M.Ed. in Instructional Design & Technology: Curriculum & Instruction Higher Education

Credit Hours

Month Completion

Class Type

100% onlineSee state availability

Next Start Date

Aug 18, 2025

Placement Tests

GMAT/GRE not required for admission

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Home / Degrees / Master's Degrees / Education / M.Ed. in Instructional Design & Technology-Curriculum & Instruction in Higher Education Specialization

Create impactful higher ed learning experiences with a master’s in curriculum and instruction

If you are interested in developing, evaluating and leading educational programs at the post-secondary level, Franklin’s M.Ed. in Instructional Design & Technology with a Specialization in Higher Education Curriculum & Instruction can position you to drive measurable growth and improve the learning experience for every student. With a focus on curriculum leadership, critical issues in education and student affairs, the 12-month online program equips you with the expertise to enhance student outcomes and meet evolving accreditation requirements.

Program Availability

Online

On Site

12-Month Completion

Earn your M.Ed. and qualify for curriculum + instruction roles faster.

$2,000 Smart Start Scholarship

New students in the M.Ed. students qualify for an automatic $2,000 scholarship.

Hands-On Learning

Build your skills using industry-leading tools like Articulate 360.

Tailored to Fit Your Life

Focus on one class at a time.

Real-World Practitioners

Learn from experienced, in-field professionals.

100% Online Coursework

Balance earning your degree with other work-life commitments.

Program Overview

Build expertise in curriculum development

Franklin’s master’s in education curriculum and instruction equips you with in-depth knowledge and the tools to lead curriculum design in higher education. This expertise makes you a valuable asset in ensuring that academic programs are aligned with institutional goals, accreditation standards and evolving educational trends. Through the Curriculum Leadership in Higher Education course, you'll explore curriculum foundations, mapping, design principles and evaluation techniques to make data-driven decisions that are strategically aligned.

You'll gain the skills to analyze the factors that influence student success. You'll learn how to evaluate and align higher education curricula, adding real value to your educational institution. Your studies won't just be theoretical - you'll utilize data to enhance and improve curriculum development directly. Ultimately, you'll learn how to shape impactful curriculum strategies and lead this crucial process with confidence.

Prepare for leadership opportunities

Many professionals in instructional design and curriculum development advance to leadership roles in academic departments or university-wide administrative units. Curriculum leaders, directors of academic programs or vice presidents of academic affairs help shape educational policies and the academic direction of institutions.

Two courses within the M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction-Higher Education, Critical Issues in Education & Community Relations, and Introduction to Student Affairs, are designed to deepen your knowledge of the education landscape and prepare you for dynamic leadership roles.

Skills built through these two courses will empower you to shape better learning environments and lead impactful change in higher education. These two courses provide an opportunity for you to build skills in collaboration, consensus building, effective two-way communication and negotiation skills. You'll also learn to use data as part of an on-going process to inform and lead change. Lastly, you'll develop strategies to improve student outcomes and meet the needs of diverse learners.

Improve student learning outcomes and drive growth

Curriculum and instruction professionals play a crucial role in improving the quality of education in higher education institutions. By creating and assessing effective curricula and instructional strategies, you contribute to better student engagement, retention and success.
The M.Ed. curriculum and instruction focus on learner outcomes ensures you’ll master how to evaluate courses and programs for continuous improvement. Through the Evaluation course, you’ll gain critical skills like creating evaluation instruments, analyzing data, and developing tools to measure success.

You'll learn how to apply evaluation models to identify and bridge any gaps in your learning and performance. You'll conduct summative evaluation processes and communicate actionable insights. Your skills will be further honed as you create test items, rubrics, surveys and criterion-referenced assessments. By using data analysis to influence program improvements and institutional decision-making, you'll transform learning through effective evaluation techniques.

Choose a master’s in education-curriculum and instruction that’s made for you

At Franklin, you'll learn from expert instructors who bring industry insights directly to your coursework, build your professional network by collaborating with peers across educational disciplines, and graduate with job-ready skills and a portfolio that reflects your talent and abilities. Our 100% online courses and flexible six-week courses allow you to focus on one class at a time and finish your M.Ed. in Instructional Design with Curriculum & Instruction-Higher Education specialization in as few as 12 months. Plus, by combining our affordable tuition rates, with either a $2,000 Smart Start Scholarship, or tuition discounts available through employers and professional organizations, investing in your future has never made more sense.

