FAQ

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01. What will I learn in the MA in Instructional Design?
The curriculum prepares students to design, develop, implement, and evaluate effective learning experiences using evidence-based instructional design principles and educational technologies. Throughout the program, students learn how to analyze learner needs, create engaging digital learning experiences, develop multimedia instructional materials, assess learning outcomes, and evaluate instructional effectiveness. Courses are designed around project-based learning, giving students opportunities to create instructional materials, online learning modules, multimedia resources, and other deliverables that become part of a required professional instructional design portfolio.

02. Can I work while completing the program?
Yes. The MA in Instructional Design is designed with working professionals in mind. The fully online, asynchronous format allows students to complete coursework on a flexible schedule without the need to attend live class sessions. While graduate coursework requires a meaningful time commitment each week, the flexibility of the program allows students to study when it best fits their schedules. Students who take courses part-time can typically complete the degree in approximately two years while continuing to work.

03. Do I need prior experience with instructional design or educational technology?
No. The curriculum is designed for students from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Whether you come from education, healthcare, business, government, nonprofit organizations, or corporate training, the program provides a strong foundation while helping you develop advanced instructional design skills.

04. Does the curriculum address AI and emerging technologies?
Yes. As instructional design continues to evolve, students explore emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and learn how to thoughtfully integrate new tools into learning environments while maintaining sound instructional design principles.

05. How is learning assessed?
Rather than relying primarily on traditional exams, many courses assess learning through authentic projects, design documents, presentations, multimedia products, case studies, and applied instructional design assignments.

06. How long does it take to complete the curriculum?
The MA is a 32-credit program that can typically be completed in approximately two years of part-time study, making it an excellent option for working professionals.

07. What support is available for online students?
Students have access to faculty advising, academic support services, online library resources, writing assistance, technical support, and other university resources designed to help them succeed throughout the program.

08. Are transfer credits accepted?
Given the specific nature of the Instructional Design Program, transfer credits are generally not accepted. Students should work with the faculty advisor if they have recent (within the past two years) of equivalent coursework.

09. Is Financial Aid available?
Students can work with the financial aid office to obtain graduate federal loans to cover tuition and expenses. Students are also encouraged to seek out external scholarships and sources of support. You may also wish to check with your employer to determine if tuition reimbursement is available.

11. What are the application deadlines?
Applications for Fall admission are due by July 1, and applications for Spring admission are due by December 1. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space permits after each deadline.

Sample Curriculum:

Sample Electives:

• Online Teaching & Learning
• Game Based Learning: Design & Development
• Generative AI for Teaching and Learning