Master's in Instructional Design and Technology
Our nationally ranked M.S. Instructional Design and Technology features a hands-on, project-based approach to prepare you for leadership roles in challenging - and rewarding - careers in this ever-growing field.
- Degrees & Offerings
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- M.S.
- Location
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- Online
- Department
- College
- Program Contact
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MSIDT Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
What is Instructional Design and Technology?
Instructional Technology, often referred to as educational technology, involves the integration of technology into educational practices to enhance the teaching and learning process. Instructional technology involves the study of the topics like Games and Branching Simulations, Authoring Tools, Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality (Metaverse), Audio and Video-Based Instruction, Synchronous and Asynchronous Classes, Evaluation of Online Instructional Efforts, Microlearning, and Storytelling.
Program Overview
- Program Delivery: Offered 100% online through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous courses.
- Program Length: 33 credits - can be completed in as little as 18 months.
- Flexible Start Dates: Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
- 2 Concentrations and 2 Certificates Available: Including Learning Experience Designer concentration, Instructional Technology Specialist concentration, eLearning Specialist certificate, and Instructional Game Design certificate.
- Applied Learning: Emphasizes applied learning, student participation, project-based courses, and an internship, so you'll have a robust portfolio by the time you graduate.
- Who Should Apply: This program is the perfect complement to any undergraduate major. Whether you majored in Business, Communications, or English - you'd be a great fit! You don't need to be a computer programmer or computer expert to be an instructional technologist, since many of the tools are as easy to use as Microsoft Word or Google products.
- Nationally Ranked and Recognized: Ranked the 2nd best program in the country by College Affordability Guide. Also recognized as among the top programs in the nation by leaders in the field of Instructional technology like Devlin Peck and LXD Learning Experience Design.
Courses and Curriculum
Concentrations:
- Learning Experience Designer: For those wishing to enter a career in the training and development sector of business, industry, non-profits, or government.
- Instructional Technology Specialist: For professionals charged with integrating interactive technologies into educational teaching environments.
Certifications:
- eLearning Specialist Certificate: For professionals charged with integrating interactive online technologies into both educational and professional training environments.
- Instructional Game Design Certificate: Learn the skills to design and develop successful instructional games in this 5-course certificate.
Required Courses (21 credits)
INSTTECH.550 Instructional Design
INSTTECH.551 Advanced ID
INSTTECH.560 Multimedia Productions
INSTTECH.570 Introduction to Website Development
INSTTECH.572 Introduction to Authoring
INSTTECH.575 Managing Multimedia Projects
INSTTECH.577 Advanced Authoring
Required Capstone Courses (One of the following 2 courses - 3-6 credits)
INSTTECH.590 Internship
INSTTECH.599 Thesis
Internship requires a completed Affiliation Agreement prior to the start of the Internship
Electives (choose three of the following)
INSTTECH.528 Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Realities
INSTTECH.530 Foundations of Visual Design for Learning
INSTTECH.535 Instructional Applications of Robotics
INSTTECH.540 Tech Planning Across the Curriculum
INSTTECH.542 Tech Applications for the Classroom
INSTTECH.546 Research in Instructional Technology (required for Thesis option)
INSTTECH.548 Learning Analytics
INSTTECH.553 Gamification of Learning and Instruction
INSTTECH.555 Scenario-Based Learning
INSTTECH.556 Applying Theories of Learning to Interactive Technologies
INSTTECH.562 Digital Imagery
INSTTECH.565 Leading Co-Located and Virtual Teams
INSTTECH.574 Advanced Authoring for Networks
INSTTECH.576 Advanced Authoring for Mobile Devices
INSTTECH.578 Advanced Authoring for Game Development
INSTTECH.579 Instructional Game Design
INSTTECH.580 Instructional Applications for the Internet
INSTTECH.581 Special Topics
INSTTECH.583 Social Media for eLearning
INSTTECH.584 Online Course Design
INSTTECH.585 eLearning Concepts and Techniques
INSTTECH.586 Blended eLearning
INSTTECH.587 Evaluating eLearning
INSTTECH.588 Learning Management System Administration
INSTTECH.598 General Transfer Course for Instructional Technology
Approved course from another department
Total Credits: 33 with internship option or 36 with thesis option
Required Courses (21 semester hours):
INSTTECH.540 Technology Planning Across the Curriculum
INSTTECH.542 Technology Applications for the Classroom
INSTTECH.546 Research in Instructional Technology
INSTTECH.550 Instructional Design
INSTTECH.551 Advanced Instructional Design
INSTTECH.560 Multimedia Productions
INSTTECH.570 Introduction to Website Development
Required Capstone Courses (One of the following 2 courses - 3-6 credits)
INSTTECH.590 Internship
INSTTECH.599 Thesis
Internship requires a completed Affiliation Agreement prior to the start of the Internship
Required eCourse (one of the 4 courses listed below – 3 credits)
INSTTECH.583 Social Media for eLearning
INSTTECH.584 Online Course Design
INSTTECH.585 eLearning Concepts
INSTTECH.586 Blended eLearning
Electives (select two of the courses listed below - 6 hours)
Note: If a course is taken as a required course it may not be counted as an elective.