Future Start Dates

Your Best Value M.Ed. in Instructional Design

Competitive Tuition

$670

PER CREDIT HOUR

Competitive tuition rates provide value and quality.

Smart Start Scholarship

$21,440

Total Tuition

$2,000

Automatic Scholarship

$19,440

Tuition with Scholarship

Franklin’s competitive tuition rate and our Smart Start Scholarship puts your degree within reach.

Take One Class at a Time

Balance your education with your life and finish in 12 months.

Finish Fast

MONTHS TO COMPLETE

Realize your career goals sooner and reap the benefits.

Partner? Pay Less.

Search below to see if you could save tuition through an employer or professional organization partnership.

$21,440

Total Tuition
(After Partner Discount)

Tuition Guarantee

Inflation-proof your degree cost by locking-in your tuition rate from day one through graduation.

Courses & Curriculum

32 Semester Hours

Major Area Required

IDT 601 - Foundations of Instructional Design (4)

Learning theories and instructional design models are the two fundamental pillars for the field of instructional design. In this course, students will study the learning theories and philosophies that have formed, influence, and support this field. Students will also study instructional systems theories, models, and systematic approaches to instructional design. In this course, students will apply these theories, strategies, and instructional models to create a learning, instructional design, or training event in their chosen setting, whether business, government, healthcare, higher ed, industry, k-12, or other. At the end of this course, students will make a plan on how to prepare for an instructional design career.

IDT 640 - Enhancing Learning With Technology (4)

In this course, students will apply design principles to create a learning event that includes the use of new and emerging technologies. Students will research collaboration and networking tools for their use and value in learning environments. Delivery platforms and software will also be explored for their impact on instructional strategies. Projects completed in the course will become part of the student's portfolio.

IDT 650 - Evaluation (4)

This course presents fundamental principles and practices for evaluating courses and programs, with a focus on formative and summative evaluation and criterion-referenced testing. Students will explore evaluation models and theories, create a learner satisfaction survey, create criterion-referenced tests, create grading rubrics, and work with a data set to interpret data and make recommendations to improve a course or unit of instruction. Projects completed in the course will become part of the student’s portfolio.

IDT 660 - Advanced Instructional Design & Performance Technology (4)

In this course, students will learn advanced instructional design skills for the workplace, contemporary research in instruction design, and modern learning technologies. Students will also face design challenges and provide solutions to address those challenges. This is a course to prepare students to enter the workplace and be successful. Students should take this course in the latter part of the degree.

IDT 670 - Capstone (4)

The Capstone Project experience provides students with the opportunity to receive academic credit for experience in an authentic work environment, which may be either external or internal to the University depending on the student’s preference. The Capstone Project involves a partnership among the student, the faculty member, and an approved project sponsor. The faculty member and the project sponsor will evaluate project deliverables according to the achievement of milestones and the submission of materials identified in a Learning Contract. The Learning Contract must specify a relatively comprehensive experience that can be completed within the time frame of the 12-module course. Projects completed in the course will become part of the student’s portfolio.

Specialization

Training & Development:

IDT 620 - Principles of Human Performance Technology (4)

In this course, you will learn a framework for understanding human performance by working with scenarios and case studies to analyze performance problems, determine the level and type of intervention required, and make recommendations for a suite of solutions that will achieve the desired impacts.

IDT 645 - Learning Management Systems (4)

In this course, students will study the practices employed to manage and deliver instructional content in an online environment. Students will interact with a functional Learning Management System (LMS) to manage the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of reusable learning content.

IDT 715 - Theories and Applications for Managing Projects and Relationships (4)

Being able to successfully manage projects and relationships are paramount skills in the current workforce. In this course, students will study project management theories, tools, and technologies and apply them in their own discipline. By the end of this course, students need to develop a project management process and a plan to resolve relationship issues.

Curriculum & Instruction - Higher Education:

EDUC 615 - Critical Issues in Education & Community Relations (4)

This course examines current and emerging issues and trends impacting education: inquiring into demographic shifts; globalization; technology, data-based decision-making; inclusion of diverse learners in American schools; and recent research on student achievement when influenced by race, gender, and poverty. Additionally, the issues and responsibilities related to understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural contexts as they impact the school community.

EDUC 625 - Curriculum Leadership in Higher Education (4)

This course will examine curriculum leadership in higher education. Students will learn foundations of curriculum in U.S. Colleges and Universities, curriculum design principles, frameworks, processes and curriculum mapping. Students will also learn the techniques for evaluating a curriculum and proper instructional alignment.

