Overview
Build strong distance-education skills, knowledge and values with Athabasca University’s online program.
As you learn how to design, implement, evaluate and manage distance education and training programs, you will gain skills in:
- institutional and organizational design
- management and administration
- budgeting and finance
- curriculum and program development
- course development
- delivery and support
- program evaluation and revision
You will work with and learn from fellow students in a broad range of distance education and training settings, such as:
- business firms
- government agencies
- voluntary and professional associations
- hospitals and other health-care organizations
- schools, colleges and universities
Why take the Master of Education – Open, Digital, and Distance Education?
Distance education is constantly evolving. Staying on top of this increasingly sophisticated field means that continuous upgrading is essential. At AU, we’re always researching and developing new ways to engage our students wherever they are – and we love to share what we know.
With more than 40 years of experience in delivering distance learning and one of the oldest graduate programs in distance education (established in 1994), AU is a strong choice for your distance education graduate degree.
The Master of Education – Open, Digital, and Distance Education is a 33-credit online graduate program. You may transfer up to 4 courses (12 credits) from another graduate program.
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Routes and options
You can choose to complete your MEd through either a thesis route or a course-based route.
Learn more about the MEd program structure Completion times
You can take up to 6 years to complete all requirements.
Courses
In the Master of Education – Open, Digital, and Distance Education program, you'll embark on a comprehensive journey that includes core courses focused on the essentials of distance education and training, as well as electives that allow you to dive deeper into areas like instructional design or mobile learning. You'll also have the flexibility to choose between a thesis route, which includes research-intensive work, or a course-based route that culminates in a capstone e-portfolio project.
To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Master of Education, plus those specific to your focus area.
Our program regulations plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program.
Program regulations
Focus area courses
Courses to explore
Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.
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Focus areas
Leadership in Education
The Leadership in Education focus area at AU offers a deep dive into the essentials of effective educational leadership. Whether you're involved in administration, curriculum design, or program delivery, you'll refine your skills through case-based study and practical applications of inclusive, innovative leadership methods. The curriculum covers everything from general leadership theory and project management to tackling current educational issues, equipping you with a well-rounded set of competencies for any educational setting.
Learn more about the Leadership in Education focus Instructional Design
The Instructional Design focus area in the MEd is perfect for those keen on shaping the future of education through course and program development. You'll gain a solid foundation in learning theory and design, along with the skills to harness technology for instructional innovation. The program covers a broad spectrum of topics including program evaluation, project management in education, and universal design for learning principles, setting you up for success in creating impactful educational experiences.
Learn more about the Instructional Design focus Mobile Learning
If you're passionate about making education accessible through mobile technologies, the mobile learning focus area is designed for you. This focus area equips you with an in-depth understanding of learning theory and design, specifically tailored for course and program delivery that reaches learners anytime, anywhere. With an emphasis on practical applications, you'll explore everything from the capabilities and limitations of mobile tools to the ROI of mobile learning technologies, setting you up for success in this exciting, growing field.
Learn more about the Mobile Learning focus K-12 Online and Blended Learning
If you're engaged in K-12 education and are eager to integrate technology into your teaching practices, our K-12 online and blended learning focus area will suit you well. You'll expand your understanding of technology-enabled curriculum design, focusing on open educational practices and resources. You'll also delve into the nitty-gritty of creating inclusive classrooms, mastering effective teaching strategies and understanding the technologies that can make distance education in a K-12 setting both accessible and effective.
Learn more about the K-12 focus Career options
After completing the Master of Education – Open, Digital, and Distance Education, you could step into various roles such as instructional designer, educational technology consultant, or even an administrator in online and blended learning environments. The program also equips you for careers in academia, corporate training departments, and organizations focused on educational innovation, allowing you to apply your expertise in creating and managing educational experiences that are both effective and accessible.
Some possible career outcomes include:
- distance education coordinator
- online learning specialist
- instructional designer
- e-learning developer
- curriculum developer
- educational technology consultant
- online course developer
- distance learning facilitator
- online education manager
- learning management system (LMS) administrator
- educational content developer
- distance education researcher
- online training coordinator
- virtual learning specialist
- online course instructor
- digital learning consultant
- educational technologist
- online education program manager
- e-learning project manager
- distance education administrator