Fanatic Facilitator,
Would you mind explaining why one would want to avoid a Masters in Education. I would think that somebody involved in instructional design or facilitation would be better off getting a Masters in Education/Training.

Because unless you are going to teach teachers, it does little to nothing for you in the business world. A degree in just about anything else holds a lot more clout for stakeholders. This is just one perspective. Please don't take it personally. I would have loved to continue my education in education, but after 17 years of practical experience, and my undergrad Education degree doing little for me, I chose to persue my masters degree in a business field (following the advice of many who went before me, and even one who wrote a book about it). Additionally, academia does a huge disservice to those in the education field because it is so ... academic instead of practical and learner-centric. It's still all about what the professor has to say. Publish or perish, et al.

Again - nothing personal against Ed degrees. This is simply advice from one possible business perspective.

As somebody wanting to further my career in instructional design I have decided to work towards my Masters in Educational Technology at San Diego State. If I were to get an MBA I would then have to continue my education by getting certifications in the skills that I will learn in the educational technology program. I looked into an MBA program but decided that I would not be able to apply the skills learned as an instructional designer. In the Ed Tech program I will learn skills that will specifically prepare me for the instructional design field such as Instructional Design and Multimedia Web Development. I can't say for sure that an MBA would be anything more than decoration for my resume.

Doesn't have to be MBA. For example, I know several instructional design colleagues who are pursuing Organizational Development, Homeland Security, Public Relations, Finance... etc. Broadening horizons so that we may apply our experience in adult learning and instructional design in new ways, and possibly expand our careers into fields that are not always seen as overhead. Most everyone who pursues an advanced degree is doing it for the credentials on a resume. Ultimately, a Masters will look good regardless of the degree. However, having broader realm of study, beyond education, expands the mind into thinking more about the business side of things and incorporating learning into that. Again -- just one of many perspectives on the subject.

Good luck to everyone in his/her pursuits. On-going self-development is great no matter how you slice it. Sharpen that saw and enjoy the process!

I see your point especially if you are looking into starting your own business or going into consulting. However, I think that if an employer needs somebody to develop an eLearning program that they would be more interested in somebody who is educated in multimedia web development and instructional design as opposed to somebody who is educated in finance, public relations, homeland security, or organizational development.
I am of the opinion that you are better off becoming an expert at the field you are passionate about rather than learning a little about several different fields.
Please don't take offense to this as it is in the spirit of debate.