EDUC 616 - Introduction to Student Affairs (4)

The purpose of this course is to provide a survey and overview of student affairs theory and practice. It introduces learners to the foundational philosophies of the profession, examines the integration of student affairs functions and administrators in higher education, explores the variety of roles student affairs professionals play on college campuses, and seeks to develop an understanding of institutional cultures and the professional's role within those cultures. These objectives will be explored within the context of examining the central role student affairs plays in helping students gain and articulate transferable skills gained through experiences outside of the classroom.

Curriculum & Instruction - K-12 Education:

EDUC 613 - Leading Curricular & Instructional Alignment in K-12 Education (4)

This course will focus on the tools that educators need to achieve deep alignment. Effective curriculum design and deep alignment are critical factors in maximizing student achievement. The purpose of the course is to strengthen the knowledge and skills of learners as instructional designers and managers by evaluating models for managing curriculum as they identify and research current and emerging issues in curriculum.

EDUC 615 - Critical Issues in Education & Community Relations (4)

EDUC 618 - Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms (4)

This course covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children in a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive, and inclusive culture within the educational environment. Learners will use their observation, assessment and communication skills to meet the individualized needs of children in inclusive environments. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence.

Program Details

Tuition Costs

2024 - 2025 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition per credit hour	$670
Nursing programs MSN-FNP, MSN-PMHNP, MSN-AGPCNP, Post-Graduate FNP Certificate, Post-Graduate AGPCNP Certificate and Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate	$670
MSN-Generalist, MSN-Nurse Administrator and MSN-Nurse Educator	$598
RN-MSN Pathway (NURS 500)	$298
Current service members	$536
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level)	$398
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level) - International Students	$526

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Degree Requirements

To be awarded a graduate degree, students must:

Successfully complete all required curriculum courses.
Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00.
Complete the residency requirement:
1. Master of Education students must earn at least 20 of the 32 required credits at Franklin University.
Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees;
Not to be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or violation of Student Code of Conduct.

Transfer credit awarded based on experiential learning shall not count toward the residence requirement at Franklin University.

Admission Requirements

The admission process reflects Franklin University’s efforts to clearly identify the performance standards that can help predict student success in graduate level study. The selection criterion for Franklin’s graduate programs, as determined by faculty, emphasizes academic ability, contributory work experience, and personal qualities and characteristics.

Requirements for admission include having earned a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization with a GPA of at least a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants who earned at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their earned bachelor’s degree will automatically be granted conditional enrollment status. Applicants who earned lower than a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their earned bachelor’s degree can petition for conditional enrollment status to the program chair by submitting an essay and résumé detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a graduate program. This petition could include details on the applicant’s work experience, work ethic, level of professionalism, personality characteristics, level of difficulty of program of study previously completed, etc.

Conditional enrollment requires students to achieve a final grade of “B” (3.0 GPA) or better in the first graduate-level course of their program. If the terms of the conditional enrollment are not met, the student will not be allowed to advance in their program and will be unable to earn this graduate degree from Franklin University.

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Prospective students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The requirement is met through any of the following:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the official language.*
The applicant has received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution located in an English-speaking country in which the courses were taught in English.*
The applicant has earned appropriate scores on language proficiency exams taken within the last two years, as listed in the Academic Catalog.

*For more information about English proficiency, including a list of English-speaking nations, please visit our International Students section.

Employment Outlook

From 2023-2033, jobs in Education are expected to increase by 8%

Occupation

Median Salary (2023)

Job Postings (2023)

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

Occupation

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

$102,606

50,599

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Median Salary: $102,606
Job Postings: 50,599
Projected Growth: 8%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Education Administrators, Postsecondary plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Directors of Admissions	11,551	23%
Admissions Representatives	6,431	13%
Deans of Students	4,229	8%
Directors of Financial Aid	3,776	8%
Registration Specialists	3,083	6%
Registration Representatives	3,081	6%
Registrars	2,194	4%
Admissions Coordinators	1,924	4%
Admitting Representatives	3,276	7%
Directors of Alumni Engagement	1,441	3%
Education Coordinators	1,286	3%
Campus Directors	1,092	2%
Directors of Student Engagement	988	2%
Directors of Student Success	999	2%
Deans of Arts and Sciences	1,030	2%
Admissions Associates	1,033	2%
Admissions Assistants	963	2%
Athletic Directors	821	2%
Directors of Student Services	761	2%
Admissions Managers	640	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Student Services	19,803	22%
Marketing	15,048	17%
Project Management	7,156	8%
Higher Education	7,062	8%
Academic Affairs	6,751	7%
Enrollment Management	6,050	7%
Administrative Support	5,626	6%
Registration	5,603	6%
Customer Relationship Management	5,532	6%
Auditing	5,425	6%
Fundraising	5,193	6%
Curriculum Development	5,028	6%
Student Information Systems	4,825	5%
Student Engagement	4,766	5%
Data Analysis	4,555	5%
Data Entry	4,518	5%
Student Recruitment	4,504	5%
Billing	4,411	5%
Statistics	4,394	5%
Finance	4,229	5%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		44%
	Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools		42%
	Education and Hospitals (Local Government)		10%
	Technical and Trade Schools		2%
	Junior Colleges		1%
	State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		1%
	Other		1%