INSTTECH.535 Instructional Applications of Robotics
INSTTECH.548 Learning Analytics
INSTTECH.553 Gamification of Learn and Instruction
INSTTECH.555 Scenario-Based Learning
INSTTECH.556 Applying Theories of Learning to Interactive Technologies
INSTTECH.562 Digital Imagery
INSTTECH.565 Leading Co-Located and Virtual Teams
INSTTECH.572 Introduction to Authoring
INSTTECH.574 Advanced Authoring for Networks
INSTTECH.575 Managing Multimedia Projects
INSTTECH.576 Advanced Authoring for Mobile Devices
INSTTECH.577 Advanced Authoring
INSTTECH.578 Advanced Authoring for Game Development
INSTTECH.579 Instructional Game Development
INSTTECH.580 Instructional Applications for the Internet
INSTTECH.581 Special Topics
INSTTECH.583 Social Media for eLearning
INSTTECH.584 Online Course Design
INSTTECH.585 eLearning Concepts and Techniques
INSTTECH.586 Blended eLearning
INSTTECH.587 Evaluating Blended and eLearning Initiatives
INSTTECH.588 Learning Management System Administration
INSTTECH.598 General Transfer Course for Instructional Technology
Approved course from another department
Total Credits: 33 with internship option or 36 with thesis option
An individual with a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college, who earned an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale, may apply for admission to the MSIDT program. Admission requirements include:
- A completed application form for graduate studies at Commonwealth University
- $35 application fee
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- A one to two-page essay describing the applicant's interest in instructional technology
International applicants must complete a separate application form for the Office of Graduate Studies and Research and must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 570 on the TOEFL is required for admission to the program.
An individual may begin taking courses in the MSIDT program on a part-time basis prior to admission, but completion of such courses does not guarantee admission.
Apply Today!
You can only apply for a graduate assistantship once you've been admitted to the M.S. Instructional Design and Technology program.
- Spring 2025 GA Positions: All admission application materials must be submitted by Thursday, October 31, to be eligible for consideration.
Persons who hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university may become degree candidates and proceed to the master's degree by completing a minimum of 33 – 36 semester hours of coursework concluding in either an internship or master's thesis. All courses are 3 semester hours unless otherwise indicated.
- Q: What degree is needed to be admitted?
A: This program is the perfect complement to any undergraduate major. Whether you majored in Business, Communications, or English - you’d be a great fit! - Q: How is the program delivered?
A: Coursework is delivered 100% online. Synchronous classes meet once or twice weekly for 15 weeks in the spring and fall semesters. Summer session courses are online or hybrid for 6 or 12-week sessions. - Q: How long does it take to complete the program?
A: Full-time students can complete the program in a year and a half. Part-time students generally complete in two years. - Q: What career options can I pursue with this degree?
A: Your career options will be varied - but you’ll be in high demand! Recent alumni have accepted positions as a Learning Experience Designer (Amazon), Instructional Designer (Mackin Talent), Global Learning Expert (SAP), Learning and Development Specialist (WhatsApp), and Learning and Development Consultant (Verizon). - Q: When can I start?
A: Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. - Q: Do I need to take the GRE in order to apply?
A. No - the GRE is not required for admission.
Institute for Interactive Technologies
Professional Engagement
Institute for Interactive Technologies (IIT) is an exciting and innovative “think tank” and research center studying the application of technology to corporate educational needs. The IIT is currently at the forefront of e-learning and is constantly exploring ways in which learning can be facilitated through technology.
The Institute for Interactive Technologies was established in 1985 as a research and development group focusing on emerging interactive learning technologies. Its primary purpose is to conduct original technology-based development and research projects providing graduate students with an opportunity to work on “real-world” projects. The IIT is a consortium of faculty, staff, and graduate students in CU-Bloomsburg's Instructional Design and Technology program. This strategic alliance offers students practical hands-on experiences as they apply theoretical knowledge to real-life projects and, at the same time, fosters the development of effective and innovative instructional solutions.
The Institute also assists corporations in their efforts to achieve business goals through technology. The Institute seeks to help business leaders understand the impact of interactive learning technologies and e-commerce on their workforce, improve the performance and competitiveness of their corporations, and providing a fact base for sound instructional interventions.
ONWARD AND UPWARD
Careers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the field of instructional design and technology to continue its rapid job growth as a result of the shift to online learning - in both educational and corporate settings.
Potential Job Opportunities
- Instructional Designer
- Learning Experience Designer
- Learning Engineer
- Curriculum Developer
- Corporate Trainer
- Educational Technology Specialist
- Learning Architect
- Distance Learning Specialist
- Instructional Technologist
- eLearning Specialist
- Training and Development Specialist
Continue to Explore
M.S. Instructional Design & Technology Program Ranked 2nd in the Nation
Commonwealth University is ranked second nationally among top online schools for instructional technology in 2020 by the College Affordability Guide.
M.S. Instructional Design & Technology in the News
View the latest news about the CU-Bloomsburg M.S. Instructional Design and Technology program!
Program Faculty
Jessica Briskin
- MSIDT Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
- Bloomsburg
Karl M. Kapp
- Professor
- Bloomsburg
Helmut Doll
- Technical Leadership Coordinator
- Bloomsburg
R. Lynn Hummel
- Professor of Instructional Design and Technology
- Bloomsburg
Tina Barnes
- Technical Specialist & IT Network Administrator
- Bloomsburg
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