Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology
https://elsit.sfsu.edu/content/instructional-technologies-ma
Graduate Advisors: Dr. Brian Beatty, Dr. Zahira Merchant
The Department of Equity, Leadership Studies, and Instructional Technologies offers a fully online Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology, and a 12-unit fully online Graduate Certificate in Learning Experience Design and Online Teaching Innovation. The MA program prepares professionals in online and e-learning instructional design, design of technology-based instruction for K-20 educators and trainers in business and industry environments, and design for problem-based learning solutions.
The IDT MA program offers courses in multiple modes: all courses can be taken online, and many can be taken in a Hyflex blended learning environment with simultaneous in-class and online attendance using a web conference system. The program can be completed full-time in two semesters or part-time in three to five semesters.
The program prepares participants for careers in the fast-moving instructional design field. Students gain skills with traditional and emerging learning technologies, choosing courses in mobile applications, Web design, gamification, augmented/virtual reality, social networking, and assistive/adaptive technologies. Participants explore a range of pedagogical approaches, from foundational to emerging learning theories, to advance instructional design and technology applications. They design instruction for diverse learners, developing learning experiences for mobile, e-learning, and face-to-face environments. Graduates of the IDT MA program become instructional designers in K-12 school districts, colleges and universities, public service organizations, corporations, and various industries.
The IDT MA program caters to working adults. All courses offered in late afternoons or evenings. Students develop a career pathway and a portfolio as part of their studies.
Admission to the Program
Admission to the program is a two-step process that should be completed simultaneously:
- Apply to the University: Complete the online CSU Mentor application. Follow all other requirements for admission to the University by accessing http://grad.sfsu.edu/.
- Meet Department requirements as noted:
Applicants should schedule an interview with the program coordinator to go over the applicant’s interest and preparation in the field. In addition, two letters of recommendation and a two-page (500-1,000 word) Statement of Purpose are required. Letters of recommendation should come from professionals who can attest to the applicant’s promise as a graduate student and professional educator. The statement of purpose should clearly explain the applicant’s educational and career goals and how the M.A. degree will help achieve those goals. The statement of purpose should represent the quality of an applicant’s English-language writing ability. Applicants must have basic computer literacy.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One
Applicants must submit a writing sample in the form of a two-page (500-1,000 word) statement of purpose. Students who receive an unsatisfactory evaluation of their written application materials may be admitted conditionally and required to earn a B or better in an English skills development course within the first two semesters.
Level Two
Level Two is satisfied by the successful completion of a culminating experience project (ITEC 894 or ITEC 895).
Contact Us
For further information, contact an ITEC program coordinator: Dr. Brian Beatty (bjbeatty@sfsu.edu), or Dr. Zahira Merchant (zahiram@sfsu.edu).
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply principles of human learning, performance improvement, and cognitive psychology to solve challenges associated with a lack of knowledge in specific education or professional contexts.
- Determine the need for education or training interventions in a given organizational situation involving knowledge and performance gaps.
- Given an education or training solution applied in an organization, assess the quality, depth, and value of the solution at individual and organizational knowledge and performance levels.
- Design and develop effective instructional media using industry-standard technologies and practices for multiple modes of delivery, including in-person and online environments.
Instructional Design and Technology (M.A) — 30 Units
Core Requirements (12 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ITEC 800 | Theoretical Foundations of Instructional Technologies | 3 |
| ITEC 801 | Introduction to Learning Design, Design Thinking, and Innovation | 3 |
| ITEC 805 | Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| Select One: | 3 | |
| Designing Digital Learning Spaces of the Future | ||
| Design of Learning Environments with Emerging Technologies | ||
| Design and Management of Training Projects | ||
Electives (15 Units)
Choose five electives from the following list. ITEC 816, ITEC 830, or ITEC 850 may also be used as an elective if not used in the core.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ITEC 720 | Fieldwork in Educational Technology | 3-5 |
| ITEC 740 | Visual Design for Learning | 3 |
| ITEC 745 | 3 | |
| ITEC 815 | 3 | |
| ITEC 818 | Digital Game Play Design for Learning | 3 |
| ITEC 819 | ||
| ITEC 823 | Augmented and Virtual Reality Based Multimedia Development | 3 |
| ITEC 825 | Digital Product Usability Testing | 3 |
| ITEC 833 | Instructional Products Design Studio | 3 |
| ITEC 842 | Cognition, Mind, and Learning for Educators | 3 |
| ITEC 852 | Instructional Technologies in Organizations | 3 |
| ITEC 854 | 3 | |
| ITEC 860 | Online and Flexible Learning Systems Design | 3 |
| ITEC 865 | Fundamentals of Designing Interactive E-Learning Courses | 3 |
| ITEC 899 | Independent Study In Instructional Technologies | 1-3 |
Culminating Experience Requirement (3 Units)
See below for portfolio submission.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ITEC 894 | Creative Work Project | 3 |
| ITEC 895 | Field Study Project | 3 |
Culminating Experience
Portfolio Submission
Before undertaking a culminating experience, students must submit, for departmental review and approval, a portfolio of three instructional projects that demonstrate their technical skill and instructional design competencies.
Creative Work Project Requirements
To complete a creative work project (ITEC 894), students must design, develop, and produce an instructional product. The instructional unit may be in any medium—print, video, multimedia, or web-based. The instructional design process must be documented in writing and include a review of the instructional significance of the product, description of the design and production process, and product usability review. Students must provide the instructional unit and the design documents in electronic format.
Field Study Project Requirements
To complete the field study project (ITEC 895), students must design, develop, and produce an instructional design project, using the instructional systems (or design thinking) process, from needs analysis (empathize) to formative evaluation (test). The instructional unit may be in any medium—print, video, multimedia, or web-based. The instructional design process must be described in writing and include a review of the instructional need and significance of the project, research review, description of the design process, formative evaluation, and conclusions. Students must provide the instructional unit and the design documents in electronic format.