Master of Education in Educational Technology and Instructional Design online
Learn to design engaging learning experiences with technology. This online master’s of education degree prepares you to lead digital learning initiatives across K-12 schools, higher education, and workplace training.
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Program Overview
Lead the future of learning with your instructional design degree
The Master of Education in Educational Technology and Instructional Design online program from William Paterson University empowers you to design learning experiences that are engaging, accessible, and built for today's digital world. Whether you teach in a classroom, support faculty in higher education, or develop training programs for business or nonprofit organizations, you'll learn how to combine instructional design, educational technology, and evidence-based teaching strategies to improve learning outcomes.
Explore emerging technologies, AI in education, digital collaboration, online course design, STEAM education, robotics, and technology-rich instruction while building practical skills you can apply immediately. In as few as 12 months, you'll graduate ready to lead technology integration, develop online learning experiences, and help organizations embrace the future of education.
As a graduate of this online education master’s program, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of theoretical, conceptual, and historical aspects of educational technology and instructional design
- Design, develop, and implement technology-rich curricula, instruction, and assessments that support optimal educational outcomes by applying critical and creative thinking to generate innovative solutions in the integration of educational technology
- Demonstrate knowledge of formative and summative assessment in educational technology
- Design technology-integrated learning environments that promote student-centered learning
- Analyze ethical and social issues in the use of educational technology
- Foster an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive school or organizational culture using educational technologies
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in digital leadership
- Enhance collaboration through technology, promoting cross-cultural understanding and knowledge sharing
- Stay updated on emergent technologies and recognize the importance of ongoing professional learning as part of lifelong learning
- Demonstrate knowledge of theoretical, conceptual, and historical aspects of educational technology and instructional design
- Design, develop, and implement technology-rich curricula, instruction, and assessments that support optimal educational outcomes by applying critical and creative thinking to generate innovative solutions in the integration of educational technology
- Demonstrate knowledge of formative and summative assessment in educational technology
- Design technology-integrated learning environments that promote student-centered learning
- Analyze ethical and social issues in the use of educational technology
- Foster an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive school or organizational culture using educational technologies
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in digital leadership
- Enhance collaboration through technology, promoting cross-cultural understanding and knowledge sharing
- Stay updated on emergent technologies and recognize the importance of ongoing professional learning as part of lifelong learning
Career opportunities:
- Instructional Designer
- Instructional Technologist
- Instructional Systems Designer
- Curriculum Specialist
- Curriculum Coordinator
- Curriculum Developer
- Educational Technology Specialist
- Director of Educational Technology
- E-Learning Specialist
- Corporate Trainer
- Learning Experience Designer (LXD)
- Instructional Designer
- Instructional Technologist
- Instructional Systems Designer
- Curriculum Specialist
- Curriculum Coordinator
- Curriculum Developer
- Educational Technology Specialist
- Director of Educational Technology
- E-Learning Specialist
- Corporate Trainer
- Learning Experience Designer (LXD)
WP Online offers a diverse range of education programs. Explore all of our online education programs.
$16,632
Total Tuition
As few as 12 months
Program Duration
30
Credit Hours
William Paterson University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The educator preparation programs at William Paterson University have been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through June 30, 2032. Full accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and have demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.
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Tuition
Plan your graduate degree with steady tuition
Online education programs from William Paterson University offer affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition. All fees are included in the total tuition.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEd in Educational Technology and Instructional Design | $554.40 | $1,663.20 | $16,632 |
Tuition breakdown
$554.40
Per Credit Hour
$16,632
Total Tuition
Calendar
Keep your career moving with multiple start dates
William Paterson University online programs are delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year.
Now enrolling:
1/3/27
Apply Date
1/25/27
Class Starts
| Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Class End Date | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring I | 1/25/27 | 1/3/27 | 1/7/27 | 1/15/27 | 1/20/27 | 3/14/27 | 7 weeks |
| Spring II | 3/22/27 | 2/28/27 | 3/3/27 | 3/12/27 | 3/17/27 | 5/9/27 | 7 weeks |
Now enrolling:
1/3/27
Apply Date
1/25/27
Class Starts
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online?
Admissions
Take the next step: apply for the educational technology degree online
The requirements include:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
You must meet the following requirements for admission to this MEd in Educational Technology and Instructional Design online program:
- Submit online application and $50 application fee
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may supplement their application with additional evidence in support of their academic potential for successful completion of the program
- No teaching certification required for applicants outside the P-12 public school system
- A copy of a CEAS or standard teaching license is required for P-12 applicants working in public schools (Note: Program directors may waive this requirement at their discretion based on unique circumstances.)
Official transcripts and other documents should be sent from the granting institutions to:
Email address: [email protected]
Mail address:
Office of Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Services
William Paterson University
Morrison Hall 102
300 Pompton Road
Wayne, NJ 07470
Acceptance into a graduate program is contingent upon your academic record, continued good standing, and demonstrated readiness for graduate-level study.
Courses
Discover the practical expertise you'll build with the instructional design degree online program
For the MEd in Education Technology and Instructional Design online program, you must complete 10 core courses for a total of 30 credit hours.
