Athabasca University

Programme overview

The Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education at Athabasca University is a long-established, fully online graduate programme centred on distance education and training. All courses are delivered online with no face-to-face requirements. The degree supports professional development for practitioners across schools, colleges, universities, health-care organizations, government, business and voluntary associations, and allows up to 12 credits (four courses) to be transferred from other institutions subject to program regulations.

What you'll study

The programme provides a common foundation in distance education and training. Graduates gain experience in:

• problem solving, analysis, synthesis and interpretation specific to distance education and training;
• designing, implementing, evaluating and managing educational and training programmes, including curriculum and course development, delivery and support, and program evaluation and revision;
• institutional and organizational design, management and administration, budgeting and finance related to distance learning contexts;
• designing, implementing and disseminating research in distance education and training;
• designing and developing distance education courses and materials; and
• selecting, implementing and evaluating technologies for use in distance education and training.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a three- or four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution. Candidates who believe their combined education and experience are equivalent to an undergraduate degree may present that case in writing as part of the application. There are minimum English language proficiency requirements for graduate admission; meeting those is the applicant's responsibility. After admission, students may request a review for advance standing or transfer credit for relevant graduate-level work completed elsewhere; a faculty committee will assess eligibility.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that involve designing, managing and evaluating distance education and training across different sectors, including K–12 and post-secondary institutions, corporate training, government, health-care organizations and non-profits. The curriculum emphasizes practical capabilities in course development, program administration, technology selection and research, positioning alumni for instructional design, program coordination, e-learning management and evaluation roles.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The programme notes affordable tuition rates but does not list specific scholarships on this page. Prospective students should review Athabasca University's funding and graduate scholarship pages and inquire about transfer credit, employer sponsorship, and available financial supports when applying.