Education is evolving, and so are the challenges educators face. At Gettysburg College, the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Design and Inquiry prepares educators and leaders to revolutionize teaching and learning. This innovative program blends Design Thinking, Teacher Inquiry, and Equity in Education to empower graduates with the skills to address systemic challenges and create inclusive, impactful educational environments. In collaboration with Gettysburg’s Innovation and Creativity Lab, students will explore cutting-edge strategies and frameworks to address real-world educational challenges.
As the first program of its kind in the region, the M.Ed. in Educational Design and Inquiry extends Gettysburg’s tradition of linking theory to practice. Each course is grounded in the authentic work of teaching—supporting educators as they design, test, and refine innovations within their own classrooms and communities. The program fosters practical, research-informed solutions to the complex challenges of contemporary education.
| Available as | Degree | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Degree | Master of Education | 2 years |
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Graduates of this program leave equipped to design equitable learning environments, implement innovative pedagogies, and lead transformative efforts in schools and districts. The M.Ed. in Educational Design and Inquiry provides the knowledge, habits of mind, and practical skills to inspire change and create a meaningful impact in education.
The program’s cohort model fosters a strong professional community in which educators learn with and from one another. Each cohort—composed of an average of ten students—functions as a close-knit learning community that supports meaningful connection and mentorship. During synchronous sessions, cohort members engage in sustained dialogue, critical reflection, and shared problem solving. This collaborative approach encourages intellectual risk-taking, nurtures creativity, and amplifies the collective capacity for innovation and leadership within the field.
Why Study Educational Design and Inquiry?
By mastering principles of design thinking, you’ll position yourself as a leader capable of making a lasting impact on your students, schools, and communities. Design thinking provides a powerful framework for creative problem-solving—helping educators identify authentic challenges, generate bold ideas, and test solutions grounded in real classroom experience.
Instead of relying on “the way things have always been done,” you’ll learn to innovate within real-world constraints and lead meaningful change from your own classroom. These are the same skills used across industries to drive breakthrough innovation, and they are urgently needed in education to reimagine engagement, equity, and student success. Studying Educational Design and Inquiry empowers teachers to build solutions that matter today and shape the future of learning from the ground up.
Curriculum
The M.Ed. in Educational Design and Inquiry curriculum is grounded in three core areas: Equity in Education, Design Thinking, and Teacher Inquiry. Coursework is closely tied to educators’ own classrooms, enabling in-depth exploration of teaching environments and the design and redesign of instructional practices, procedures, and materials that have real impact on each teacher’s own students.
Topics are chosen to address the most pressing demands facing teachers today, including strategies to engage learners, cultivate inclusive and authentic classroom communities, and promote enduring, high-quality learning.
Students can expect to dedicate 15–20 hours per week to reading, discussion, assignments, and projects, all structured to support meaningful growth without the need for travel.
Why Study Educational Design and Inquiry at Gettysburg College?
Gettysburg College is a place where education is a transformative experience—rooted in our mission to “Do Great Work” and deliver a consequential education that makes an impact. We offer a unique, interdisciplinary approach that blends theory with practical application. As a Gettysburg College graduate student, you’ll gain the tools to not only teach effectively but to transform educational systems.
Take the next step toward advancing your career and creating a brighter future in education.
Apply today or request more information to learn how Gettysburg’s M.Ed. program can help you achieve your goals!