WGU's Master of Education, Education Technology & Instructional Design

[PauFraTat]

I have also been interested in this program, as well as a similar program at the American College of Education (MEd, Instructional Design and Educational Technology).

One thing I like about the WGU program is that it is CBE, so there is a lot of flexibility in how one can approach the program. Also, there are two defined pathways (K-12 and Adult Learner), and there is the option to complete both if desired (not an option for the ACE program). I also like that the Capstone requirement builds over three courses, not just a single course.

Since I haven't been in the program, I can't provide direct feedback, but having completed two Master's degrees at WGU, I can say my experiences have been positive for the most part, and I really enjoyed the project-oriented approach used in many courses. While accelerating the program is an option (and I did for both programs), WGU programs offer a lot if you are willing to put in the work to learn, and I wouldn't doubt anyone would find the WGU program anything other than rewarding and fulfilling.

I wanted to share what we learned after speaking with both WGU and the American College of Education. My son is considering the same ACE program you mentioned and is leaning in that direction.


WGU:

• Their Capstone requires a community of learners. They told my son he would need at least 10 learners to test his instructional products with, and he should have this group secured early in the program.
  
• He would need to provide 10+ hours of instruction to this group during the Capstone.
  
• He’s a private studio teacher, so getting 10+ students to commit to 10+ hours feels risky.
  
• WGU also uses proctored exams, which isn’t ideal for him due to dysgraphia and dyslexia.
  
• Cost-wise, WGU is only cheaper if you finish in one term, and his goal is to take the time to create high‑quality, usable products—not to rush.
  

ACE:

• ACE runs 5‑week courses with 1‑week breaks, and tuition is pay‑by‑course.
  
• Their quizzes and exams are open book (though timed), which is a better fit for his learning needs.
  
• We’re still confirming this, but so far it appears that ACE does not require any community of learners for projects or the Capstone.
  
• ACE partners with Teaching Channel, and they accept up to 9 graduate credits from those courses.
  
• Teaching Channel courses are self‑paced, and we’ve heard they can be completed in about a week each while still producing solid work.
  
• If you show interest, Teaching Channel also offers a new student discount.
  

Cost comparison:

• WGU (2 terms): about $10,300
  
• ACE with 9 Teaching Channel credits + discount: $8,281
  
• That’s a savings of over $2,000.
  

Both admissions counselors were friendly and helpful, but ACE seems to be the better fit for his goals, learning style, and teaching context.

Thanks for this rundown on ACE! It's very helpful for me. And thanks for the info on Teaching Channel! That was news to me. Here is a 9-credit bundle that calls out ACE, though it states "special pricing for teachers obtaining their first master's degree in education" but I'm not sure how they would even validate that.

Also, for anyone reading this, ACE is a member of the EdAssist Education Network and offers a 10% tuition discount for Client company employees and their families.

The ACE program does sound like a better fit for your son as opposed to WGU. For me, I like that ACE has the "Adult Education and Corporate Training" focus, as I intend to apply what I learn primarily in that domain.