Design Better Learning
Master of Education in Specialized Instructional Design (MEd)
Build skills in curriculum design, technology, AI, and specialized instruction.
Master of Education in Specialized Instructional Design (MEd)
Strong instruction takes thoughtful planning, effective use of technology, and a deep understanding of how different learners engage with content.
In the 100% online Master of Education in Specialized Instructional Design at the University of Lynchburg, you’ll build the foundation to design learning experiences that work for real students in real classrooms.Â
Through coursework in instructional design, educational technology, online learning, AI-supported instruction, and learner diversity, you’ll be prepared to help schools create stronger curricula, improve online and technology-enhanced instruction, and design learning experiences that meet students where they are.Â
At Lynchburg, you can tailor your degree to your professional goals and work toward a Virginia Department of Education add-on endorsement through one of our three concentration options:
- Gifted Education
- Reading Specialist
- Special Education
Whether you want to strengthen your classroom practice, move into curriculum design and development, or become a leader in instructional innovation, Lynchburg’s online instructional design degree can help you make a lasting impact on the way students learn.
Master of Education in Specialized Instructional Design Concentrations
Customize your degree by selecting a concentration that aligns with your interest and/or the Virginia Department of Education endorsement area best suited to your professional and personal needs.
Gifted Education Concentration
The Gifted Education concentration is designed for educators who want to create learning experiences that challenge advanced learners while still supporting their academic, social, and emotional needs.
This pathway supports educators interested in:
- Identification of gifted learners.
- Curriculum and programming for advanced students.
- Social and emotional support for gifted populations.
Through this program you’ll learn how to design instruction that goes beyond enrichment, providing gifted students with opportunities for deeper thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and growth. You’ll also develop the skills to support students whose gifts may be overlooked, including twice-exceptional students and learners from underrepresented populations.Â
Pursuing this concentration will prepare you for the VDOE Gifted Education Add-on Endorsement. Â
Reading Specialist Concentration
The Reading Specialist concentration is designed for educators who want to use instructional design to strengthen literacy instruction and help more students become confident readers.
This concentration supports educators interested in:
- Teaching reading through research-based strategies.
- Designing literacy instruction for diverse learners.
- Using assessment data to identify and respond to reading needs.
- Strengthening curriculum design for reading and literacy development.
In this pathway, you’ll study effective reading methods, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, writing instruction, content-area reading, assessment, diagnosis, and remediation. You’ll learn how to use data to understand where students are struggling and how to design instruction that responds to those needs.
By pairing reading expertise with instructional design, you’ll be prepared to create literacy experiences that are clear, structured, and accessible. You’ll be able to support students who need targeted reading intervention, help teachers improve literacy instruction, and contribute to stronger reading outcomes across classrooms or schools.Â
Pursuing this concentration will prepare you for the VDOE Reading Specialist Endorsement.Â
Special Education Concentration
The Special Education concentration is designed for educators who want to create learning experiences that are more accessible, individualized, and responsive to students with disabilities.
This concentration supports educators interested in:
- Designing accessible instruction for students with disabilities.
- Using technology to support individualized learning.
- Developing instructional materials aligned with IEP goals.
- Expanding their ability to serve students with diverse learning needs.
In this pathway, you’ll learn how to connect instructional design with the realities of special education practice. You’ll study the foundations and legal aspects of special education, individualized education programs, assessment, and instructional strategies that support students across content areas. You’ll also explore how technology can help make instruction better aligned with each learner’s needs.
This concentration prepares you to design instruction with accessibility in mind from the beginning. You’ll be able to create learning experiences that support IEP goals, help students build confidence, and give teachers stronger tools for meeting diverse needs in the classroom.Â
Pursuing this concentration will prepare you for the VDOE Special Education General Curriculum Add-on Endorsement.
