Instructional Design and Technology Online
Learn how to use technology to facilitate learning and improve organizational performance.
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Request InfoInstructional Design and Technology, M.Ed. Overview
Prepare to solve complex challenges in organizational performance, corporate training and professional development, or classroom learning with the University of West Florida’s master’s degree in instructional design and technology online program.
The M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology provides learners with the skills necessary to analyze complex organizational challenges and identify, design, develop, implement and evaluate appropriate solutions. Graduates are prepared to lead technology integration efforts as well as training and other performance improvement initiatives in K-12, higher education, healthcare, military, corporate and other organizational settings.
You’ll study the latest technology and its uses for teaching and learning and prepare to design learning systems for anyone, on any topic, in any format. You graduate ready to optimize performance in classrooms, companies, face-to-face interactions and distance-learning programs.
Choose the Right Degree Path For You
Our online master’s in instructional design program provides customized learning options with your choice of a specialization or one of two concentrations.
- Technology Leadership Specialization
Develop your ability to identify and analyze organizational problems and opportunities and solve those challenges with the design, development, implementation, evaluation and management of processes and resources. - Human Performance Technology (HPT) Concentration
Learn to analyze individual and organizational performance issues and identify, develop, implement and evaluate appropriate solutions to improve performance. - Distance Learning (DL) Concentration
Apply current technology tools in online environments with a focus on integrating modern distance education and virtual training systems. UWF graduates with this degree work in curricular, instructional, performance or distance-learning environments where they design, produce and evaluate instructional materials and manage teams or technology projects.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Individuals passionate about helping others achieve optimal performance through workplace learning and the purposeful use of technology
- Teachers interested in developing the skills necessary to integrate current and emerging technologies in their classroom
- Those interested in developing the skills needed to design effective learner-centered instruction for audiences of any age, in any area of specialization
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s online M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology is a 36 credit-hour program that offers your choice of one of two concentrations or a specialization. In the required core courses, you will learn the principles of instructional technology, instructional design and applying instructional technology. Additionally, you will gain real-world experience through a required capstone. You will also complete 18 credit hours of coursework in your choice of specialization, which provides specialized knowledge and skills that align with your desired career path.
- EME 6054 - Foundations of Instructional Technology
3.0 Credit Hours
Foundations of Instructional Technology
Students investigate theoretical, historical, sociological, and philosophical perspectives and applications of instructional technology in education and training environments. Students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to integrate instructional technology theories and processes into education and training settings. Students are introduced to the theoretical and philosophical foundations of the field, and they are empowered to develop a comprehensive definition of the field and a broad perspective of IT on educational and training settings.
- EME 6062 - Applied Instructional Technology Investigations
3.0 Credit Hours
Applied Instructional Technology Investigations
This course provides an introduction to past, present, and future instructional technology research. Research paradigms and underlying theory appropriate for IT are emphasized. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs and appropriate data analysis techniques are explored.
- EME 6607 - Implementation of Instructional Technology Projects
3.0 Credit Hours
Implementation of Instructional Technology Projects
Provides students with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes necessary to provide leadership in the implementation of instructional technology. Students will learn to identify the constraints and risks associated with instructional technology planning and implementation and develop ways to manage these factors. Students will utilize software tools to manage the implementation of an instructional technology project.
- EME 6609 - Principles of Instructional Design
3 Credit Hours
Principles of Instructional Design
Learners will apply a systems approach to the instructional design process. Theoretical underpinnings and practical applications for instructional design will ground the course. Students will apply a research-based model and best practices to design a pedagogically sound instructional product.
- EME 6678 - Theoretical Foundations of Instructional Design
3.0 Credit Hours
Theoretical Foundations of Instructional Design
Students will examine the key components of the instructional system and the theoretical perspectives that inform the practice of instructional design. The role of communication theories, learning theories, and instructional theories, and the overarching concept of alignment in instructional design will be explored.
- EME 6946 - Instructional Design and Technology Capstone
3 Credit Hours
Instructional Design and Technology Capstone
Students critique the academic program, identifying their key learning outcomes, and the courses and specific instructional strategies that led to those outcomes. Students identify, propose, and complete a complex project, integrating knowledge, skills, and abilities developed in multiple classes to solve an instructional or performance related problem in a real organization. Permission is required.
* Your capstone experience consists of a project-based field experience that fulfills a real need for a real client and that is aligned to your academic program. You’ll be responsible for identifying your field experience and obtaining permission from both the client and the instructor to proceed.
- EME 6054 - Foundations of Instructional Technology
The M.Ed. program provides students with the opportunity to select from three different paths depending on their interests and professional goals. Students enrolled in the Instructional Design and Technology specialization will select one of two 12 credit-hour concentrations and six credit hours of electives. Students enrolled in the Technology Leadership specialization will select 18 credit hours of advisor-approved electives, which may include some or all of the courses included in the concentrations.
M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology, Concentration Options
Choose your concentration option and select an additional six credit hours in electives.
Distance Learning Concentration (12 credit hours)
- EME 6409 - Distance Learning Implementation
3 Credit Hours
Distance Learning Implementation
Integrates theory and best practices to explore and develop skills for developing and implementing effective education and training environments delivered via distance learning media. Students will focus on the principles and practices that are research-based and result in quality distance learning experiences, and students will explore technologies available to support and distribute distance learning and the considerations unique to distance learning. The course focuses heavily on online environments, and it emphasizes application of the best practices by enabling students to develop and implement their own instructional lessons that are delivered via distance learning technologies.
