Master's in Instructional Design and Technology

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

Course Catalog

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
 

Course Catalog

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.

Apply for Graduate Assistantship

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.