Master of Science in Educational and Instructional Technology Program Page

Master of Science in Designing Instructional and Educational Technology

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Program Overview

Impact and enhance student learning experiences and explore the changes and opportunities that technology presents to modern education by pursuing a Master of Science in Designing Educational and Instructional Technology. This degree program will prepare you with the skills and tools needed to succeed in this exciting field.

Throughout the Master of Science in Instructional Technology program, you’ll experience application of emerging technologies to resolve instructional problem, and learn to use their newfound knowledge and skills to improve instruction, whether in education, business, industry, or government. You’ll also receive extensive technical training and learn to integrate multimedia elements into simulations, virtual worlds, and learning objectives.

This learning technology degree opens the door for a career in education in K-12 technology coordination in public, private, home school, and virtual school instruction settings, including in online instruction in higher education.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

Course Details

Course Listing

Core Requirements

  • 10 courses; 45 quarter units

Technology Foundations serves as MSDIET program introduction. Course format forecasts program expectations, introduces the five lenses of educational technology evaluation (theory, tools, practice, design & assessment). Key concepts defined. Hands on project-based instructional design practices introduced and scholarly research begins

Recommended PreparationEID 600 with a minimum grade of C.

Overview of instructional tools and design processes used to create robust learning objects and dynamic learning environments. Relevant theories applied to creation of instructional strategies, learning objectives, and assessment of outcomes. Students continue scholarly research and hands-on projects.

Recommended PreparationEID 600 with a minimum grade of C.

Students explore relationship between extant theory and instructional. Technology viewed as a value-neutral tool applied to enhance communication and cognition.

Recommended PreparationEID 600 with a minimum grade of C.

Media Rich learning objects, supported by learning theory created for real world application. Emphasis on UX.

Recommended PreparationEID 600 with a minimum grade of C.

Learners step into the role of course designer as they explore the affordances and constraints of distant learning modalities. Tools, theory, and calibrated learner needs are considered as original learning environments are crafted and evaluated for their efficacy as tools of teaching, learning, engaging and community building.

Recommended Preparation: EID 600 with a minimum grade of C.

Overview of audio and video tools. Introduces techniques and design skills for craft engaging, comprehensible learning objects. Emphasis on audience. Media choice supported by theory. Emphasis on narrative-supported learner-engagement.

Recommended PreparationEID 600 with a minimum grade of C.

Deep dive into the tools, theory, and practice of using simulation, games, virtual spaces (AR, MR, & MR), and representational avatars to enhance interactive learning environments. Instructor return on investment considerations explored.

Recommended PreparationEID 600 with a minimum grade of C.

Program graduates prepared for roles as educational technology subject-matter experts and institutional change agents. Emphasis on issues surrounding the choosing, adoption, rollout and sustainability of new educational technologies. Teams of students conduct needs assessment as basis for drafting technology plan.

PrerequisiteEID 600 with a minimum grade of C. ; EID 610 with a minimum grade of C. ; EID 620 with a minimum grade of C. ; EID 630 with a minimum grade of C. ; EID 640 with a minimum grade of C. ; EID 650 with a minimum grade of C. ; EID 660 with a minimum grade of C. ; EID 670 with a minimum grade of C.

Prospectus for capstone (the final course in the program) developed. Students review efficacy of previous work, evaluate continuous improvement strategies. Emphasis on UX, learning outcomes and assessment.

PrerequisiteEID 680 with a minimum grade of C. ALL PREVIOUS COURSEWORK should be completed.

Prospectus from EID680 guides students in their 8-week EID 690 capstone. Final course in master’s program. Students complete Capstone Project and accompanying thesis level report synthesizing all of their skills and knowledge into an online showcase. Grading outcomes are H, S, or U only.

* It is highly recommended that learners complete EID 600 Technology Foundations before enrolling in subsequent programmatic courses. EID 600 lays the foundational expectations of the program and models the skills needed to successfully complete this degree. This program was designed to be completed linearly. Derivation from that path should involve the expectation of previous learning or additional student support.

Degree and Course Requirements

To obtain a Master of Science in Designing Instructional and Educational Technology, students must complete 45 quarter units of graduate work. Where appropriate, students can transfer a maximum of 4.5 quarter units of graduate work completed at another regionally accredited institution to meet stated requirements in the program if the units were not used toward a conferred degree. Students should refer to the section on graduate admission requirements for specific information regarding application and evaluation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Effectively filter online information.
  • Synthesize contemporary design tools with extant learning theory and UDL principles.
  • Design learning environments supported by learning theories by depicting diverse, ethical and inclusive imagery.
  • Cultivate habits of mind conducive to prosocial ethics, social emotional learning, professional communication, and lifelong learning.
  • Assemble a showcase portfolio synthesizing professional (instructional technology and educational design) skills supported by extant scholarship.

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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.

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Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

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