*** IDT MS Program Named as One of the Best Online Master's in Educational Technology for 2023! ***

Earn an IDT Master of Science degree in 30 semester hours!

The Master of Science program in Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) prepares students to assess, design, develop, and evaluate instruction, instructional material, and technology resources. The 30-credit degree program also allows students to design and implement technologies and to apply design thinking to support teaching and learning. Students are able to pursue their personal professional interests in a curriculum that integrates conceptual coursework with hands-on experience in real-world settings.

The program provides students with knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Systematic instructional design and evaluation of instruction and training
• Online, blended, and computer-based instructional methods and strategies for providing engaging instruction that promotes access to equitable educational opportunities
• Multimedia applications in education and training
• Technology integration for e-learning, classrooms, building level, and training environments
• Instructional software development and use
• Training and support development in technical fields focused on technology use, planning, implementation, continuous improvement and management

Instructional design and technology professionals work in a variety of business, industry, government, K-12 and higher education, health, and non-profit settings. Coursework, projects, internships, and practice allow students to explore career paths and focus on a chosen field of work.

Program Quick Facts

• Three M.S. Program Tracks: There are three emphasis options for students pursuing the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology: 1) the General Instructional Design and Technology Emphasis, 2) the Technology Specialist Emphasis, or 3) Technical Training and Design Emphasis. Note that certified Illinois teachers who complete the IDT Master’s program with a Technology Specialist emphasis OR complete the Technology Specialist Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and pass the required state test are eligible for the Technology Specialist Endorsement approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. Additional Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs are also available. 
• Completion Requirements: 30 total semester-hour credits (core courses: 9 SH; directed electives: 15 SH; exit option: 6 SH)
• Course Delivery: 100% online coursework or mixed option (combination of online and on-campus Weekend Academies)
• Typical Length of Study: Students can enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students can complete program requirements within one to two years. Part-time students typically complete the program within two to three years. Up to six years to fulfill degree requirements allowed. 
• Semester When Program Can Be Started: The program offers rolling admission. Students can begin coursework during the Fall, Summer, or Spring semester.
• Prerequisites: Bachelor degree from an accredited institution; minimum 2.75 GPA overall or 3.0 during the last two years of undergraduate coursework; three letters of recommendation; and a structured essay. See additional admission requirements for international graduate students.
• Estimated Costs: See the Cost Estimator.
• STEM-designated Degree Program (CIP 13.0501) designated by the U.S. federal government.

Program Emphases

• M.S. in IDT, General Emphasis (pdf)
• M.S. in IDT, Technology Specialist Emphasis (pdf)
• M.S in IDT, Technical Training and Design Emphasis (pdf) - NEW! Incorporates Engineering Technology leadership and management courses into the Instructional Design degree.
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in IDT (pdf)

Why Choose Instructional Design and Technology at WIU?

• Multiple delivery formats: 100% online or an on-campus/online combination of coursework
• Degree completion as quickly as one year in consultation with the graduate advisor
• Flexible to meet many career objectives from job advancement to new career paths
• Comprehensive and practical curriculum
• Affordable tuition rates
• Small classes with low student:teacher ratio

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs

• Educational Technology Specialist: Prepares educators for leadership in facilitating the use of technology in classrooms and institutions. In addition, prepares licensed teachers for the Illinois Technology Specialist Certification.
• Technology Integration in Education: Prepares educators for using technology in the classroom.

Learn more about the certificate programs.

Assistantship Opportunities

A limited number of graduate assistantships, which provide a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver, are available at the Macomb campus. Undergraduate and graduate GPAs, scholarship records, recommendations, and a personal statement provide the criteria for awarding assistantships. Applications for assistantships must be made through the School of Graduate Studies. Contact the Department of Engineering Technology for Graduate Assistantship application materials.

Student Resources

Additional program information is available on the IDT Student Resources page.

Faculty

The faculty in the Instructional Design and Technology program are knowledgeable, professional, and committed to providing you with the best education available. Faculty members have extensive experience in their fields, enjoying national and international reputations for their contributions. All faculty members actively engage in ongoing research and fieldwork, which means that you will learn the most current real-world solutions, techniques and applications. Please see more about IDT faculty on their webpages.

Accreditation

Western Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. WIU is also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), now called the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology with a Technology Specialist emphasis and the Technology Specialist PBC program are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education for meeting the Technology Specialist standards.