Curriculum and Resources
2026-27 Academic Year Information
Master of Education in Specialized Instructional Design Curriculum
MEd in Specialized Instructional Design - Core Curriculum
- EDCI 620: Introduction to Educational Technology (3)
- EDCI 621: Advanced AI Techniques for Modern Instructional Design (3)
- EDCI 622: Technology and Learner Diversity (3)
- EDCI 623: Design and Management of Online Learning (3)
- EDCI 630: Instructional Design (3)
Total Credit Hours: 15
MEd in Specialized Instructional Design - Gifted Education Curriculum
- EDCI 640: Introduction to and Identification of Gifted Learners (3)
- EDCI 641: Special Populations of Gifted Learners (3)
- EDCI 642: Curriculum, Strategies, and Programming for Gifted Learners (3)
- EDCI 643: Social and Emotional Development and Guidance of Gifted Learners (3)
Additional Course:Â
- EDCI 645: Twice Exceptional Students (3)
Internship Options, if needed for licensure: (3 – 6 hours)
- SPED 696: Internship in Special Education – General Curriculum (3)
- EDCI 644: Practicum in Gifted Education (3)
Total Credit Hours: 15-21
MEd in Specialized Instructional Design - Reading Specialist Curriculum
- RDNG 625: Survey of Effective Reading Methods (3)
- RDNG 640: Strategies For Teaching Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary (3)
- RDNG 643: Teaching Writing (3)
- RDNG 672: Reading and Study Skills In The Content (3)
- RDNG 690: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Remediation of Reading Problems (3)
- RDNG 691: Assessment and Diagnosis Practicum (3)
Total Credit Hours: 18
MEd in Specialized Instructional Design - Special Education Curriculum
- SPED 600: Foundations and Legal Aspects of Special Education (3)
- SPED 601: Designing and Implementing Individualized Education Programs (3)
- SPED 645: Instructional Strategies in Mathematics and Science (3)
- RDNG 625: Survey of Effective Reading Methods (3)
Choose 1:Â
- SPED 616: Assessment and Evaluation (3)*
- SPED 635: Transitioning to Adult Life (3)**
*Elementary (K – 6) Add-on
** Secondary (6-12) Add-on
Total Credit Hours: 15
Applying for the Master of Education in Specialized Instructional Design
Application Deadlines
- Summer semester: May 1
- Fall semester: July 31
- Spring term: Nov. 30
How to Apply
- Complete the online application.
- Submit an official transcript from all colleges or universities attended.
- Submit proof of active teaching license.Â
- Submit a brief (approximately two double-spaced pages) essay on the following topic:
- Why do you want to pursue the MEd in Specialized Instructional Design, and/or how will this degree assist you in achieving your career goals?
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
Master of Education in Specialized Instructional Design (MEd) Faculty
Holly Gould, PhD
Department Chair for Curriculum & Instruction, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Instructional Design Technology Professor of Curriculum and Instruction ...
Lucinda (Cindi) Spaulding, PhD
Professor of Special Education, Director of Special Education ...
Mac Duis, EdD
Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the Master of Education in Pre-K-12 Administration and Supervision Program, Director of the Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies Program ...
Stefanie B. Copp, EdD
Department Chair of Elementary and Secondary Education, Reading Associate Professor of Education ...
Holly Gould, PhD
Department Chair for Curriculum & Instruction, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Instructional Design Technology Professor of Curriculum and Instruction ...
Lucinda (Cindi) Spaulding, PhD
Professor of Special Education, Director of Special Education ...
Mac Duis, EdD
Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the Master of Education in Pre-K-12 Administration and Supervision Program, Director of the Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies Program ...
Stefanie B. Copp, EdD
Department Chair of Elementary and Secondary Education, Reading Associate Professor of Education ...
Explore Related Programs
As a Lynchburg MEd student, you'll:
Develop technology-enhanced learning experiences that support real-world application.
Design instruction for diverse learners across a range of educational needs.
Use data to guide curriculum design and instructional decisions.
Graduate Tuition
Below is an overview of the cost of the program:
The 40% Aspiring Educator Discount applies to all emphasis areas and is available to all current and aspiring educators and paraprofessionals pursuing a Master of Education (MEd) degree.
Master of Education in Specialized Instructional Design (MEd)
$
610
Cost Per Credit Hour (Before 40% Tuition Discount)
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Cost Per Credit Hour: $366 (With 40% Tuition Discount)
-
Credit Hours: 33-36
-
Estimated Cost of Completion: $20,130 - $21,960
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Estimated Cost of Completion: $12,078 - $13,176 (With 40% Tuition Discount)
Financial Aid
The cost figures provided are estimates and may vary based on factors such as the duration of your enrollment, specific classes taken, and any future changes to tuition or fees.