Instructional Coordinators

$74,610

43,022

Instructional Coordinators

Median Salary: $74,610
Job Postings: 43,022
Projected Growth: 8%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Instructional Coordinators develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. May train and coach teachers. Includes educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Instructional Designers	12,150	28%
Education Specialists	4,152	10%
Education Coordinators	2,603	6%
Learning Specialists	2,279	5%
Curriculum Specialists	1,847	4%
Instructional Systems Designers	2,190	5%
Learning Experience Designers	1,645	4%
Instructional Specialists	2,194	5%
Curriculum Coordinators	1,871	4%
Special Education Coordinators	1,413	3%
Clinical Education Specialists	1,438	3%
Curriculum Developers	1,336	3%
Instructional Design Managers	691	2%
Learning Designers	695	2%
Instructional Support Specialists	1,067	3%
Instructional Designers/Trainer	1,274	3%
Instructional Facilitators	1,869	4%
Directors of Curriculum and Instruction	825	2%
Instructional Design Specialists	699	2%
Curriculum Managers	784	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Instructional Design	16,158	28%
Curriculum Development	11,384	20%
Learning Management Systems	10,120	18%
Project Management	9,149	16%
Adult Education	8,445	15%
Educational Technologies	7,504	13%
Special Education	5,206	9%
Marketing	4,034	7%
Pedagogy	3,974	7%
Lesson Planning	3,401	6%
Student Services	3,225	6%
Data Analysis	3,169	6%
Camtasia Studio	3,033	5%
Blended Learning	3,022	5%
Articulate Storyline	2,909	5%
Instructional Strategies	2,876	5%
Adult Learning Principles	2,863	5%
Individualized Education Programs (IEP)	2,772	5%
Storyboarding	2,717	5%
Continuous Improvement Process	2,680	5%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Education and Hospitals (Local Government)		40%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		12%
	Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools		8%
	Educational Support Services		8%
	Elementary and Secondary Schools		8%
	State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		4%
	Other		20%

Employment outlook data is provided by Lightcast and represents labor market trends in the United States. It is not specific to Franklin University graduates or any particular degree level. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

M.Ed. in Instructional Design & Learning Technology Knowledge & Skillsets

Gain in-demand skills sought by employers with curriculum that teaches you:

Instructional Design & Development

Apply learning theories and instructional design models to create effective learning experiences
Develop instructional strategies for diverse learning environments and audiences
Design and implement eLearning units using tools like Articulate 360
Evaluate and align curriculum resources, instructional materials and assessments with educational standards
Create innovative solutions to address complex learning challenges

Technology Integration & Management

Integrate emerging technologies to enhance learning and collaboration
Utilize Learning Management Systems (LMS) for content delivery and management
Apply best practices in instructional content management for online environments
Evaluate the impact of technology on instructional strategies and learning outcomes
Synthesize new and emerging technologies to create robust instructional units

Evaluation & Data-Driven Decision Making

Design and conduct formative and summative evaluations of learning programs
Develop criterion-referenced tests and grading rubrics to measure learning outcomes
Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to inform instructional improvements
Use data-driven approaches for curriculum development and enhancement
Communicate evaluation results and recommendations to stakeholders

Project Management & Leadership

Apply project management theories, tools and technologies in educational contexts
Develop and manage comprehensive project plans for instructional design initiatives
Collaborate effectively with subject-matter experts and interdisciplinary teams
Implement change management strategies to improve educational outcomes
Cultivate client relationships and stakeholder communication skills

Curriculum Design & Development

Create engaging and effective learning experiences for higher education courses, ensuring curriculum aligns with academic standards and learning objectives
Incorporate innovative teaching methods and technologies into curriculum design
Provide curriculum leadership by using data-driven approaches for program development and improvement decisions
Collaborate with faculty through course design and quality improvement processes

