Online M.Ed. in Higher Education – Instructional Design Design Courses That Click with the Next Generation of Learners

30

Credit Hours

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100% online, 8-week courses

Some programs have courses that follow a full-semester schedule or are offered in specific terms only.

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Dates: May 18, 2026 | June 29, 2026 | August 24, 2026

Technology is changing how learning happens in colleges and universities. When you pursue Liberty’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education – Instructional Design and Technology, you can study instructional design, educational technology, and online learning in a higher education setting. In our instructional design degree online, you can also explore how digital courses are developed and examine how institutions organize learning experiences for modern students.

If you are interested in education but prefer roles outside the traditional classroom, instructional design may be an area worth exploring. Coursework will introduce topics related to course design, instructional technology, and higher education systems. Through courses that address student support services and higher education policy, you can examine how colleges and universities approach student engagement and retention.

Digital learning is now a central part of higher education. Colleges and universities rely on professionals who study instructional design and educational technology to support teaching and learning in online environments. In our program, you can study how learning management systems, online platforms, and course design strategies are used within higher education. Coursework also examines current issues in education and the social, political, and financial factors that influence postsecondary institutions.


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Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Private Nonprofit University
  • 600+ Online Degrees
  • No Standardized Testing for Admission
  • Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
  • Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Liberty University has offered distance education since 1985 and continues to expand online learning opportunities for students like you around the world. Our M.Ed. in Higher Education – Instructional Design and Technology is offered 100% online, allowing you to pursue graduate study without relocating. The flexible format allows you to balance coursework with professional and personal responsibilities.

Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning there are no required login times. You can access course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments from anywhere with an internet connection. Eight-week courses and multiple start dates throughout the year provide additional flexibility as you move through the program.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Courses are taught by faculty members with professional experience in education and higher education administration. Throughout the program, you can explore blended learning design, educational technology, and course development while examining higher education leadership and ethical decision-making. Liberty’s mission of Training Champions for Christ is reflected in a values-driven approach that encourages thoughtful engagement with the field of higher education.


In our M.Ed. in Higher Education for instructional design and technology, coursework will analyze key topics related to postsecondary education. Classes examine the structure of higher education and introduce current issues affecting colleges and universities. You can study how social, cultural, political, and economic factors influence higher education systems and shape the role institutions play in society.

Additionally, coursework addresses how colleges and universities support students throughout their academic experience. Topics include student support services, advising, and strategies used to improve student engagement and retention. By studying these areas, you can examine how institutions respond to the needs of diverse student populations.

The instructional design and technology specialization focuses on course design, instructional technology, and online learning environments. Coursework will review how educational technology is used to support teaching and learning in higher education. You can examine how digital tools, learning management systems, and course development strategies are applied in modern classrooms and virtual learning spaces.

Throughout the program, you will also study current issues shaping the field of education. The capstone course provides an opportunity to examine challenges and trends affecting higher education today. These topics can help you develop a broader understanding of how instructional design, educational technology, and higher education systems intersect in today’s learning environments.

Degree Completion Plan


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At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.

Graduate Education Full Time $430/Credit
Graduate Education Part Time $645/Credit
Military Graduate $290/Credit

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.


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Military

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

  • Active Duty
  • Reserve/National Guard
  • Veterans/Retirees
  • Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
  • Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

  • Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for graduate courses
  • Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder*
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Not applicable to certificates.

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.