Instructional Design and Learning Technology

Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology

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30 Credit Hours

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Up To 12 Hours

Transfer Credit
Cost per Hour

$617

Per Credit Hour
EKU Online > Online Instructional Design and Learning Technology Degree & Certificates > Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology

Become an Architect of Exceptional Learning Experiences

Innovative instructional programs are increasingly critical to success in a variety of fields – from education to industry. EKU’s 100% online master of science in instructional design and learning technology (IDLT) prepares you to integrate current and emerging technology as you learn to design, facilitate and evaluate effective learning programs. Graduates leave the program with a professional portfolio showcasing their skills and accomplishments and are prepared to take on key roles in the growing field of instructional design.

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Benefits
Certificates
Careers
Internship FAQ

Benefits of EKU Online

Students will acquire not only specialized foundational and theoretical knowledge of the field, but also hone relevant, industry-accepted skills while making connections with current practitioners. EKU blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as multimedia for learning, making data-driven decisions, online learning design, and training the modern workforce.

Program benefits include:

  • Accelerated 8-week terms
  • No GRE required
  • Complete your degree in as little as 18 months
  • Assemble a professional portfolio as you complete your coursework
  • Internship opportunities and the chance to network with professionals in the field
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Reduced tuition for active duty military members and their spouses
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance
  • Dedicated advisors who provide personalized graduation plans
  • Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best universities offering online degrees

Certificates

Choose between two specialty certificates that can be completed for no additional cost as you work toward your degree, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. Options include:

  • Online Learning Design
    Create digital learning products and tools for use in everything from online college courses to corporate workforce training. Learn how to plan for and develop content, structure, timing, pedagogical strategies, learning activity sequence, and the type and frequency of assessments required.
  • User Experience Design
    Create products that provide relevant and meaningful user experiences and interactions. Learn how to use graphic design principles to develop engaging, effective and easy-to-use interfaces for learning, game, software systems training materials and more.

Career Opportunities

Instructional design is an eclectic and specialized field built on unique skill sets used to create better learning experiences and materials. Instructional designers (IDs) have come from wide-ranging backgrounds such as art, computer science, business management, video production, technical writing, foreign languages, mathematics, philosophy, and teacher education.

Job prospects are promising. According to BLS, jobs such as instructional coordinators, are poised to grow 10% through 2030. Additionally, within the same time period, BLS projects training and development specialists, another career for IDs to grow 11% – faster than average.

Careers Include:

  • Instructional coordinator
  • Curriculum designers
  • Corporate trainers
  • Web trainers
  • Distance education specialist
Find your career

 

Instructional Design & Learning Technology Internship FAQs

What is the IDLT Internship?

Students in Eastern Kentucky University’s online master’s degree in instructional design and learning technology are required to complete a field internship – IDL 820. This 3-credit hour course is designed to give students the opportunity to collaborate with peers and mentors who have practical experience to share.

Why complete an internship?

Completing an internship as you work towards your master’s degree in instructional design and learning technology provides the opportunity to:

  • Put what you’ve learned into practice
  • Network with other professionals in your field
  • Gain valuable experience that can be used to build your resume
  • Enhance your professional portfolio

When can IDLT students complete their internship?

Students in EKU’s online IDLT program need to complete 3 program courses, have a 3.0 or higher GPA and secure the consent of the department before they begin their internship.

What are the options for completing an IDLT internship?

Students have the option of completing one of three types of internships:

  1. Placement Option 1 – Students complete an internship at their current place of employment. Students will identify a practical instructional experience that revolves around the design and development of learning objects.  
  2. Placement Option 2 – Students complete an internship at an organization of their choosing. Students will select an organization with an established EKU relationship, or they can identify their own placement and negotiate the terms of the internship. 
  3. Placement Option 3 – Students will complete an academic-focused internship with EKU’s Instructional Design Center. Students will assist EKU instructional designers create courses and training, develop multimedia content, and perform work in a selected learning management system. This work may include course design, construction, and essential production tasks. 

 

What is Instructional Design?

Learn about the new Master of Science in Instructional Design & Learning Technology with Dr. Nedim Slijepcevic at Eastern Kentucky University Online.

Curriculum

The IDLT program offers a systematic approach to improving learning outcomes by developing quality instructional products and experiences. Instructional design and learning technology courses include multimedia for learning, making data-driven decisions, online learning design, and training the modern workforce.

Degree Requirements

A total of 30 credits are required to graduate.

View the instructional design and learning technology program degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Transfer Credits

Students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit from accredited institutions. 

