Instructional design students learning

Master's in Instructional Design and Technology

M.S./M.Ed.

UND's master’s in Instructional Design and Technology curriculum is part science and part art blended to create effective instruction.

Learn how to use digital games and explore problem-based learning from leaders in the field. You'll gain practical experience with projects designed by faculty members who worked as professional instructional designers.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
34-36

Why earn a master's in Instruction Design and Technology?

Graduate 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.

A master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Instructional Design
  • Curriculum Development
  • Educational Technologies
  • eLearning
  • Learning Management Systems

In addition to core requirements, you'll take courses in education or psychology, scholarly tools/research, and electives, as well as explore an area of emphasis that connects with your goals.

M.S. vs. M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology

UND offers a Master of Science (M.S) and Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Design and Technology. The master's requires 34 (scholarly project option) to 36 (thesis option) credits.

  • The M.S. is for those who want to assess, create, and manage job training in business, government and other organizations, and is the best option for those who want to pursue a Ph.D.
  • The M.Ed. is for those who want to enhance instruction and learning at schools and colleges through effective instruction design and technology.

M.S. in IDT

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

  1. Thesis option for pursuing a Ph.D.
  2. Scholarly project for planning to become a professional instructional designer.
Corporate Emphasis

The Corporate emphasis has two courses, Human Performance Technology and Instructional Design Consulting, that are designed specifically for students planning to work in corporations, the government or the military.

M.Ed. in IDT

K-12 schools and colleges need to smartly integrate technology into instruction to ensure effective learning. An M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology will prepare you to assist educators in designing instruction and integrating technology to enhance student learning.

K-12 Emphasis

The K-12 emphasis complies with the International Society for Technology in Education standards for technology facilitators. It is the most widely accepted standards for technology integration in K-12 education, unique in North Dakota. A scholarly project is required that addresses a practical problem or theoretical construct. A thesis is not required.

UND's Master's in Instructional Design and Technology

  • Learn in a personalized setting with small classes under 15 students.

  • Work in a real-world instructional design project during your internship.

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

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

  • Gain a competitive edge through UND's Accelerate to Industry (A2i)™ program. This workforce readiness program provides immersive job training for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. It is one of only 30 programs nationwide.

  • Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

What can I do with a master's in Instructional Design and Technology?

75k

Median annual salary for instructional coordinators, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The M.S. prepares you to work in business, government or other organizations; whereas the M.Ed. allows you to pursue careers in a K-12 setting.

M.S. in IDT Careers

Ongoing job training is crucial for managers, staff, and employees alike. Acquiring a master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology will equip you to become an instructional designer who designs and develops training.

Training is a part of virtually every organization, but some are large enough to have their own human resources department or training program. Within these setups, instructional designers collaborate within design and development teams, working together with graphic artists, programmers, and subject-matter experts. Your role might involve pure design, or you may find yourself developing and implementing the training programs you design.

For those inclined towards the corporate or organizational sector, opportunities abound as a training designer and/or developer. This role is applicable to diverse industries, including banking, government, health care, higher education, and the military. Your expertise will be sought after to establish and implement systematic and frequent training programs.

Popular job titles for instructional designers are:

  • Instructional Design Manager
  • Learning & Development Strategist
  • Media Collections Director
  • Learning Experience Specialist
  • Trainer
  • Training & Development Specialist

M.Ed. in IDT Careers

In K-12 education, you may work as a:

  • Technology facilitator: Design learning environments that make intelligent use of technology and solve problems in the classroom.
  • Professional development trainer: Develop and deliver training for teachers at a school, or at the district, state or national levels.
  • Curriculum designer: Focus exclusively on the design of large-scale curricula at all levels of the education system.

In higher education, you may work as an instructional designer or educational technology specialist who:

  • Develops online courses and other class/training materials.
  • Works with faculty to develop technology-assisted learning, including online education and multimedia development labs.

UND Instructional Design & Technology Alumni

Many of our students found jobs or were promoted from their current position before graduation. UND Instructional Design and Technology alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Amazon
  • Pearson PLC
  • Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
  • Humana
  • Public and private schools

Instructional Design and Technology Master's 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 550. Theories and Models of Instructional Design. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on pedagogical theories from education and psychology as they relate to instructional design, and on alternate models of instructional design. Topics include epistemological views of knowledge, major schools of thought on the nature of learning, a survey of instructional and learning theories, and a survey of instructional design models. Particular emphasis is placed on the interrelation of theories, models, and practice in the field of instructional design. Prerequisite: Program major or permission of instructor.

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. Prerequisite: 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 Instructional Design and Technology Master's

#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 Instruction Design and Technology master's 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

Online Master's in Instructional Design and Technology

2#

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

1#

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

The M.S. and M.Ed. programs are available for on-campus and online delivery, making it possible to attain a master’s 100% online, on-campus, or a combination of both. Online and on-campus students are peers in the same class sessions and experience the same educational opportunities.

Courses typically have a few synchronous (live) class sessions, where students may attend on-campus in the actual classroom, or online. In this manner, class lectures, discussion, presentation, and collaboration are done seamlessly, in a nearly identical fashion to traditional classes. Live classes are held in the evening with a 15-student maximum.

Asynchronous sessions (those done at the time and place of the students’ choosing each week) are handled through a course management system. Students use these tools to read material loaded by the teacher, turn in assignments, communicate through message boards, participate in discussions through threaded discussion tools, take tests, and receive their grades. There are assignments and participation activities every week, whether the class meets live or not. In this way, students get the best of both worlds: the flexibility of online learning and the personal contact and connection of face-to-face instruction.

Top-Tier Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

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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