Instructional Design Degree Programs

Instructional design degree programs are a good option for those who enjoy working with learners in a technology-based environment. Locating good programs is one step toward this direction. This site offers summary that is intended to help you figure out the options that best suite your needs. Please contact individual schools that you may be interested for in-depth information regarding programs, course offerings, distance education programs, admissions, financial aid, and degrees. Each entry includes the url of the degree and the title of the program. Programs are listed by state in which the primary campus is located.

Some colleges and universities offering Masters in Instructional Design and other related degrees include:

• Ashford University: M. A. in Teaching and Learning with Technology
• Capella University: M. S. in Education/Instructional Design; Ph.D. in Information Technology Education; Ph.D. in Education/Instructional Design
• Kaplan University: M.A.T.L. in Teaching with Technology
• Walden University: M. S. in Integrating Technology; Ph.D. in Educational Technology
• Western Govenors University: M. Ed. Learning and Technology
• Univesity of Maryland: Master of Distance Education; MDE in Distance Education Teaching and Training; MDE in Distance Education Policy and Management; MDE in Distance Education Technology; MSTM in Distance Education and Technology; Master of Education

• Boise State University: M. S. in Educational Technology; M.E.T- Master of Educational Technology
• Jones International University: M. Ed. in K-12 Instructional Technology; M.Ed. in K-12 Instructional Technology: Teacher Licensure; M. Ed. e-learning with Technology and Design
• Nova Southeastern University: M.A.T.L. in Teaching and Learning - K-12 Technology Integration; M. S. in Computing Technology in Education; Ph.D. in Computing Technology in Education
• Strayer University: M. Ed. in Technology in Education
• Regis University: M. Ed. in Instructional Technology

Prospective students should consider several factors when choosing between different instructional design degree programs. For example, future career plans, interest and expertise in various specializations, geographic mobility, distance learning opportunities, and financial resources. These guidelines suggest some information gathering techniques to assist prospective students in choosing a program. Different schools use different names for their programs, for example:

• Computer Education
• Educational Multimedia
• Educational Technology
• Instructional Design and Development
• Instructional Technology
• Instructional Systems
• Instructional Systems Technology
• Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation
• Instructional Design and Technology
• Instructional and Performance Technology
• Learning Technologies

Closely related to degrees in instructional design are Adult Education and Training and Performance Improvement degrees and concentrations.

Accreditation means that a program has undergone a self-evaluation process, been reviewed by peers, and other accrediting bodies. Accrediting organizations evaluate programs on the conformity to standards, which address mission, goals, and objectives, curriculum, faculty, students, administration and financial support, and physical resources and facilities.

If possible, visiting the schools that offer the instructional design degree program, and/or talking to faculty members can help you select the program that best meets your goals. Also take time to examine facilities such as computer and library resources, affordability, housing, and extra-curricular activities, possibilities of employments and internships are some issues that you should examine.

Generally, programs require a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (often higher) on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent, e.g., B average). Many programs in the United States require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)Test scores. Some accept the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Some have no entry test requirements. Students from outside the United States may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Most programs request that students provide letters of recommendation and a statement of educational and professional objectives. Some programs, especially Ph.D. programs may also require a personal interview. In some programs, new students may be required to demonstrate computer skills early in the program.

Masters Degrees

Given the areas of emphasis listed above, there may be considerable variations in the curricula offered by the programs, such as the number and types of required courses. The number of academic credit hours required for a master's degree averages about 36 semester hours or 72 quarter hours. Some programs offer full-time programs, while others may have more students attending on a part time basis. For this reason, many instructional design degree programs that have on-campus courses offer evening classes. Depending on the school you may work toward a Master of Science (M. Sc.), Master of Arts (M. A.), or Master of Education (M.Ed).

Many programs will have a limit as to how long a student takes to complete a degree. If you are in a program too long, you may begin to lose credits or be required to retake some classes. Many programs can be completed on an average of two years if one is attending classes on a full time basis (2-4 classes depending on the program. Some programs require a thesis, practicum, comprehensive exam, masters research project or a combination of these requirements for graduation. Graduates work in a variety of different settings in corporations, schools, universities, government, military, and non-governmental organizations (NGO's) just to name a few.

Difference Between PhD and Ed.D Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Education (Ed .D) degrees both take longer to complete. Although these also vary from program to program, the main difference between major Ph.D. and Ed .D degrees is the design and intent of the programs. An Ed .D program generally prepares practitioners. A program would include coursework, internships, and independent work in learning and direction, staff development, supervising, evaluation, and research synthesis. Many people chose to work in school settings and universities. The Ph.D. program is a research degree and includes coursework, internships, and independent work in research designing, data analysis, and instructional theory. Ph.D. graduates tend to work in universities and research-based environments. Therefore a Ph.D. is based on original research while a Ed .D is practice oriented. Even with full time studies few people complete a program of study in less than four years, and part time students can take up to seven years. As with the masters degree be sure not to take too long to or you will start to lose credit hours. Doctorate programs require the completion of residency requirements (each school will define their residency requirements). Candidates are also required to work on a dissertation after completion of the coursework. This phase of the program is often referred to as ABD (all but dissertation. There are also several universities offering doctoral degrees this area including:

• Capella University: Ph.D. in Information Technology Education; Ph.D. in Education/Instructional Design
• Nova Southeastern University: Ph.D. in Computing Technology in Education
• Walden University: Ph.D. in Educational Technology

Areas of Specialization in Instructional Design Degree Programs

Many instructional design degree programs offer different areas of specialization to prepare their students. Instructional designers, instructional technologist, or e-learning specialists work in a variety of different settings in corporations, schools, universities, government, military, non-governmental organizations (NGO's) and in the medical professions. Some students enter a master's program knowing what they want to do when they graduate, some have not made a decision, and some see their interests shift once they are exposed to the wide variety of types and settings in which they can work.

Plan a program of study based on an assessment of your past experiences, education, personal strengths and interests, geographic mobility, intended career path, and future plans. During your time in the instructional design degree programs, you should be aware of job market opportunities but you should not necessarily let them dictate your choice to specialize. Faculty advisors can help in the process of developing a program of study that fits your needs.The programs have required courses to provide general preparation to practice in the profession. Some programs also offer specialized tracks or courses that permit or encourage concentration in a specific area as listed above. The opportunity to specialize depends on the availability of relevant courses, on focused class projects. Find Degree Programs in Your Area - Tap into the Experts. If you interested in a certificate in instructional technology, a couple of universities offer some options, including DeVry University which offers an Educational Technology Certificate, and Boise State University, which provides a Graduate Certificate in Technology Integration, and a Graduate Certificate in School Technology Coordination.