As the pace of change accelerates, the ability to design effective learning experiences is essential — not just in classrooms, but in every sector where people need to grow, adapt and perform. UCF’s MA in Instructional Design and Technology prepares you to do just that. Choose from three specializations — e-Learning, Educational Technology or Instructional Systems.
Our online program is built for professionals who want to explore how people learn and how technology can enhance that process. You’ll dive deep into areas such as learning theory, instructional systems design, emerging technologies, performance improvement and data-informed decision-making. Along the way, you’ll work closely with faculty on applied research that bridges theory and practice — from improving digital learning environments to evaluating the effectiveness of workplace training systems.
Whether your focus is K–12, higher education, corporate training, military education or nonprofit learning initiatives, UCF’s program gives you the tools to shape learning in any environment. You’ll graduate with the ability to design, lead and evaluate complex instructional solutions, and the credibility to influence how organizations use technology to educate, train and grow.
Because learning never stops. And with the right tools, you can make it better — everywhere it happens.
No GRE Required
Best Online Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology
(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
Fully Online
Tracks
While all three tracks share foundational concepts in learning design and technology, each pathway offers a distinct professional focus. Explore the option that best aligns with your goals:
e-Learning
Our e‑Learning track is designed for educators, trainers and instructional designers who want to create meaningful learning experiences in today’s online and hybrid work environments. You’ll learn how to design, deliver and evaluate high‑quality digital learning opportunities that engage learners and support success.
Graduates are prepared for impactful roles across K–12 schools, higher education, business and industry, where organizations increasingly rely on e‑learning and collaboration technologies. This track equips you with the practical skills and strategic insight needed to help teams and learners thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Educational Technology
Our Educational Technology track is designed for PreK–12 and higher‑education professionals who want to elevate their teaching, strengthen learner engagement and integrate technology into instruction with confidence and purpose. Whether you’re looking to enrich your current role or explore new opportunities in the field, this program equips you with the skills to lead in today’s digitally connected learning environments.
Through hands‑on coursework, research and professional training, you’ll learn to:
- Design and implement technology‑rich instruction.
- Support colleagues in effective technology integration.
- Evaluate and select digital tools that enhance learning.
- Contribute to innovative teaching and learning initiatives.
Graduates are prepared for a variety of professional roles, including:
- Technology coordinator or instructional technology specialist.
- Digital learning teacher.
- EdTech leadership and support positions across schools and districts.
This program encourages independent thinking, creative problem‑solving, and the development of strong scholarly and professional practices. Most importantly, it is immediately applicable to your current teaching environment — helping you deepen your expertise and make a lasting difference in your learners’ experience from day one.
Instructional Systems
Our Instructional Systems track prepares students to design effective learning and training solutions in business, industry, government and other professional settings. This track is ideal for future instructional designers, training specialists, multimedia developers, and training managers/directors who want to elevate how people learn at work.
Through applied coursework and real‑world projets, you’ll develop expertise in:
- Strategies that cultivate engagement and support meaningful learning.
- Designing instruction for a variety of learners and delivery formats.
- Using emerging technologies and multimedia to enhance training.
- Evaluating and managing training programs.
You’ll learn to analyze organizational training needs, then design, develop, implement, and assess learning solutions that drive performance and support lifelong learning. Graduates of the program are prepared to lead in environments where professional development, innovation and continuous improvement are essential.
“What sets UCF’s Instructional Design & Technology MA apart is its distinctive blend of flexible, learner-centered delivery and a deliberate focus on preparing students to confidently endeavor into the vibrant Central Florida region. Our students cultivate real-world knowledge and practical skills that position them to lead, innovate, and shape the future of learning across diverse contexts.”
Richard Hartshorne
UCF Professor, Chair of the Department of Learning Sciences and Educational Research
Information Sessions
Advance your skills in instructional design!
Join us for a virtual information session to learn about the MA in Instructional Design and Technology, explore the curriculum, and connect directly with faculty and staff. It’s a great opportunity to get your questions answered and see how the program can support your career goals.
“The master's program in Instructional Design & Technology equipped me with both the theoretical grounding and hands‑on experience needed to succeed in the field. The internship requirement was essential in helping me translate classroom learning into real‑world practice. I appreciated the program’s growing emphasis on AI tools and emerging technologies, as well as the eLearning track, which exposed me to diverse approaches for delivering instruction online and analyzing their effectiveness. It was a rigorous program that strengthened my research skills and prepared me for modern instructional design work. I am especially grateful for the professors who challenged me in the areas where I needed to grow. Those experiences became the foundation for where I excelled after graduation.”
Jaqueline Davis ’25MA
Instructional Design & Technology, MA, 2025
Internships
Internships are a vital part of the Instructional Design and Technology MA experience, giving students the chance to apply their coursework in real-world learning environments and build the practical skills that employers value. Whether partnering with organizations in education, business, government or industry, students gain hands-on experience designing learning solutions, collaborating with professionals, and exploring new career pathways. These internships not only strengthen your portfolio but also deepen your understanding of how instructional design functions across different work settings — preparing you to confidently step into the field and make an immediate contribution.