Online Master of Education in Instructional Design & Technology
The University of Cincinnati’s Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology is an online program focusing on the design, development, and evaluation of instructional materials and programs, and the use of technology in the delivery of educational and training services.
Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology Program Overview
The University of Cincinnati’s 100% online instructional design masters degree program is taught from world-class professors that are experts in the areas of learning design, evaluation, as well as the use of media and technology. Concentrating on a well-rounded, interdisciplinary educational experience, courses draw from the fields of cognitive science, education, design, information technology, and computer science. Graduates of the instructional design master’s program become versatile content creators and are equipped to work in a variety of industries.
To learn more about the real-world experience you’ll gain from the program, view Sarah’s story below.
Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology Program Highlights
High Quality Education
The University of Cincinnati’s online Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology is taught by world-class professors who are experienced instructional designers and technologists. Concentrating on a well-rounded, interdisciplinary educational experience, courses draw from the fields of cognitive science, education, design, information technology, and computer science.
Students earning online degrees in instructional design can expect to take courses such as instructional design, learning sciences and technology, multimedia studio, designing online assessments for data-driven decisions, design of blended and online learning environments, trends and issues in learning technology evaluation, and more.
Professional field experiences are also available as an elective to apply what you learn to a real-world setting and a capstone experience allows students to create a professional portfolio of their work.
The University of Cincinnati Online also offers a Blended Online Learning and Teaching (BOLT) graduate certificate. The BOLT graduate certificate is 15 credit hours and sets students up to meet online teaching demands by gaining skills in education, design, and information technology.
Flexibility
- 100% online instruction
- Financial aid available
- Easy to transfer credits
- Enroll in the spring, summer, or fall semesters
- Part-time flexibility
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Admission into the University of Cincinnati Online’s Instructional Design and Technology Master’s degree program is selective and based on meeting the requirements outlined below.
Applications for the online program are reviewed in a manner that carefully considers all items in your application portfolio. Our Admissions Office is happy to work with you to answer any question you may have and help determine your eligibility. Contact an Enrollment Services Advisor or email onlineenrollment@uc.edu.
Prerequisites
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university
- Overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (recommended)
Admission Materials
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Goal Statement
- Writing Sample
- Resume or CV
- Unofficial Transcripts
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Fall 2026 for all applicants who apply by July 1, 2026
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who: are currently serving in the US armed forces, or are veterans of the US armed forces.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Please review and submit the following materials:
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
For questions regarding international students, contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Transfer Credits
You may transfer up to one third of the credits of the program, about 9 credits credit hours of graduate courses from a regionally accredited college or university. These credits must have been earned within the last five years prior to admission and be approved by the program faculty. Practicum coursework cannot be transferred into the program.
Transferring from one graduate program to join another at UC, all UC graduate credits taken as part of the incomplete program or under a certificate are eligible to use to fulfill requirements in the new program, based on faculty evaluation of the equivalence to courses in the new curriculum and program approval
- Recommendations should come from individuals who can attest to your academic and professional skills. References from current and former employers are always desirable. Additionally, recommendations from contacts within academia or professional organizations you’re involved in are also desirable.
- Those writing letters should explain who they are, their relationship to the applicant, and what they know of the applicant’s academic and professional abilities.
- Letters of recommendation from family, friends or current students are not accepted.
- Recommendations are submitted by the recommender themselves; they cannot be completed or submitted by the applicant or another party on behalf of the reference.
Professional Resume:
A resume relevant to academic and professional data. It should include the applicant’s name; phone; email; colleges attended with degrees, dates conferred, and grade point average; employment history; professional experience; present employer; and names of references.
Curriculum Vitae:
A detailed look at the applicant’s career path, including achievements, publications, and awards. Including comprehensive information about candidate’s research background, presentations, publications, committee memberships and other experience of an academic, clinical, or scientific nature.
The goal statement serves as a sample of the applicant’s writing quality and ensures their goals match with the program. It should denote applicant’s desired program concentration (if applicable) and highlight applicant’s motivation for pursuing a career in the field, and how the program will benefit them.
Discuss your position on an issue in the field of instructional technology and how you hope to address that issue during your studies. Your essays should be between 750 and 1000 words and have at least three references.
No GRE is required of applicants.
GRE scores are optional for admission. Scores are recommended to strengthen applications that may be weak in areas. For example, applicants with a minimum undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0 should include GRE scores with their application.
Candidates who graduated from a non-accredited college or university or who do not meet the minimum grade point averages requirement for admission will need a waiver from the School of Education. For the program to request a waiver, the candidate must provide evidence that address mastery of the knowledge prerequisite to the courses required by the program, acceptable writing skills, the ability to engage in critical thinking, and a personal commitment to completing the program. The evidence must convincingly demonstrate the candidate’s potential for success in graduate level work.
International students are required to provide specific information about their transcripts. Transcripts must have a course-by-course evaluation completed from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
English Proficiency Requirement: English proficiency is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Students can demonstrate proficiency in a number of ways at the graduate level.
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
April 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
- The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Ranked #1 in Ohio as an online college leader by TheBestSchools.org.
- The University of Cincinnati ranked in the top 50 Online Master of Education programs on U.S. News & World Report (2023).
- The University of Cincinnati is ranked “Best Online” Public University on College Consensus in (2022).
- UC Online is a proud member of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE). ICDE works towards bringing accessible, quality education to all through online, open, and distance learning. ICDE is a global association with a strong history for promoting affordable access to quality education.
Alexander V.
Being in the IDT program at UC helped me build on my undergrad degree and opened so many doors for me that I never thought possible. Because of the UC IDT program, I now am working fulltime and have a career where I know I am making an impact on thousands of students every year.
Alexander V. MEd IDT
Carmen R.
I am thankful that I ventured into this IDT world, and have found unique ways to allow my background in early childhood and leading PDs for teachers, to inform my studies, and vice versa. My experiences have helped turn me into a well-known support system for many of my colleagues. Thank you for the part that this program has played.
Carmen R. MEd IDT
Nathaniel H.
The IDT program has greatly helped me in my job... I used the instructional design methods, online collaboration practices, and website design skills you taught in class. Thank you all for the program!
Nathaniel H. MEd IDT
Emily M.
I am aware of so many schools in our area that for all intents and purposes virtually closed doors because instructors did not have the technology skills to make the conversion to online. I am very grateful for this program because I had the tools "at the ready" to make such a conversion at a moments notice.
Emily M. MEd IDT
Mitchell C.
The Instructional Design and Technology program granted me enormous freedom to pursue my interests with hands-on, project-based assignments. This flexibility allowed me to tailor my work and resume according to my interests in the IDT field.
Mitchell C. MEd IDT
Josie W.
The M.Ed IDT program helped me obtain the position I am in now. I gained real-world experience while working on group projects with students who were in the educational technology field. The program has also helped me gain valuable skills to aid in my growth as an Instructional Technologist.
Josie W. MEd IDT
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