- EME 6414C - Web-Based Instructional Tools for Educators
3 Credit Hours
Web-Based Instructional Tools for Educators
Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design and develop web-baseinstruction using a variety of current technologies. Through integrating theory and application, students will learn to critically examine the instructional capabilities of various technologies and identify instructional strategies that support integration. Multiple units of instruction will be developed and designed that demonstrate the ability to align technology integration with the principles of learning theory and instructional design.
- EME 6415 - Digital Video for Instruction
3 Credit Hours
Digital Video for Instruction
Principles of instructional video design and development including designing for learning objectives, effective audio and lighting techniques, video recording, editing, and delivery will be taught. Students will explore the opportunities and technical challenges associated with web-based video as a communication medium. Practical application projects are an integral part of the learning experience as students explore all aspects of instructional video pre-production, production, and post-production.
- EME 6458 - Distance Learning Policy and Planning
3 Credit Hours
Distance Learning Policy and Planning
Examines the history of distance learning and the principles, policies and issues related to the design, development, implementation and administration of distance learning courses and programs in various settings. Issues related to technology, teaching, learning, assessment and faculty and student preparation will be considered from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
Human Performance Technology Concentration (12 credit hours)
- EME 6426 - HPT Interventions
3.0 Credit Hours
HPT Interventions
Human Performance Technologists, the education and training leaders in organizations, identify gaps between desired and actual employee performance levels. Once the gaps have been identified, the HPT practitioner determines interventions or combinations of interventions that are needed to close those gaps. These interventions consist of instructional and non-instruction solutions that educators and trainers design and develop that, in turn, solve organizational performance problems.
- EME 6427 - Implementing HPT Interventions
3.0 Credit Hours
Implementing HPT Interventions
Provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills related to the intervention implementation and change management activities associated with the practice of Human Performance Technology (HPT). Examines models of change management, the role of the change agent and the importance of developing and implementing effective change management plans to insure successful intervention implementation and institutionalization.
- EME 6428 - Evaluating HPT Interventions
3.0 Credit Hours
Evaluating HPT Interventions
Students will examine the theory and practice of evaluation models and processes as they relate to the formative, summative and confirmative evaluation of instructional and non-instructional HPT interventions. Students will develop the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to plan and conduct comprehensive evaluations based on best practices.
- EME 6429 - Human Performance Improvement
3.0 Credit Hours
Human Performance Improvement
Provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills related to the performance, gap and cause analysis activities associated with the practice of Human Performance Technology (HPT). Examines the importance of systems thinking in HPT and the theories and theorists of the field.
Electives (6 credit hours)
Students will take an additional six credit hours of advisor-approved electives at the 5000/6000 level. You’re encouraged, but not required, to take electives that align with your area of concentration.
M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology, Technology Leadership Specialization
Students in the Technology Leadership specialization will work closely with their advisors and faculty mentors to select 18 credit hours of elective courses that align with their personal and professional goals and complement the knowledge and skills taught in the Instructional Design and Technology core. Selected courses may:
- Include those offered in the Distance Learning and/or Human Performance Technology concentrations above
- Lead to certificates in related fields including healthcare, education, business or public administration
- Consist of any advisor-approved combination of courses
Students pursuing this path are expected to work closely with their advisors and assigned faculty mentors to develop a program that meets their unique needs.
- EME 6409 - Distance Learning Implementation
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to UWF’s online M.Ed. Instructional Design and Technology—Technology Leadership program, you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Other admission criteria includes:
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Due to COVID-19 and in an effort to better accommodate our students, the Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology will waive the GRE/GMAT for Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 terms.
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission to the University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts confirming a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
- Submit GRE or MAT scores*
- Submit a letter of intent describing your academic and work experience and reasons for pursuing the degree, including how the degree relates to your career goals—minimum two pages
*Test scores may be waived for the following:
- Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher from an accredited institution.
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our graduate admissions team at gradadmissions@uwf.edu.
Costs & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Full Program Tuition | $384.60 per credit hour | $13,845.60 |
| Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6) | $384.60 per credit hour | $11,538.00 |
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $384.60 per credit hour | $13,845.60 |
| In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6) | $384.60 per credit hour | $11,538.00 |
| Full Out-of-State Tuition | $1,044.24 per credit hour | $37,592.64 |
| 90% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $478.83 per credit hour | $17,237.88 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 90 percent of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to 24 months to complete, depending on transfer credits.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Active Duty Military
All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the university. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.
UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance
The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.
Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our master’s degree program, you can pursue a variety of careers in a wide range of settings within the field.
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale.
E-learning Developers
E-learning developers create materials for online education, including syllabi, schedules, lesson plans, assessments and policies. They are knowledgeable about multimedia as well as course management systems. These professionals make an average salary of $58,958.
Curriculum Developers
Curriculum developers’ duties include authoring educational training material and developing programs of instruction in industries such as education, government, business and communications. They offer expertise in online educational programming, usage metrics and course design. Their average annual salary is $61,130.
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators develop curricula and instructional material and manage teaching standards. They analyze student data, evaluate curriculum effectiveness, and train teachers and staff on new school programs. Through 2026, employment is projected to increase six percent, and the median annual wage is $66,290.