Instructional Design and Technology

MED

Why study Instructional Design and Technology?

The Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) offers an online graduate program with a specialization in teaching in blended and online environments. Our program teaches students specific instructional design skill sets, combining facilitation, collaboration, management, learning design, and assessment. Teaching and facilitating courses in blended and online learning environments requires understanding of the nature of learner experiences in those environments, how they differ from traditional classrooms, and how to overcome the challenges and leverage the benefits.

Led by educators with proven success in the field, students will examine current and projected trends, experience authentic online classrooms, and complete hands-on practice with eLearning tools. By completing project-based assignments, students will develop the skills needed to design, manage, and lead their online and blended classrooms.

Admission Requirements

The application materials consist of the following:

  • Video Essay. The video essay is optional and should be informal. It is a great way to let the committee know a little bit about you and to personalize your application.
  • Statement of the applicant's academic and professional goals. For your goal statement, please answer the following questions and upload it as an attached document in the online application. Your response should be no more than one page in length.
    • What are your professional goals? How will the program help you meet these goals?
    • Describe your technology skills, e.g., skills in computer-based multimedia, web, or productivity tools, video, etc. You may wish to include a link to a sample technology project to demonstrate your proficiency in the use of technologies.
  • Writing sample. Discuss your position on an issue in the field of instructional technology and how you hope to address that issue during your studies. Your essays should be between 750 and 1000 words and have at least three references.
  • Resume
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • At least one letter of recommendation (preferably academic)

Note: The purpose of the recommendation letter(s) is to give the committee an additional data point to assess your academic and professional background. Hence, it is highly recommended to include both an academic and professional recommendation as part of your application. Applicants do not upload the recommendation letters.  An email is sent directly to the recommenders from the application system.  It is advisable to ask more recommenders than required because applications that do not include the required number of recommendation letters cannot be reviewed by the committee.

  • Applicant must hold a bachelors degree from a college or university regarded as standard by a regional or general accrediting agency
  • Applicant must have at least a B average (3.0/4.0 system or equivalent) in relevant undergraduate coursework or otherwise give evidence of promise that is judged satisfactory by the admitting program 

Application Procedures

Prospective students will complete the online application. After logging in and/or creating a user account, select “Instructional Design and Technology, Online, Master of Education” program by the application deadline posted below.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials and support documents are successfully submitted. Incomplete applications will not be processed or reviewed. 

Graduates of this program will be prepared for the careers listed below. All opportunities may not be listed. 

All incoming Master’s students will be assigned an academic advisor who is a tenure-track faculty member. Students will be mentored by their advisor on their plans of study. 

In addition to formal mentorship, students will build community through events such as the annual student showcase, which gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the projects and research that they have completed during the program and network with each other, alumni, professors from outside the IDT program, and others in the community. 

Our program is applicable to a wide range of educational environments including public, non-profit, higher education, and corporate training. Professors are leaders in the field, and course materials and activities incorporate the overarching methodology and latest trends in online teaching and learning. Students will experience online learning firsthand and practice the skills needed to succeed in the online teaching and learning in every stage of their coursework.

Scholarships in the form of Graduate Incentive Scholarship Awards (GIA) are available to incoming and returning students based on merit. If awarded, students can use GIA funding to cover part of their tuition. Application forms for GIA support scholarships will be sent to students after they have been officially accepted into a program. GIA funding is an annual award. A new application must be submitted each year. 

All transfer credits must adhere to following Graduate School policies and are subject to approval:

Transfer of External Credit from Programs Outside UC

Transfer of Internal Credit from UC

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Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed three times a year in December, April, and July for any upcoming semester. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications for Fall in April. 

Domestic deadlines:

  • Fall - July 15
  • Spring - December 1
  • Summer - April 15

Note: students with international student visas should apply to the IDT Master’s on-campus program

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

CECH Office of Recruitment
PO Box 210014
Cincinnati, OH 45221
(513) 556-6308
cechrecruit@uc.edu

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Program Code: 18MAS-IDT-MED-.IDT-DL