply awards from outside sources.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

8. University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in learning design and technology that can be completed online. Students choose two certificates and build their program, ultimately selecting 24 of the 30 required credits. The program focuses on four competencies: instructional design, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), leadership, and critical digital literacy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $480 per credit (in-state); $576 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: CU Denver offers multiple institutional scholarships that students can access through the school aid website.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers an online MS in instructional design and technology that was developed using the IBSTPI standards. Students take one six-week course at a time and complete a total of 36 credit hours. Classes include product management, instructional development, instructional analysis, and advanced instructional design and technology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $600 per credit
• Financial aid: The school has a scholarship portal that enables students to search and review various scholarships.
• Accreditation: WSCUC

10. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota (UND) offers two online master's degree programs in instructional design and technology: an MS and an MEd. The programs contain between 34 and 36 credits and are fully online. The MS program provides a well-rounded curriculum for a broad range of careers, while the MEd program is designed for educational professionals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $498 per credit
• Financial aid: UND offers more than 1,000 in-house scholarships that students can apply for.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Our team searches through many schools to find the best programs for our rankings. We use specific criteria to determine which programs to feature, including characteristics like flexibility, admissions requirements, and program length.

• Accreditation: Each of the schools listed has been awarded institutional accreditation, meaning they meet various academic standards.
• Affordability: All of the schools have per-credit tuition rates that are more affordable than hundreds of other institutions.
• Program reputation: All programs integrate innovative technology and experienced faculty members to more effectively prepare educational design professionals.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in Instructional Design and Technology Degree

Specific courses vary by school, but enrollees study methods and applications for developing educational technology and multimedia. Specific courses may include instructional design fundamentals, project management, facilitation of adult learning, and educational research and design. Some programs allow learners to customize their program with electives and/or specializations.

FAQs About Low-Cost Instructional Design and Technology Master's Programs

Before choosing your online instructional design master's program, consider what features are the most beneficial to you and your career goals. The top FAQs are discussed below and will give you a clearer idea of what to expect and what features you are looking for.

Is an Online Master's in Instructional Design Worth It?

While the short answer is often yes, it depends on your career goals. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), master's degree graduates make 20% more than bachelor's degree graduates on average. A master's in instructional design also opens up more career opportunities with potentially higher salaries.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Instructional Design Degree?

A master's in instructional design can be extremely beneficial in numerous roles, whether in education or the corporate world. Occupations such as development specialist, training manager, and instructional coordinator are the most relevant to the degree. However, it can also be useful in employee training development, healthcare settings, cultural institutions, and in government or military roles.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Instructional Design Online?

Master's degree programs traditionally take two years to complete, whether online or in-person. Depending on your program, you can complete your degree more quickly and finish in one year. Check with your candidate schools to see if you can complete the program at your desired pace.

Is Getting an MBA in Instructional Design Worth It?

Instructional design master's programs are primarily offered as MS programs, although some schools also offer MEd or MA options. If you plan to apply your developed skills in the business world, an MS or MA degree is the best option. It can be even more beneficial if you can customize your program to include more specific concepts that relate to instructional design within business settings.

Discover Online Education Degrees

Explore more top master's programs on Learn.org, including those in instructional design and related fields. Contact the schools you like to get started.