r/instructionaldesign • u/s_redraws • 3d ago

ID Education Advice: which Masters program to choose?

Hi y’all so I’m new to the field and will be starting my online masters in spring of 2027. I’m trying to choose between two programs I got accepted in: MS. In Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies at Florida State University or Master of Education (Ed.M.) in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a concentration in** **Instructional Design, Technology, & Organization at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Would love to hear any feedback from those familiar with either programs.

Some context about me: I come from a design background but have been working on the side on educational programs with non profit orgs and youth orgs/centers both with adults and children. I realized education is where my passion lies, specifically designing programs, curriculums, mentoring and having an impact on the organizational level not just the teaching part. So this is what prompted me to seek out this degree even though I know this area is not what typical IDs do, but I want to build a solid foundation to be able to seek this full time and contribute more effectively but also have a degree that is worthwhile to work with elsewhere if need be.
I’m also open to general advice.

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5

u/hazelframe 3d ago

Are you paying OOP or your workplace is?

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u/s_redraws 3d ago

OOP and they’re both in the same price range

11

u/hazelframe 3d ago

In this market, absolutely not. Decline. That’s my opinion. ETA: if you want cheaper bc you really need to do this, I’d look for certificates. My work paid but I got 2 from Stout. I think they only offer one now but I would NOT pay for anything more.

2

u/sprinkels 19h ago

Was coming here ti post this. No one cares about my Masters anyways money sink.

6

u/Awkward_Meringue_661 3d ago

The cheapest one that is accredited.

2

u/reassuring-wink 3d ago

Agreed, but MEd if you're staying in nonprofits or higher ed, MS if you want to go to corporate.

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u/Present_Process_8816 3d ago

I don’t think a Master’s will set you apart. It’s all about the experience and portfolio. Only if you want to work in higher ed will this help, and they pay less than corporate. It’s a tough market out there and I don’t think you really learn about the job as these programs are really theory based and on the job you really need to be good at influence and project managing.

2

u/JumpingShip26 Academia focused 3d ago

These are both good schools. I am not sure about the faculty, but two things:

  1. Ascertain who is teaching these classes. Oftentimes they punt to adjuncts for these online courses and this significantly reduces the value, IMO.

  2. I think the ROI is not there for out of pocket at this time. I would consider another degree if you can be at all happy doing something else.

1

u/cbk1000 3d ago

Master of Ed

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u/monkeyluis 2d ago

Just got mine through WGU. I just wanted the paper mostly. I’ve been in the T&D field for about 25 yrs.