Educational Design and Inquiry

Master's Degree in Educational Design and Inquiry


As the region’s first Master’s program at the crossroads of educational access and design thinking, the accelerated format includes an access to our Innovation Creativity Lab through  blended distance learning yet tailored to accommodate working adults. This program empowers educators and leaders with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience essential for success in their classrooms and beyond. Through a capstone project, students learn to identify opportunities to address existing educational challenges or to create new inclusive excellence initiatives, developing their own instructional strategies and materials.

Graduates of this distinctive program will be equipped to:

  • Effectively teach each of their students
  • Utilize personal data to solve educational challenges
  • Harness advanced educational technology
  • Lead within their schools and districts

Designed for completion within a cohort, fostering a dedicated and consistent learning community. The curriculum is designed so students could step out of a semester and/or double up in coursework as the program grows. This structure allows students to witness the global impact of the program’s theories and practices, enriched by the diverse perspectives of their peers.  M. Ed. faculty mentor students as they conduct action-based research projects and build their graduate portfolios. Synchronous sessions each semester cultivate a strong sense of community and engagement among fellow educators. With an average class size of ten, Gettysburg’s M. Ed. program emphasizes close collaboration and in-depth exploration of new theories and concepts between students and faculty. The program encourages the exchange of ideas among educators from various grades, school systems, and levels of experience, offering viewpoints that span the globe. 

 

Curriculum

The M. Ed. in Educational Design and Inquiry equips students with a solid foundation in three key areas: Equity in Education, Design Thinking, and Teacher Inquiry. As the region’s first Master’s program in this field, it is crafted at the crossroads of educational access and design thinking while reflecting our Gettysburg College identity, mission, and shared values.

  

Learning Outcomes

Students in the Educational Design and Inquiry cohort will demonstrate the knowledge, teaching skills, and commitment to educational access needed to advocate for educational equity and to shape others' educational experiences through a design thinking approach:

  1. Explore innovative teaching principles focused on student learning, equity, and agency.
  2. Assess and apply theory and research within these forward-thinking pedagogies.
  3. Create learning environments that prioritize educational access, diversity, and inclusion.
  4. Investigate the history, theory, and research behind innovative pedagogies.
  5. Develop and advocate for teaching methods that promote educational access, infuse experiential learning, and meet diverse learning needs.
  6. Discuss the advantages and challenges of innovative pedagogical approaches.
  7. Use assessment, evaluation, and research to address real-world problems.
  8. Show proficiency in key areas of professional practice, including: 
    1. Design Thinking
    2. Equitable learning environments
    3. Content and curriculum expertise 
    4. Student learning
    5. Reflection 
  9. Design and implement a supportive learning environment rooted in innovative teaching theories.

  

The Educational Design and Inquiry M. Ed. is designed as a cohort model with recommended entrance in the summer. However, there is flexibility with entry and course offerings as the program expands with student enrollment. The following courses will be taught Gettysburg College faculty who bring theory to practice so you can enhance your learning.

 

Cost: $850 / credit ~ Each course is three credits = $2550

Inaugural Cohort Launch Date : May 19, 2025 *Pending Middle States Approval

Contact: Divonna Stebck, Ph.D., Director, Office of Teacher Education & Certification, dstebick@gettysburg.edu