Career Opportunities

Instructional Design and Technology graduates work in many areas of corporate training, public education, higher education, military, and health services. There are many job titles for IDT professionals in organizations. Some job title examples include:

IDT Job Fair

The IDT Job Fair is held each year. Interested students should bring copies of a current resume to the fair for the employers to see what skills they have for employment or internship opportunity.

Internships and Graduate Assistantship Opportunities

IDT internships (IDT 620) provide qualified students with a supervised opportunity of practice work experience in various career options. The IDT internship is an opportunity for students to apply and expand their education, gain valuable professional experience, build confidence in their abilities, and explore careers in their field. The contacts made during an internship can provide invaluable advice and guidance as well as lead to a permanent job offer.

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available at the Macomb campus. They provide a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver. Applications require undergraduate and graduate GPAs, scholarship records, recommendations, and a personal statement. Applications are made through the School of Graduate Studies.

Curriculum Requirements for Master in Science in Instructional Design and Technology (30 Semester Hours Total)

All M.S. students will complete a minimum of 30 credit of coursework that includes nine semester hours of core courses and an six-hour exit option. Students in the M.S. program with a General Emphasis will select 15 hours of directed IDT elective courses and an six-hour exit (capstone) option. Students in the M.S. program with a Technology Specialist Emphasis or with a Technical Training and Design Emphasis will take 15 hours of directed electives courses specific to their emphasis. Students will consult with the IDT Graduate Program Coordinator on course selection and program of study planning.

Please refer to the graduate catalog for detailed program information and course requirements.

Program of Study

Core Course: 9 semester hours

• IDT 500 Intro to the IDT Field (3)
• IDT 505 Foundations of Instructional Technology (3)
• IDT 510 Principles of Instructional Design (3)

Directed Electives: 15 semester hours - Select one emphasis.

• IDT General Emphasis

Students, in consultation with the IDT Graduate Advisor will select 15 hours of IDT courses in their areas of interest.

• Technology Specialist Emphasis

• • IDT 517 Technology Tools and Strategies for Digital Learning Environments (3)
  • IDT 529 Integration of Learning Technologies for Education and Training (3)
  • IDT 534 Technology Issues and Professional Development in Education and Training (3)
  • IDT 539 Leading Learning Technology Use in Digital Age Environments (3)
  • IDT 595 Technology, Planning, and Research (3)

• Technical Training and Design Emphasis

• • ET 525 Management of Engineering Technology (3)ET 535 Engineering Technology Leadership (3)
  • ET 548 Planning Techniques for Leaders (3)
  • Select two 3-credit courses from the following:

IDT 433G OR IDT 561, IDT 512, IDT 515, IDT 516,I DT 520, IDT 530, IDT 532, IDT 536, IDT 537, IDT 538, IDT 540 OR IDT 545, IDT 541, IDT 550, IDT 560, IDT 565

Exit Option: 6 semester hours - Select one option.

• Coursework Exit Option: IDT 603 Portfolio (3) plus one elective (3)
• Research Exit Option 1: IDT 600 Applied Project (3), plus a) IDT 595 Technology, Planning, and Research (3) for IDT General Emphasis, b) one elective (3) for Technology Specialist Emphasis, or c) IDT 595 Technology, Planning, and Research (3) OR ET 590 Research Techniques in Technical Areas (3) for IDT Technical Training and Design Emphasis
• Research Exit Option 2: IDT 605 Thesis (3), plus a) IDT 595 Technology, Planning, and Research (3) for IDT General Emphasis, b) one elective (3) for Technology Specialist Emphasis, or c) IDT 595 Technology, Planning, and Research (3) or ET 590 Research Techniques in Technical Areas (3) for IDT Technical Training and Design Emphasis

Course Offerings

To see when courses will be offered, visit the Course Rotation Schedule.

Sample Plans of Study

The sample plans of study provide examples of course schedules for full-time and part-time students. These plans should be adjusted to meet individual students' needs and interests.  These plans are to be used as guides. Students should consult with their advisor for details.

• Sample Plans of Study: General IDT Emphasis - 100% Online
• Sample Plans of Study: General IDT Emphasis - On-campus/Online
• Sample Plans of Study: Technology Specialist Emphasis - 100% Online
• Sample Plans of Study: Technical Training and Design Emphasis - Combination of On-campus and Online

Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) Courses

433G Instructional 3D Modeling and Animation

Instructional uses of three-dimensional modeling and animation are explored including basic modeling tools, virtual camera controls, materials, video production, and lighting. Course materials cost required. Prerequisites: IDT 205 or permission of the instructor.

