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About Our Graduate Programs

The graduate program in the Department of Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) offers instruction and hands-on training on instructional design and evaluation, distance learning, multimedia applications, educational video development, instructional software development, educational technology, computer-based graphics, and technology integration in the classroom and school building level. Students enter careers in a wide variety of corporate, K12 and higher  education schools, and government sectors.

Online and Blended Learning Programs of Study

Online learningWe offer both online and residential course formats for our graduate programs that provide learning and career opportunities that are flexible, affordable, and convenient to a diverse student population.

 

The M.S. degree is designed to prepare technology specialists; graphic designers; education technologists; trainers in industry and business; and classroom teachers to develop, produce, and evaluate instructional and training materials. The program provides students with knowledge and skills in the following areas:

  1. Distance learning applications in training and education,
  2. Multimedia applications in training and education,
  3. Course work and training program development,
  4. Systematic instructional design and evaluation of instruction and training,
  5. Instructional software development utilization, and
  6. Technology integration in the K-12 classroom and at the K-12 building level

Masters of Science Degree Emphasis Options

The Department of Instructional Design and Technology has two Master of Science degree options: 1) a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, and 2) a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology with a Technology Specialist Emphasis. Post Baccalaureate Certificates in Instructional Design and Technology are also available.

IDT M.S - General Instructional Design and Technology Emphasis

Graduates of the program will enter or continue careers in interactive multimedia, computer-based graphics, and distance learning. Graduates may also use their skills to integrate technology in their classrooms or school and for professional development of educators. The program also serves students interested in pursuing advanced graduate studies in instructional design and related areas. Click here for more information

 
IDT M.S. - Technology Specialist Emphasis

This program opens up new or expanded career opportunities to educators, preparing graduates to provide leadership in the use of technology in the classroom and in schools. Graduates will be able to effectively facilitate the integration of technology in their own classrooms for teaching and learning. They may also become technology specialists working with other educators at the building level. Coursework is done online and field experiences can be arranged through the graduate students' school.

Certified teachers who 1) complete the IDT Master's program with a Technology Specialist emphasis OR complete the Technology Specialist Post Baccalaureate Certificate, and 2) pass the required state tests can apply for an Illinois State Board of Education Technology Specialist (Type 10) certification. Click here for more information or Download PDF

 
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs

The department offers certificate programs the following areas:

 More Information

Admission Requirements

The IDT program welcomes and invites qualified applicants from diverse fields and interests. Applicants desiring admission into the IDT graduate program must formally apply to the School of Graduate studies declaring Instructional Design and Technology as their area of study. Furthermore, applicants must indicate whether they are applying for the General Instructional Design and Technology Emphasis or the Technology Specialist Emphasis.

Applicants may qualify for admission to the general Instructional Design and Technology Emphasis under the following conditions:

  1. Applicants must meet the general admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies. Currently, the School of Graduate Studies admits students with an overall undergraduate G.P.A. Of at least a 2.75 (or a G.P.A. of at least 3.0 for the final two years of undergraduate coursework). If undergraduate requirements are not met, the departmental admissions committee will consider for admission applicants who have completed at least 12 semester hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative graduate G.P.A of 3.2 or higher from a regionally accredited university. All others will be denied admission.
  2. Applicants must submit a 1000 word structured essay that describes their interest and career goals as they apply to the field of instructional design and technology. Structured essay questions are available here.
  3. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s academic potential at the graduate level.
  4. International students whose native language is not English must satisfy one of the following criteria: 
    • Meet minimum TOEFL admission score required by the School of Graduate Studies;
    • Complete the WESL program prior to taking IDT graduate courses;
    • Hold a bachelor’s degree (with four years in residence) from an accredited college/university within the USA and within two years of matriculation at WIU.

In addition, applicants for the state-approved Technology Specialist Emphasis must also meet the following conditions:

  1. If seeking State of Illinois certification through the IDT Department, applicants must submit verification of Illinois teaching certification and successful completion of the Illinois Test of Basic Skills (within five years of admission if certified prior to July 1, 1988, or if not certified in the State of Illinois). If not seeking State of Illinois certification through the IDT Department, a signed statement attesting to that fact is required.
  2. Applicants must show evidence of meeting National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) by submitting a self-assessment of competencies.

Applicants should also be aware of the following:

  • Applicants who lack basic competencies in microcomputer application software may be required to take IDT 503.
  • Applicants to the technology Specialist Emphasis who have identified NETS-T deficiencies may be required to take IDT 504, or they may be required to complete a faculty approved plan of selected professional development activities.
  • Completion of the Technology Specialist Emphasis does not automatically lead to an Illinois State Board of Education Technology Specialist (Type 10) certification. Questions concerning this certification should be directed to the IDT Graduate Advisor.

 

Graduate Advising

Leaunda S. Hemphill, Ph.D.Contact Dr. Leaunda Hemphill, IDT Graduate Advisor, for questions about the program or assistance in planning your coursework for either the online or blended graduate programs. She answers questions from prospective students on the IDT graduate program. She counsels current students on the following items: 1) selecting graduate-level courses, 2) petitioning to transfer appropriate graduate coursework completed at other institutions or departments, 3) formulating and submitting a Graduate Study Plan, 4) selecting the appropriate exit option (portfolio, applied project, or thesis), and 5) filling out the Request for Graduate Advising Committee form. 

You can contact Dr. Hemphill by email (LS-Hemphill@wiu.edu) or phone (309-298-1186). Current graduate students can also chat live with her through the WesternOnline IDT Graduate Advising area.