Advance Your Career with Professional Expertise in Education and Training
Instructional Design and Learning Technologies combines instructional technology with distance education technology, and adult education and training. Our unique curriculum prepares IDT students for the education and training jobs of tomorrow.
Our graduates work as instructional designers, trainers, distance educators, and program planners in a variety of professional settings such as in colleges and universities, business and industry, government, health care, and other types of organizations.
The Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Learning Technologies examines a variety of topics, including:
- Instructional design
- Distance education
- Adult learning theory
- Digital pedagogy
- Education technology
- Program planning and evaluation
- Instructional media development
Academic Requirements and Curriculum
Courses for both thesis and non-thesis students
- ACE 600 - Introduction to Instructional Design (3)
- ACE 610 - Learning Management Systems (3)
- ACE 617 - Distance Education Technology (3)
- ACE 622 - Program and Project Planning and Evaluation(3)
- ACE 624 - Designing Accessible and Inclusive Instruction (3)
- ACE 630 - Digital Pedagogy (3)
- ACE 700 - Advanced Instructional Design (3)
- ACE 745 - Research and Trends in Instructional Design and Technology (3)
Additional course for non-thesis option
- ACE 698 Internship or Elective (6)
Additional course for thesis option
- ACE 795 Thesis (6)
Complete Your Degree in Two Years or Less
The program can be completed either part-time or full-time. The part-time option consists of taking two courses per semester for six semesters over two years. The full-time option consists of taking three courses per semester for four semesters.
Internship/Electives
Non-thesis students are required to take six credit hours of internship and/or electives.
Electives
Electives are offered in the summer session on a variety of topics. Electives may also be taken from other programs in the Department of Professional Studies in Education and other departments and colleges at IUP or transferred to IUP from other institutions.
Because graduate course requirements differ from department to department, students are encouraged to contact the instructor prior to registering for an elective course. All elective courses must meet the Graduate School requirements as a graduate course. Students should consult with their academic advisor prior to registering for an elective.
Internship
Students may complete an optional three- or six-credit internship (ACE 698). Student wishing to complete an internship should consult the Internship Checklist found in the Instructional Design and Learning Technologies Internship Handbook. Internships may be completed any semester.
Thesis/Non-Thesis Option
Students can elect to do a thesis or take the non-thesis option. Students electing the thesis option must complete 30 hours of course credit and three hours of thesis credit (36 hours total). Students electing the thesis option will select a committee of at least three faculty members and complete a thesis project. For information on IUP policies pertaining to writing a thesis, please refer to the Thesis/Dissertation Manual.
Students electing the non-thesis option must complete 24 hours of coursework and six hours of internship and/or elective credit (a total of 30 hours). In addition, students electing the non-thesis option will complete a digital portfolio.
For a complete description of the Instructional Design and Learning Technologies program and all academic requirements, please see the Instructional Design and Learning Technologies Student Handbook.
Course Descriptions
ACE 600 - Introduction to Instructional Design
Provides an overview of models and processes of instructional design. The purpose of this course is to introduce basic instructional design processes, theories, and models of instructional design, learn the basics of instructional design, and explore history and current and future trends in instructional design.
ACE 610 - Learning Management Systems
Examines the practical use of computers as tools for developing effectiveness and efficiency in training and education through the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS). Learners explore the use of the computer in school and non-school training and education settings, conduct critical evaluation of LMS and computer-based instructional/training materials, and develop strategies for integrating computing into the total learning environment. Current research in the area of instructional computing and its implications for training and education are also discussed.
ACE 617 - Education Technology
Explores the use of education technology to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in developing teaching and training. Learners explore the use of technologies used in school and non-school teaching or training settings, conduct critical evaluation of technologies currently used in industry (both educational and corporate), and integrate these technologies into the teaching/training and development environment. Current research in the area of educational technology and its practical implications for teaching and training are also discussed.
ACE 622 - Program and Project Planning and Evaluation
Provides a hands-on approach to planning education and training programs and instructional design projects. ACE 622 is a knowledge- and skill-building course designed for present and future instructional designers, trainers, and adult and community education professionals. This how-to course examines concepts and practices relevant to the development of education and training programs and instructional design projects in a variety of settings.
ACE 624 - Designing Accessible and Inclusive Instruction
Provides training on accessibility practices and demonstrates techniques for creating instruction that is accessible and inclusive for learners with disabilities. This course will provide students with foundational knowledge of disability laws, tips for creating accessible learning materials, and introduce the principles of Universal Design for Instruction.
ACE 630 - Digital Pedagogy
Examines effective teaching using digital tools across a variety of learning environments. Topics include preparing to teach using digital technologies, basic considerations of synchronous and asynchronous content delivery, strategies for teaching and assessing learners, and issues related to special needs and inclusion that arise in digital learning environments.
ACE 700 - Advanced Instructional Design
Provides an in-depth analysis of the field of instructional design and application of instructional technology in various learning environments. This course will present students with the opportunity to solve instructional design problems and to develop an original learning activity that incorporates advanced principles of instructional design. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a theoretical and practical understanding of how to design engaging and meaningful learning environments using a variety of technologies and methods to achieve learning outcomes. Students will be introduced to and have the opportunity to further explore topics and current trends and issues in instructional design, including theories, models, evaluation, program and project management, accessibility and diversity, and professional ethics. Prerequisites: ACE 600 or instructor permission.
ACE 745 - Applied Research in Instructional Design and Technology
Practical research in instructional design and technology is designed to have students conduct and report a formal research study in their field of interest. Students formulate a research problem and design a plan of inquiry that will provide an answer(s) to their stated research problem. Students must be able to interpret their research findings and communicate them both orally and in writing at a professional level. Prerequisite: none.
For More Information
Department of Professional Studies in Education
Dr. Jacqueline McGinty
Instructional Design and Learning Technologies Program Coordinator
104 Davis Hall
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA 15705
jmcginty@iup.edu