Educational Program Design (Online MEd)

Strengthen your teaching with a deeper understanding of curriculum design, instruction and assessment.

Educators are tasked with developing the “what, how and why” of their students’ experiences. The online MEd in Educational Program Design is a 30-credit degree program that can be completed in as few as 21 months. It is designed to deepen your expertise in creating and developing diverse learning environments. 

This degree demystifies curriculum, instruction and assessment and provides teachers with the tools and skills necessary to create or build upon existing program structures at their school or district to meet the needs of today’s diverse students. The MEd in Educational Program Design is fully online with an optional summer residency for students in the Visual Arts concentration.

Educational Program Design Learning Outcomes

MEd in Educational Program Design graduates will be able to

  • Understand the different types of assessment and how they fit into a comprehensive system of curriculum. 

  • Design modern learning environments focused on collaboration, accessibility, motivation and authentic learning.

  • Enhance instruction and learning through appropriate assessments.

  • Meet the needs of all students through innovative curriculum design.

  • Navigate the challenges and benefits of digital technology in program design.

  • Investigate topics relevant to their own teaching experiences through research, creativity and technology.

This The MEd in Educational Program Design is designed with the working teacher in mind. The online format allows for flexibility so teachers can continue to work while they learn and apply what they learn to their classrooms the next day. Earning this Master of Education degree can help teachers take on leadership roles in their departments, can lead to an increased salary and allows teachers to feel more empowered in their classrooms. 

Program Format

  • 30 credit hours, 21 months

  • A small cohort with individualized attention

  • Application-based, hands-on learning in project-based classes

  • Culminating capstone experience

  • Customized degree with three concentrations

Students can also specialize their degree and understanding of educational program design by selecting one of three concentrations:

Educational Technology - Not only has the presence of educational technology in classrooms increased significantly recently, but we are learning more each day about the ways various tools can improve student learning. This concentration provides an understanding of the role technology plays in today's classroom and enables educators with the skills and knowledge to effectively use technology to enhance learning outcomes for students.

Inclusion - Today's classrooms are more diverse than ever before. This concentration prepares educators to create both a welcoming classroom environment as well as an accessible curriculum to provide an inclusive learning experience for all students.

Visual Arts - Studies show that integrating art into the classroom assists students in acquiring knowledge across all subjects. This concentration builds on educators' existing skills to equip them with the knowledge, tools and techniques to develop and implement art curricula.

University of the Arts has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

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Looking for Graduate Certificates for Educators?

Graduate certificates are 16-credit credentials for K-12 educators offered in Arts Education and Educational Technology.

Learn More

Curriculum

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Required Courses

Assessment Design & Evaluation (3 credits)
Curriculum Design (3 credits)
Instructional Design (3 credits)
Designing 21st Century Learning Environments (3 credits)
Research Methods (4.5 credits)
Capstone Project: Master of Education (4.5 credits)

Electives

Electives (3 credits)

Select one course from the following subjects. 

  • Educational Technology (ETEC of STET)
  • Inclusion (INCL or STIP)
  • Literacy (LITY)
  • Arts (VPAS or STTA)
Program Emphasis

Select one emphasis from

  • Educational Technology (code ETEC or STET), 600 level (2 courses / 6 credits)
  • Inclusion (code INCL or STIP), 600 level (2 courses / 6 credits)
  • Arts (code VPAS or STTA), 600 level (2 courses / 6 credits)

Explore the Full Curriculum

Faculty Spotlight

Contact Educational Program Design Program Director Natalie Duvall at nduvall@uarts.edu

Headshot of Natalie Duvall
Natalie Duvall, EdD, MFA, MEd, MA

Director, Professional Institute for Educators & MEd Programs
A closeup of Elana Betts in a blue and aqua and white patterned shirt in front of a ivory colored award
Elana Betts, MA, CSP, DEd

Certified school psychologist specializing in social emotional learning, disability awareness and social justice advocacy
Matthew Duvall in a blue and gray button down shirt against a dark gray wall
Matthew Duvall, PhD, MA, MFA, MS

Educational Technology (Online MEd)
Collaborates with individuals in and out of academia and uses design-based principles to improve teaching and learning

Student Spotlight

Headshot of Liliane Sharpless
Liliane Sharpless

MEd '21

Educational Program Design (Online MEd)

Alumni Spotlight

Headshot of Loren Marquardt
Loren Marquardt

MEd '19

Educational Program Design (Online MEd)
Head shot of Danielle Scicluna
Danielle Scicluna

MEd '20

Educational Program Design (Online MEd)

How to Apply

Who Should Apply

The Online MEd in Educational Program Design was developed for K–12 in-service teachers. The MEd programs do not lead to Pennsylvania Department of Education certification. Applicants should have at least one year of experience as a PK–12 educator.