Collaboration & Support

Consult with faculty on course design, development and implementation
Provide training and support to faculty on new teaching methods and technologies
Collaborate with faculty and other campus colleagues to shape support services and campus environments that enhance student learning and development
Learn and implement strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners
Identify how mission, governance and culture impact the practice of student affairs

Leadership & Innovation

Evaluate and improve existing courses and programs
Stay current with emerging trends and best practices in higher education and instructional design
Evaluate the effectiveness and alignment of higher education curricula
Promote interdisciplinary learning and curriculum integration
Implement techniques for evaluating curriculum and proper instructional alignment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a master’s in education curriculum and instruction-higher education?

A master’s in education curriculum and instruction-higher education is a master’s-level program that prepares a student to excel in curriculum design, development and evaluation, as well as improving teaching and learning effectiveness at the post-secondary level.

What can you do with a master’s in education curriculum and instruction-higher education?

A master’s in education curriculum and instruction-higher education prepares you for roles such as curriculum coordinator/developer, instructional coordinator, academic program director, dean or department chair or assessment coordinator.

Why get an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction-Higher Education?

An M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction-Higher Education prepares you to fill the demand for skilled professionals in curriculum design, instruction and education leadership, which continues to grow as institutions seek to enhance student outcomes and meet evolving accreditation requirements.

What makes Franklin’s master’s in education curriculum and instruction-higher education program unique?

Franklin’s 12-month M.Ed. in Instructional Design & Technology with a Specialization in Higher Education Curriculum & Instruction program is a 100% online program that builds expertise through the use of cutting-edge technologies, and provides opportunities for real-world application that enables students to gain the practical skills needed by a curriculum leader. The cross disciplinary nature of the program also enables unique opportunities to collaborate with students in the M.Ed. Higher Education Leadership program. Courses are taught by in-field experts and the curriculum is developed with insight from industry leaders.

When can I start Franklin’s M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction-Higher Education program?

Choose from three start dates each year – fall (August), spring (January) or summer (May).

See All >

Franklin University Founded in 1902, Franklin is an accredited nonprofit university offering flexible college degrees online and at locations in Ohio and the Midwest.

Franklin University
201 S Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215

Local: (614) 797-4700
Toll Free: (877) 341-6300
admissions@franklin.edu

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440) and authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Franklin University is committed to being an inclusive community free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Class Type

Next Start Date

Placement Tests

Create impactful higher ed learning experiences with a master’s in curriculum and instruction

12-Month Completion

$2,000 Smart Start Scholarship

Hands-On Learning

Tailored to Fit Your Life

Real-World Practitioners

100% Online Coursework

Program Overview

Build expertise in curriculum development

Prepare for leadership opportunities

Improve student learning outcomes and drive growth

Choose a master’s in education-curriculum and instruction that’s made for you

Future Start Dates

Your Best Value M.Ed. in Instructional Design

Competitive Tuition

Smart Start Scholarship

Take One Class at a Time

Finish Fast

Partner? Pay Less.

Tuition Guarantee

Courses & Curriculum

Program Details

Know the Total Cost of Your Master’s from Day One

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Employment Outlook

From 2023-2033, jobs in Education are expected to increase by 8%

Description

Projected Growth

Description

Projected Growth

M.Ed. in Instructional Design & Learning Technology Knowledge & Skillsets

Frequently Asked Questions

I AM A:

SHORTCUTS:

Associated Sites

Class Type

Next Start Date

About Start Dates

Spring 2026

Summer 2026

Fall 2026

Placement Tests

Placement Information

Create impactful higher ed learning experiences with a master’s in curriculum and instruction

12-Month Completion

$2,000 Smart Start Scholarship

Hands-On Learning

Tailored to Fit Your Life

Real-World Practitioners

100% Online Coursework

Build expertise in curriculum development

Prepare for leadership opportunities

Improve student learning outcomes and drive growth

Choose a master’s in education-curriculum and instruction that’s made for you

Competitive Tuition

Smart Start Scholarship

Take One Class at a Time

Finish Fast

Partner? Pay Less.

Tuition Guarantee

Know the Total Cost of Your Master’s from Day One

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

From 2023-2033, jobs in Education are expected to increase by 8%

Description

Projected Growth

Description

Projected Growth

About This Data

I AM A:

SHORTCUTS:

Associated Sites