460G Instructional Virtual Reality Design

Focuses on the integration of virtual reality technologies for instruction and training. Provides opportunities to develop instructional/training virtual environments utilizing virtual reality authoring systems. Course materials cost required. Prerequisite: IDT 355 or permission of the instructor.

500 Introduction to the Design and Technology Field

(Online course only) Introduction to the field of instructional design and technology, and an overview to the IDT master’s degree program. The focus is on the academic strategies and skills needed for successfully completing the degree. 

505 Foundations of Instructional Technology

(Online course only) Introductory survey of the field of Instructional Technology. Upon completion students will be able to: (1) communicate about the field’s terminology, history, accomplishments and issues; (2) describe the advantages, disadvantages, characteristics, and critical attributes of various instructional media; and (3) critically evaluate the foundations in instructional technology.

510 Principles of Instructional Design

(Online course only) Develop knowledge and skills in systematic analysis of the teaching‑learning process using an instructional design approach. Study and application of instructional design theories and models.

512 Instructional Development for Business and Training

This course focuses on the development of highly interactive training programs for business and industry. The emphasis is on screen casting, software simulations, and video presentations for training and instruction.

515 E-Learning Design and Development

(Online course only) Focuses on the application of e-learning design principles and research-supported practices for designing and developing instruction for educational and training purposes. Students will create e-learning curriculum or training modules.

516 Internet Resources for Education and Training

(Online course only) Focuses on developing skills in finding, evaluating, and using internet resources for education and training. Collaboration tools, social media, and mobile applications are explored. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate use of these materials, including copyright compliance.

517 Technology Tools and Strategies for Digital Learning Environments

(Online course only) Focus on the study and application of technology-enhanced tools and strategies in digital/interactive learning environments for educational and training purposes.

520 Learning Experience Design

Focuses on application of Learner Experience Design principles and techniques in the instructional design process to develop instruction for educational and training purposes. Students will create modules that maximize the instructional value of the courses and improve the learner performance.

525 Grant Writing Basics

(Online course only) To identify and select appropriate grants, learn strategies for effective proposal writing, and develop skills for utilizing a team approach to generate ideas, coordinate writing, maximize organizational involvement, and strengthen successful grant implementation.

529 Integration of Learning Technologies for Education and Training

(Online course only) Focus on the integration of learning technologies and instructional design principles into curriculum design, development, implementation, and evaluation for educational and training purposes.

530 Graphics Applications in Education and Training

(Rotating basis) Survey of imaging-related applications such as image editing, 3D modeling, movie editing and special effects software. Course materials cost required.

532 Fundamentals of Performance Technology for Instructional Designers and Technologists

(Online course only) This course surveys performance technology approaches and tools to improve the performance of individuals, work groups, and work processes. Students will collaboratively identify instructional and non-instructional performance problems, suggest interventions based upon data-driven needs analyses, and implement and evaluate programmatic solutions in cooperation with the clients.

534 Technology Issues and Professional Development in Education and Training

(Online course only) Focuses on exploring issues and professional development related to instructional technology.

535 Photographic Applications in Education and Training

Production techniques such as still camera handling, basic darkroom skills, and color slide presentations, and the use of photographic images in microcomputer-based multimedia will be explored. Course materials cost required.

536 Video Production for Multimedia

(Online course on rotating basis) Introduction to the production cycle for instructional design video. Students will develop instructional videos using digital video production techniques such as video camera handling, special effects, and desktop editing.

537 Instructional Video Production

Project research, planning and budgeting, script-writing, and media design for instructional video. Course includes casting, lighting, audio, camera movement, angles and camera techniques. Course materials cost required.

538 Imaging Technology

(Online course on rotating basis) Introduction to methods for using digital technology to create and modify images for use in instructional materials. Students will follow a visual design process to create graphics for educational purposes, such as e-learning and computer-based instruction.

539 Leading Learning Technology Use in Digital Age Environments

(Online course only) Plan for, implement, manage, and evaluate digital tools and resources to support data- informed decision-making, shared vision for technology use, instruction, and learning in technology-rich educational settings.

540 Interactive Multimedia Development

Basic principles of design and development of interactive instructional computer applications. Students will complete several modules utilizing a representative multimedia authoring tool and will create prototype instructional software. Course materials cost required.

541 Advanced Interactive Multimedia Development

Advanced skills in development of media, efficient software design, and application of instructional design principles to deliver computer-based multimedia. Students will perform a series of exercises and continue development of refined multimedia products. Course materials cost required.

