Instructional design students learning

Master's in Instructional Design & Technology

Master of Science (M.S.)

Learn to assess, create and manage job training in business, government and other organizations.

Ongoing job training to managers, staff and employees is essential. By earning a master’s degree in instructional design and technology from the University of North Dakota, you’ll be prepared to work as a training designer or developer.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2+ years
Credit hours:
34 (scholarly project option), 36 (thesis option)

Why a master's in instruction design and technology?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Learn from leaders in the field, including an expert in the use of digital games and problem-based learning. Gain practical experience with projects designed by faculty members who worked as professional instructional designers.

The IDT curriculum is part science and part art to develop effective instruction. In addition to core requirements, you'll take courses in: education or psychology, scholarly tools/research, electives and an area of emphasis.

Choose between two alternatives to earn your M.S. in Instructional Design & Technology:

  • Thesis option for pursuing a Ph.D.
  • Scholarly project for planning to become a professional instructional designer

Master's in Instructional Design and Technology Online

We offer a personal online experience with live evening classes (held to a 15-student maximum) and support services such as online tutoring, library and tech support. All online students receive in-state tuition.

UND's Master's in Instructional Design and Technology

  • Our program is ranked in the Top 25 Best Online Master in Educational Technology Degree Programs by thebestschools.org.

  • An internship is a culminating experience in which the student will work in a real world instructional design project.

  • Small classes enable the instructor to give students personal attention.

  • Study computer-based instruction, multimedia, web-based instruction, video-based instruction, simulations and games.

  • Two courses, Human Performance Design and Instructional Design Consulting, are designed specifically for students planning to work in corporations, the government or the military.

  • Synchronous live classes via video conference give online students an on-campus classroom experience.

What can I do with a master's in instructional design and technology?

7%

Projected job growth for instructional coordinators through 2031.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

63K

Median salary for instructional coordinators in the U.S., 2021

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Training is a part of virtually every organization, but some are large enough to have their own human resources department or training program. In these organizations, instructional designers generally are part of a design and development team, working with graphic artists, programmers and subject-matter experts. You may be a pure designer, or you may develop or implement the training you design.

A master's degree in Instructional Design & Technology gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Instructional Design
  • Curriculum Development
  • Educational Technologies
  • Adult Education
  • Learning Management Systems

Master's in Instructional Design and Technology Jobs

If you prefer to work in the corporate or organizational sector, you are likely to work as a training designer and/or developer for the:

  • Military
  • Government
  • Health care organizations
  • Banking industry
  • Any business or organization that requires systematic and frequent training
  • Higher education

An instructional designer helps to design and develop training. Popular job titles for instructional designers are:

  • Corporate trainer
  • Instructional Design Manager
  • Learning & Development Strategist
  • Media Collections Director
  • Technical Services Specialist
  • Training & Development Specialist

UND Instructional Design & Technology alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Pearson PLC
  • Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
  • Deloitte, LLP

Instructional Design and Technology Courses

IDT 500. Survey of Instructional Design. 3 Credits.

This course provides students with an in-depth overview of the field of Instructional Technology. Topics include the history and critical issues of the field; a description of instructional design; applications of instructional technology, and associated areas of research.

IDT 520. Instructional Systems Analysis and Design. 3 Credits.

The first course in a two-course required sequence, IDT 520 is a study of methodologies for analyzing and designing instruction. Topics include needs analysis, job/task analysis, and assessment of instructional outcomes. IDT 525 is the second required course in this two-course sequence.

IDT 560. Instructional Design Consulting. 3 Credits.

This course trains students in the theoretical, (e.g., needs analysis, change agency, data-driven decisions, solution specification) and practical (e.g., management of client relationship, project management skills, budgeting) of instructional design consulting. Role-play, response to an RFP, and discussion of modern approaches to managing the consulting process will be primary activities in this course. Prerequisites: Program major or permission of instructor; IDT 520.

IDT 525. Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of Instructional Materials. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of instructional materials that have been created according to instructional design principles. The second course in a two-course sequence, this course completes the instructional design process begun in IDT 520. After completing this two-course sequence, students will have the skills needed to conduct the full instructional design process in a variety of settings, and with a variety of learners, odalities, and domains. Prerequisites: Program major or permission of instructor; IDT 520.

IDT 530. Introduction to Computer-Based Instruction. 3 Credits.

An examination of the technology (hardware and software) for developing and delivering computer-based instruction (CBI). A study of the characteristics of high-quality CBI, addressing such topics as program structure, user interface, navigation, message/screen design, use of graphics, response analysis, feedback strategies, error checking, branching, and computer-managed instruction. Prerequisite: IDT 520.

IDT 545. Instructional Simulations and Games. 3 Credits.

This course provides an in-depth study of the theoretical, philosophical, and practical issues surrounding the use of simulations and games in learning environments. Methods and approaches for integrating commercial games into learning environments and for developing new simulations and games around content will be examined. Prerequisite: Program major or permission of instructor.

Best Schools for Instructional Design

#3 Online Course Report
#4 Best Value Schools
#8 Best Master’s Degrees
#12 The Best Colleges
#18 College Values Online
#24 College Choice
#24 Best Colleges Online
#24 College Rank

Compare our cost to other IDT programs. You'll see why UND ranks amongst the Top 25 in the nation for educational quality, affordability and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary

Leaders in Education

UND students are prepared to be leaders in their field to motivate future generations.

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional graduate education opportunities.

Dr. Woei Hung 
Program Director & Professor
P 701.777.3486
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