Applicants must select a concentration in Educational Technology, Inclusion or Visual Arts on their application.

University of the Arts is authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to grant degrees in the visual, performing and related arts, and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Application Deadline 

Spring 2024 priority deadline: Applications received by Oct. 15 will be among the first considered for admission. We will not accept any applications or materials after Jan. 9.

Summer 2024 priority deadline: Applications received by February 1 will be among the first considered for admission. We will not accept any applications or materials after May 12.

Fall 2024 priority deadline: Applications received by Feb. 15 will be among the first considered for admission. We will not accept any applications or materials after August 12.

Review graduate tuition, financial aid and scholarship information.

Application Requirements

  • Start or resume your application.

  • $60 nonrefundable application fee

    • If the cost of the application fee is a barrier, contact Admissions to request a fee waiver code.

  • Official undergraduate transcript

    • Official transcripts must be sent directly from the college where you have earned, or will earn, your undergraduate degree by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service. 

    • If you have earned, or will earn, your undergraduate degree outside the U.S., see our transcript requirements for international graduate applicants below.

  • Two letters of recommendation

    • Two letters of recommendation from professors or professionals in your field, who are familiar with your capabilities, are required. In the case that these recommenders are not available, you may request letters from colleagues, collaborators or peers, if necessary.

    • Applicants must enter contact information for their recommenders on the application. An email will be sent to recommenders providing a link for them to upload their letter. Letters of recommendation may also be submitted by the recommender via email to gradcredentials@uarts.edu.

  • Statement of intent

    • Statements should be a minimum of one to two pages and detail your professional plans, interests and goals. What are your personal and professional goals in applying to the online MEd in Educational Program Design? In what ways do you hope this program will help you grow as an educator?

    • Your statement of intent may be uploaded during the application process or added after submission via your applicant status portal. 

  • Résumé

    • Your résumé should highlight all your professional accomplishments, including employment, internships, honors, exhibitions and publications.

    • Your résumé may be uploaded during the application process or added after submission via your applicant status portal. 

International Applicants

Please note University of the Arts is unable to issue the I-20s appropriate for participation in this program due to the online modality. In addition to the requirements listed above, international applicants or those with foreign credentials must submit

  • Official undergraduate transcripts

    • Applicants who have academic documents from institutions outside the U.S. are required to provide original, attested or certified true copies of academic records from the institution where they have earned, or will earn, their undergraduate degree. These records should be in the original language in which they were issued.

    • For postsecondary school records that are not in English, applicants must also submit an official translation of all their academic documents. Translations must be a complete, literal, word-for-word translation in the same format of the original academic document. Transcripts cannot be translated by the student or any members of their family. Acceptable translators include English teachers or other school officials, professional translators, or a local EducationUSA office

    • Admissions might request that students obtain a course-by-course credential evaluation if we are not able to confirm the equivalent level to a U.S. undergraduate degree.

  • Proof of English proficiency

    • For international applicants whose primary language is not English, and who have not completed two semesters of college-level English in a college/university where the language of instruction is English, proof of English proficiency is required. 

    • Recommended minimums for English proficiency exams are as follows. 

      • TOEFL iBT: 79
      • TOEFL essentials: 8.5
      • IELTS: 6.5
      • Pearson PTE Academic: 53
      • Duolingo: 100
    • Applicants who meet the academic and creative requirements for admission but whose scores do not meet the English proficiency requirement for degree study might receive an offer of conditional admission that requires enrollment in the university’s English as a Second Language Institute (ESLI). Applicants who complete ESLI will then be able to begin their degree program studies in the fall semester.

    • In special circumstances, applicants who do not have access to the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English tests can request a waiver of this requirement. The request should be submitted by email to admissions@uarts.edu. Requests will then be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and might require an interview.

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Tuition & Financial Aid 


Costs for the online MEd in Educational Program Design include 

  • $20,250 tuition ($675/credit hour for 30 hours)

  • A $50 fee that covers course resources, including software

  • A $100 fee for in-person studio arts courses

  • A stable and fast internet connection, a computer camera and access to Microsoft (These resources are the student’s responsibility.)

Financial Aid

Some students may be eligible for financial aid. A minimum of 4.5 credit hours per semester is required for financial aid eligibility. Students are required to be constantly enrolled to be financial aideligible.  

Learn more about graduate student financial aid.

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Begin your application today. Our admissions team will help you throughout the process.

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