Curriculum: Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology

Next Term Application Deadline

07.15.2025

Total Credits

Next Term Starts

08.25.2025

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Curriculum at a Glance

All coursework for the online Master of Instructional Design and Technology program is completed 100% online. The IDT M.Ed. program teaches students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate learning by using the latest online and digital tools. It is offered in a fully online learning environment that capitalizes on UC’s state-of-the-art virtual lab facilities.

Our program is taught by world-class faculty: individuals who are leaders in the field of instructional design & technology. Professional field experiences available as an elective to apply what you learn to a real-world setting. Capstone experience allows students to create a professional portfolio of their work.

CURRICULUM AT A GLANCE

Core Courses Teaching Concentration Master's Project

Students will complete all of the following core courses.

Course	Title / Description	Credit
IDT8010	Instructional Design Course: IDT8010 Credit: 3 This course introduces the fundamentals of instructional design and guides students to develop a strong understanding of the systematic design of instruction. The course covers the complete process of instructional design, including needs assessment, goal analysis, learner/context analysis, instructional strategies, instructional materials, and formative/summative evaluation. Students will learn essential skills to conduct each component successfully and develop a holistic perspective on instructional design.	3
IDT8020	Learning Sciences and Technology Course: IDT8020 Credit: 3 This course provides a fundamental understanding of learning sciences, an interdisciplinary field dedicated to studying learning and how learning may be facilitated in designed environments. Students will design a technology-based learning environment and conduct an evaluation of the embedded theories in an existing environment of their choice, such as digital media, games, or other innovative technologies.	3
Free Electives	Free Electives Course: Free Electives Credit: 3 Student may select 3 semester hours from any other IDT courses, or faculty recommended courses.	3

Students will complete all of the following concentration courses.

Course	Title / Description	Credit
IDT7100	Designing Online Assessments for Data-Driven Decisions Course: IDT7100 Credit: 3 Data is at the core of educational reform and should be used to inform teaching practice. The purpose of this course is to design assessments that allow instructors to make data-driven decisions to improve their instruction. It will include the evaluation and comparison of currently employed measures of assessment in online environments for their effectiveness in evaluating learner progress and underlying instructional methods. The course will cover the continuous improvement cycle of online assessments. Beginning with backward design, students will learn how to align learning outcomes, learning activities, and online assessments. Based on intended learning outcomes, students will design a variety of formative and summative assessments and learn how to use technology to improve the quality of those assessments. Finally, students will analyze the data generated from these assessments to create an instructional plan to improve student learning, enhance their instructional activities, and make adjustments to the assessments.	3
SPED7052	Universal Design for Learning Course: SPED7052 Credit: 3 This course provides an overview of how the principles of Universal Design for Learning can be used to design online and blended learning experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners including those who are accelerated and those who are struggling for a variety of reasons. Special attention will be given to integrating technologies, such as Generative AI, multimedia, and other digital tools, that support student engagement, authentic learning, and general accessibility supports.	3
IDT7160	Multimedia Studio Course: IDT7160 Credit: 3 This course covers the essential skills and techniques needed to create powerful multimedia products. Students will learn fundamental design principles and adopt a wide range of innovative technologies to generate new solutions for visual communication and multimedia representation. The course provides a dynamic interactive design space where students actively collaborate with peers, gain valuable hands-on experience, and exchange constructive feedback.	3
IDT7130	Applications and Issues of Teaching with Technology Course: IDT7130 Credit: 3 This course provides an overview of the increasingly complex array of digital media and technology-based resources available for use in blended and online environments. Students will apply theory to practice to truly redefine lessons to enhance learning through technology. Students will also learn practical skills, ranging from facilitation skills needed to manage a technology-based class to troubleshooting technology problems. The course also explores burning issues surrounding educational technology such as inequalities and accessibility issues, technology distractions, internet safety, and other ethical issues. It also examines the disruptive innovation of Generative AI on teaching and learning.	3
IDT8030	Design of Blended and Online Learning Environments Course: IDT8030 Credit: 3 This course guides students through the process of designing and developing successful online learning. Students will explore a variety of learning environments, learn how to incorporate instructional models, instructional strategies, and digital media effectively into the design process, and create a complete instructional unit that promotes learner engagement and motivation.	3

Students will take IDT 8130 twice for a total of 6 credits.

Course	Title / Description	Credit
IDT8130	Master's Project: Instructional Design and Technology Course: IDT8130 Credit: 3 This is a culminating experience course. Students will be provided the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they gained through their coursework to the design and development of a capstone project.	3
IDT8130	Master's Project: Instructional Design and Technology Course: IDT8130 Credit: 3 This is a culminating experience course. Students will be provided the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they gained through their coursework to the design and development of a capstone project.	3

FAQs

What Path Can I Take With My M.Ed In Instructional Design And Technology After Graduation?

Instructional designers are needed now more than ever, in both educational institutions, and in corporate settings. Our program sets students up with the skills needed to be successful, regardless of which path you take.
What Salary Can You Make With Your Master Of Education In Instructional Design & Technology?
Salary.com states that the average salary for positions that require blended learning skills is $143,056. According to payscale.com, your salary can vary depending on your profession:
- Instructional Designer: $64k
- Sr. Instructional Designer (Training & Development): $87k
- Training Manager: $90k
- Training & Development Manager: $80k
- Elementary School Teacher: $45k
- Training Director: $100k
- Senior Learning and Development Specialist: $81k
What Type Of Career Options Are There In The Instructional Design Field?
There are a wide variety of career paths you can take with an M.Ed in Instructional Design and Technology. Examples of career options include:
- Coaching teachers on how to integrate technology into teaching
- Ensuring training is accessible and meets the needs of diverse learners
- Designing blended instruction in college settings
- Preparing online training for new hires in a large corporation
- Researching new innovative technologies for teaching