545 Instructional Web Development

(Online course on rotating basis) Development of web-based instruction and the application of current commercial products for web-based course delivery. Deals with HTML authoring and adapting graphics and movies for web-based delivery. Course materials cost required.

550 Advanced Instructional Design

(Online course only) Design, develop, and evaluate an instructional system. Using the knowledge of instruction design, students will develop a mini-instructional system.

560 Visual Instructional Design Approaches and Practices

(Online course only) Review research on the application of visual design, visual media, and visual learning principles into the design and development of instructional material. Students will integrate visuals into instructional design projects across multiple learning environments.

561 Instructional Simulations and Gaming

(Online course only) Focuses on the use of simulations and games for instruction and training. Provides opportunities to develop instructional simulations utilizing appropriate development software. Also focuses on the effective and efficient development of game-based instruction. Course materials cost required.

565 Management of Instructional Technology

(Online course only) Emphasis is given to project management, assessment of instructional needs, coordinating instructional design and production of instructional materials and projects, and identifying resource needs and allocation.

591 Independent Study

An investigation of issues related to the student’s major area, not specifically covered in other courses. A substantial written report, as well as an informal oral report will be required. Prerequisites: 15 hours of IDT classes, filing of degree plan, graduate committee formed, and permission of the program coordinator.

595 Technology, Planning and Research

(Online course only) Emphasis on the planning, leadership, and evaluation of technology integration in educational and training environments. Provides students with the opportunity to apply theories and techniques of educational technology through on-site field experiences. Prerequisites: IDT 500

600 Applied Project

Advanced level fieldwork in a setting appropriate to the student’s professional goals. The result of the applied project will be presented to the student’s Graduate Committee. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Permission of program coordinator.

601 Seminar in Instructional Design and Technology

In-depth, guided studies of critical issues and topics in instructional design and technology.

603 Graduate Portfolio

Development of portfolio projects that demonstrate mastery of the range of IDT skills and knowledge acquired during the program. Report and oral presentation demonstrate ability to describe and reflect on the processes followed developing the projects. Graded S/U.

605 Thesis

Thesis direction under the guidance of a major advisor to meet the need of the student. A written thesis will be presented to the student’s Graduate Committee. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Permission of the program coordinator.

620 Instructional Design and Technology Internship

Integrates instructional technology theories and practical skills with application in a real-life environment. Students are exposed to a variety of positions in that environment during the semester. During the internship, the student will demonstrate his/her ability to integrate, organize and manage a project. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: Completion of 15 hours of approved IDT course work and permission of the program coordinator.

Admission Requirements

The IDT program welcomes and invites qualified applicants from diverse fields and interests. Applicants desiring admission into the IDT graduate program must formally apply to the School of Graduate Studies declaring Instructional Design and Technology as their area of study. Furthermore, applicants must indicate whether they are applying for the General Instructional Design and Technology Emphasis or the Technology Specialist Emphasis.

Learn about the graduate application process.

Applicants may qualify for admission to the General Instructional Design and Technology Emphasis under the following conditions:

1. Applicants must meet the general admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies. Currently, the School of Graduate Studies admits students with an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 (or a GPA of at least 3.0 for the final two years of undergraduate coursework). If undergraduate requirements are not met, the departmental admissions committee will consider for admission applicants who have completed at least 12 semester hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.2 or higher from a regionally accredited university. All others will be denied admission. No more than nine semester hours completed before being admitted to the program can be used to meet degree requirements, unless the hours were earned while in an IDT Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program.
2. Applicants must submit a 1000-word structured essay that describes their interests and career goals as they apply to the field of instructional design and technology. Download the structured essay questions (docx).
3. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s academic potential at the graduate level.
4. International students whose native language is not English must satisfy one of the following criteria:
   1. meet the minimum TOEFL admission score required by the School of Graduate Studies;
   2. complete the WESL program prior to taking IDT graduate courses;
   3. hold a bachelor’s degree (with four years in residence) from an accredited college/university within the USA and within two years of matriculation at WIU.

Applicants who want to apply at completion of the MS with a Technology Specialist Emphasis program for an Illinois endorsement for Technology Specialist must have a valid Illinois teaching license. Completion of the Technology Specialist Emphasis does not automatically lead to an Illinois State Board of Education Technology Specialist endorsement. Questions concerning this licensure should be directed to the IDT Graduate Advisor. 

Degree Requirements

Students seeking the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology will complete the required courses and an exit option: IDT 603 Portfolio, IDT 600 Applied Project, or IDT 605 Thesis. Students will defend their exit option work in person or virtually.

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