If you are interested in earning a master’s degree in instructional design while you keep your current job, you may want to consider completing your degree online.
Program Overview
St. Thomas University in Florida, a private Catholic university, offers a Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology in an all-online format, comparable in price to lower-cost public university programs.
The online program from STU can be completed in as few as 10 months, consists of 30 credit hours, and is offered at multiple start dates throughout the year. The pay-by-the-course tuition is affordable and convenient, and financial aid may be available for students who qualify. In addition, tuition is the same low price for in-state and out-of-state students.
Increased Popularity of Online Programs
Urban Institute published a brief in December 2018 reporting that “master’s programs enroll a more diverse set of students than ever and offer a more diverse set of program fields. Master’s programs are also increasingly online, with more than 50 percent of master’s students reporting at least some online coursework in 2015–16.”
It has also been reported that the recent increase in master’s degree awards has come from programs that are available as distance education. In 2017, more than 40% of the 800,000 master’s degrees awarded were in a program offered only online or in a program offered either in person or online.
Why Study Online?
One of the reasons for the growth in master’s degrees is that salaries tend to be higher for those with advanced degrees. But the increasing popularity of online master’s degree programs is also a factor. The benefits of studying online include:
- Students can continue working full time while completing coursework in a personalized, flexible schedule.
- Since all courses, course material, discussion boards, and other resources are always available online, students can work on assignments whenever and wherever convenient.
- Students avoid the additional costs of attending classes on campus, like commuting expenses, parking and babysitters.
Program Focus
The focus of the MS in Instructional Design & Technology online degree program is to prepare graduates to design, implement, and manage the latest technology programs and create multimedia and web-based products that support innovative learning environments and instruction. As education leaders, graduates will be able to provide professional development for teachers, trainers and other educators. In addition, graduates of the program learn to develop standards-based, technology-supported courses that align with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Courses include topics such as Curriculum and Instruction for Diverse Student Populations, Instructional Design: Theories and Models, Technology Integration, Multimedia Design and Development, and more. The program also includes a practicum in instructional technology.
Career Opportunities With an MS in Instructional Design & Technology Degree
This program allows you to increase your professional value as you learn to design, facilitate, and evaluate effective instructional programs. It is ideal for many kinds of instructional design professionals including librarians, instructional professors, curriculum designers, corporate trainers, human resources directors, academic coaches, training developers, web trainers, marketing directors, and project management professionals. No background in education or teaching experience is necessary to enroll in this program.
Learn more about St. Thomas University’s online Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology program.
Sources:
Urban Institute: The Rise of Master’s Degrees