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to EKU for appropriate articulation. Learn more about transferring to EKU.

Sample Courses

For a full list of course descriptions, see section 7 of the University graduate catalog.

IDL 800 – Introduction to the Profession (3)
A comprehensive introduction to the process, theories and profession of Instructional Design.

IDL 801 – Instructional Design Mastery (3)
Application of design theory, implementation of instructional lessons, selection of suitable instructional technology, evaluation of learners and instructional products, and instruction implementation.

IDL 802 – Making Data-Driven Decisions (3)
Data collection and analysis techniques involved in making sound instructional/training and development decisions in organizations.

IDL 810 – Multimedia for Learning (3)
Exploration, design, and creation of multimedia products that support sound instructional practices.

IDL 811 – Online Learning Design (3)
Exploration of the modern principles and practices that drive effective online learning, analysis of structure and interaction of online courses to create meaningful online experiences.

IDL 812 – Game Design for Learning (3)
Application of game design in creating instructional materials, development of various gaming concepts, and experiences in gamified learning. 

IDL 813 – Instruction for Diverse Learners (3)
Exploration of design learning experiences while considering diverse audiences and environments, learner characteristics, training theories, and deployment of tested instructional strategies to improve learning outcomes. 

IDL 814 – Training the Modern Workforce (3)
Examining professional development components of workforce training, training programs, and responding to the changing organizational needs.

IDL 820 – Field Internship (3)
Guided internship designed to afford opportunities for the IDLT students to practice learned lessons in highly successful environments and collaborate with peers and mentors who have practical experience to share.

IDL 821 – Portfolio and Exit Review (3)
Culmination of studies and experiences in IDLT. Creation of a professional web portfolio that showcases student’s most significant work and internship experiences.

IDL 890 – Independent Study (3)
Faculty Guided Independent research, which allows students to design a research problem and make experimental observations and conclusions. Students will perform in-depth research pertinent to IDLT and craft a project based on their investigation.

DES 850 – Graphic Design for Learning (3)
Introduction to the elements and principles of design, methods, tools and software used in the field of graphic design.

DES 851 – User Experience Design (3)
Introduction to the processes and methods of User Experience Design, including user research, contextual design, design thinking, ideation, and prototyping of a service or product.         

ENG 840 – Technical Writing (3)
Focuses on workplace writing in networked environments for technical, scientific, business, and other professional contexts. Emphasizes context and user analysis, data analysis and display, project planning, document management, usability, ethics, and research.

PSY 790 – Tests and Measurement (3)
Study of measurement principles with application in psychology, business, industry, and government. Interpretation, use, and evaluation of measurement and job analysis methods. Reliability, validity, utility, ethical/legal concerns
are examined.                  

Enrollment

John Hepner, Enrollment Advisor

John Hepner

Enrollment Advisor

Call or email Enrollment Advisor John Hepner for information about the EKU Online Instructional Design and Learning Technology Master’s Degree program.

Contact Info:
859-622-8610
John.Hepner@eku.edu

Application Deadlines

 

Term Application Deadline Classes Begin
Fall A July 5 August
Fall B August 31 October
Spring A November 30 January
Spring B January 31 March
Summer A April 5 May
Summer B  May 31 June

 

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology program must:

  • Meet all admission requirements of the Graduate School
  • Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree
  • Have a 2.5 overall undergraduate GPA. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement for admission must submit: Official GRE scores to be considered for probationary admission
  • Applicants with master’s degree can submit:
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Write a letter of intent explaining why applicant wants to pursue this degree

International Students: Applications from international students are encouraged. Refer to the University admission guidelines: gradschool.eku.edu/

Additional Contact Information

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Success

I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.

Jason TateEKU Online Student

Online Military Students

EKU Online offers veterans and active duty military students an unparalleled online learning experience that provides accessibility, convenience and flexibility.

Special Tuition for Active Duty* Military
Eastern Kentucky University offers reduced tuition expenses to $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and $325 per credit hour for graduate courses to all service members currently serving on active duty.

*Active duty is defined as on federal orders for 180 days or more.

“I’d like to thank the EKU College of Justice & Safety for the opportunity to complete my degree online. It’s very user-friendly, and everyone has bent over backwards to make this happen.”

– 1LT Heath Bergmann, EKU Online Graduate

Heath Bergmann
  • “I can confidently say that — as someone who doesn’t even live in the United States — EKU’s online program has been extremely accommodating and flexible. I can discuss advising appointments over email, and I can have my textbooks shipped to my address overseas.” – Sydney Garner Lewis
  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate
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