Core Courses
ELET 6001: Foundations of Distance Education
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will orient students with the historical context of distance education along with an analysis of contemporary trends. Various theoretical frameworks will also be introduced. Existing standards, such as the National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (NSQ) that guide educators and instructional designers to design courses and teach effectively in online environments, will also be introduced. Additionally, students will address the digital divide along with other types of inequalities, and cultural assumptions that challenge high needs schools or regions in poverty to implement online education.
ELET 6002: Instructional Design and Assessment
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
"This course will introduce the theoretical framework of instructional design models and teaching, facilitation, and assessment strategies for online teaching and learning. Students will be exposed to various types of technologies and digital tools to make effective and efficient online courses. An overview of strategies for promoting motivation in online courses will also be discussed. Students will have opportunities to create online learning environments, and
apply instructional design models and motivation frameworks to make online courses interactive and engaging."
ELET 6003: Digital Leadership in Educational Technology
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In order to foster skills in the emerging field of educational technology leadership, students in this class will learn about innovative ideas and strategies related to effective digital learning. Students will be introduced to national, state, and institutional policies pertaining to online learning and educational technology. This knowledge is fundamental to a solid leadership framework. Further leadership skills will be honed in discussions of strategies for instilling a
culture of effective digital learning. This culture includes the evaluation of online and hybrid courses and other technology initiatives. Leadership principles also include support of change management and strategic planning, which the students will learn about based on compelling case studies. Lastly, students will gain skills to strengthen their own professional development by staying current with new technologies.
ELET 6004: Universal Design and Accessibility
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will introduce the principles and applications of universal design and accessibility for online teaching and learning. Students will differentiate barriers that
limit accessibility and facilitators that promote accessibility of online materials and environments. Students are expected to create inclusive online materials by integrating universal design principles and affordances to meet the needs of diverse learners. The targeted diverse learners may include those with and without disabilities or those from linguistically and culturally diverse background. Intra- and interdisciplinary collaboration between students will also be encouraged through hands-on activities.
ELET 6005: Artificial Intelligence in Education
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the role and potential uses, as well as drawbacks of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage in this evolving field. Candidates will gain insights into theoretical frameworks and models for proper AI integration across subjects in formal and informal learning settings. In addition, they will obtain technical, pedagogical, and strategic knowledge and skills pertaining to the uses of AI technology in education. Specific AI-based educational applications and solutions to challenges, problems, and barriers will be explored. Ethical and policy considerations when using AI technology will also be examined.
ELET 6006: Global Learning and Collaboration With Technology
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores theories and practices related to global education and collaboration with technology. Candidates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources
needed for designing and implementing effective global learning and collaboration opportunities using technology, thereby preparing future generations to thrive in an
interconnected world. Candidates will examine existing initiatives and projects and analyze their theoretical, pedagogical, and strategic aspects. They will learn how to
harness the affordances of technology while being aware of its limitations for global education and cross-cultural communication. Furthermore, candidates will discuss subject
areas that might be taught more authentically through this kind of collaboration, explore ways to expand learning horizons, address local, national, and/or global challenges, and bridge cultural and digital divides. Candidates will be enrolled in the professional learning community to contribute to it and gain resources and practical strategies for advocacy and promoting the value of global education.
ELET 6007: Digital Literacy
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Digital media has evolved and changed the way we communicate and consume and the platforms we use to access information. This course will introduce candidates to existing and emergent technologies and their impact on information access. Students will explore the consequences of society’s increased dependence on digital media and the cultural implications of the individuality of social media. The course will help candidates explore the Internet as a collaborative tool and discuss issues related to the digital divide, digital identity, and digital privacy. Students will discuss how digital media are shaping our society culturally. They will develop the necessary skills to use digital media effectively and ethically and apply those skills to create digitally literate and emotionally sound K-12 classrooms.
ELET 6008: Evaluation of Educational Technology
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices involved in the evaluation of learning technologies in diverse learning environments. Candidates will examine various evaluation models and frameworks, as well as formative and summative evaluation techniques. The course emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making in formal and informal educational settings and explores how to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of learning systems to improve educational processes and outcomes. Candidates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct thorough evaluations of educational technology initiatives and projects.
ELCL 6450: Programming, Robotics, and Engineering
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on basic programming and engineering concepts, robotics, and linkages among engineering, technology, science, and society. Through engaging programming activities with the Scratch software program, candidates are introduced to the basic concepts of programming, while creating animations, interactive stories, and games. Candidates are subsequently introduced to robotics applications such as Lego WeDo and/or Lego Mindstorms, by building and programming. Additionally, candidates are introduced to the following concepts: elements and principles of design, engineering design processes, and collaborative problem solving. They then employ engineering and scientific concepts in order to solve engineering design problems. Candidates will also be introduced to methods to document their work and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. All of the hands-on activities are structured to integrate science, mathematics, technology, and the arts.
EDLP 6160: Curriculum Design: Technology Across Disciplines
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This graduate course is designed to provide candidates with the content knowledge and educational leadership skills to evaluate, develop, and implement high-quality, technologically rich curricula, programs, and other supports for academic and nonacademic student programs. The purpose of this course is for candidates to understand the school leader’s role in designing curriculum that integrates technology across the disciplines for learning and instruction aligned to state and national standards.
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