Master of Science in Online Teaching and Instructional Design

Offered Online

The Master of Science in Online Teaching and Instructional Design program prepares K-12 educators, college or university faculty, and business leaders to design and deliver instruction in online environments. Students who complete the program will learn and apply effective methods for designing, differentiating, and delivering online content as well as developing interactive online learning experiences for diverse populations of learners. This program is designed for pre-service and in-service K-12 teachers, higher education faculty, business men and women, and others interested in developing an understanding of theory related to distance education and proficiency with tools and techniques involved in effective design and delivery in online environments. Students completing the MS in Online Teaching and Instructional Design program will receive university certification in Online Teaching and Instructional Design. In addition, students may opt to enroll in the certification-only track, which consists of 18 credit hours including a six-hour practicum. This program was designed based on a careful review of masters programs and certificate programs in educational technology, instructional technology, and online teaching at dozens of colleges and universities.

Program Objectives

The MS in Online Teaching and Instructional Design program has the following objectives:

• To develop educators and leaders who understand how people learn.
• To develop educators and leaders who understand theory and best practices in distance education.
• To develop educators and leaders who recognize, evaluate, and utilize emerging web and mobile technologies in online environments.
• To develop educators and leaders who apply effective methods for online design, delivery, and assessment.
• To develop educators and leaders who effectively lead technology change in their schools and organizations.

Learning Outcomes

The MS in Online Teaching and Instructional Design graduate will:

1. Demonstrate understanding of learning theories and their application in online environments.
2. Demonstrate understanding of research and best practice in distance education.
3. Recognize, evaluate, and utilize emerging web and mobile technologies.
4. Design differentiated online learning and assessment opportunities.
5. Apply instructional design and delivery techniques in authentic online environments.
6. Effectively lead technology change in schools and/or organizations.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission to the Master of Science in Online Teaching and Instructional Design program must meet the following criteria:

1. Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended demonstrating successful or pending completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Minimum cumulative GPA is a 2.7;
2. Submit an official copy of either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the GRE (unless Career Admission Track applies). Minimum MAT score is a 390; minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147, and Analytical Writing 3.5;
3. If Career Admission Track applies, or if the applicant meets one of the other criteria for waiving the standardized test score, submit one letter of professional recommendation through the online application;
4. Submit a writing sample clearly articulating goals and life experiences that have impacted the student’s decision to pursue a graduate degree in Online Teaching and Instructional Design;
5. Submit a CV or Resume;
6. Be available for an interview upon request.
7. The admissions committee determines admissions decisions based on the whole application and reserves the right to admit, provisionally admit, waitlist, or deny applicants on this policy.