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Master of Science in Instructional Design & Learning Technology

School of Art & Design

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Master of Science in Instructional Design & Learning Technology

School of Art & Design

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Online

Program

30 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$649 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Become an Architect of Exceptional Learning Experiences

Innovative instructional programs are increasingly critical to success in a variety of fields – from education to industry. EKU’s 100% online master of science in instructional design and learning technology (IDLT) prepares you to integrate current and emerging technology as you learn to design, facilitate and evaluate effective learning programs. Graduates leave the program with a professional portfolio that aligns with the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (IBSTPI) Instructional Designer Competencies. These standards are known as the industry gold standard, and this portfolio showcases graduates’ skills and accomplishments highlighting the ways they are prepared to take on key roles in the growing field of instructional design.

Graduates of our EPSB-approved curriculum are prepared to attain rank advancement in Kentucky leading to opportunities for additional responsibilities and salary increases.

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Career Outlook

Jobs such as Instructional Coordinators, are poised to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031 – a rate considered by the BLS to be an average growth. Additionally, Training and Development Specialists are projected to grow 8% – much faster than average – within the same time period.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Instructional designers work in many diverse fields such as large corporations, higher education, traditional manufacturing environments, positions within state and national governments, nonprofit organizations, as well as military and military/government contractors.

Job Titles Include:

  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Technical Writer
  • Training and Development Specialist
  • Curriculum designers
  • Training manager

EKU instructional design graduates work in a variety of fields and positions.

Employers Include:

  • Fidelity Investments Learning Experience Designer
  • Chewy.com
  • Splunk
  • Navigate 360
  • Franklin Precision Industry, Inc.
  • Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
  • Lexington, KY Public Library

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Accelerated terms
  • No GRE required
  • Complete your degree in as little as 18 months
  • Assemble a professional portfolio as you complete your coursework
  • Internship opportunities and the chance to network with professionals in the field
  • Curriculum aligned with the prestigious International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI) standards
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Reduced tuition for active duty military
    Free online tutoring and career services assistance
  • Free access to Articulate 360 – a savings of $1,200 per year
  • Dedicated advisors who provide personalized graduation plans
  • Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best universities offering online degrees
  • EPSB approved
  • Graduates are prepared to attain rank advancement in Kentucky and increase salary potential

Concentrations & Certificates

Choose between two specialty concentrations/certificates that can be completed for no additional cost as you work toward your degree, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. Options include:

Create digital learning products and tools for use in everything from online college courses to corporate workforce training. Learn how to plan for and develop content, structure, timing, pedagogical strategies, learning activity sequence, and the type and frequency of assessments required.

Create products that provide relevant and meaningful user experiences and interactions. Learn how to use graphic design principles to develop engaging, effective and easy-to-use interfaces for learning, game, software systems training materials and more.

Instructional Design & Learning Technology Internship FAQs

What is the IDLT Internship?

Students in Eastern Kentucky University’s online master’s degree in instructional design and learning technology are required to complete a field internship – IDL 820. This 3-credit hour course is designed to give students the opportunity to collaborate with peers and mentors who have practical experience to share.

Why complete an internship?

Completing an internship as you work towards your master’s degree in instructional design and learning technology provides the opportunity to:

  • Put what you’ve learned into practice
  • Network with other professionals in your field
  • Gain valuable experience that can be used to build your resume
  • Enhance your professional portfolio

When can IDLT students complete their internship?

Students in EKU’s online IDLT program need to complete 3 program courses, have a 3.0 or higher GPA and secure the consent of the department before they begin their internship.

What are the options for completing an IDLT internship?

Students have the option of completing one of three types of internships:

  • Option 1 – Students complete an internship at their current place of employment. Students will identify a practical instructional experience that revolves around the design and development of learning objects.
  • Option 2 – Students complete an internship at an organization of their choosing. Students will select an organization with an established EKU relationship, or they can identify their own placement and negotiate the terms of the internship.
  • Option 3 – Students will complete an academic-focused internship with EKU’s Instructional Design Center. Students will assist EKU instructional designers create courses and training, develop multimedia content, and perform work in a selected learning management system. This work may include course design, construction, and essential production tasks.

Curriculum & Admission

The IDLT program offers a systematic approach to improving learning outcomes by developing quality instructional products and experiences. Instructional design and learning technology courses include multimedia for learning, making data-driven decisions, online learning design, and training the modern workforce.

A minimum of 30 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit from accredited institutions.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 5August
Spring AJanuary 5January
Spring BMarch 5March
SummerMay 5May

Applicants for admission to the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology program must:

  • Meet all admission requirements of the Graduate School
  • Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree
  • Have a 2.5 overall undergraduate GPA. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement for admission must submit: Official GRE scores to be considered for probationary admission
  • Applicants with master’s degree can submit:
  • List of 2 professional or academic references with current contact information
  • Write a letter of intent explaining why applicant wants to pursue this degree

International Students: Applications from international students are encouraged. Refer to the University admission guidelines: eku.edu/admissions

IBSTPI sets the internationally recognized standards for instructional design professionals. EKU’s MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology curriculum directly addresses these industry-validated standards, positioning our graduates for success in the field.

  • Industry-Aligned Curriculum: This alignment lends immediate credibility among employers who recognize these internationally validated standards as the gold standard in the instructional design field. By aligning with IBSTPI Instructional Design competencies, EKU ensures that our program meets the expectations of employers in corporate training, e-learning, instructional technology, and academia.
  • Comprehensive Skill Development: The alignment ensures graduates master all essential and advanced standards, creating well-rounded professionals ready for any instructional design challenge.
  • Portfolio Alignment: Graduates will leave the program with a portfolio that is aligned with the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI) to showcase their skills to potential employers.

What is Instructional Design?

Learn about the Master of Science in Instructional Design & Learning Technology with Dr. Nedim Slijepcevic at Eastern Kentucky University Online.

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Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our enrollment advisor today.

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Bailey Bird

Online Enrollment Advisor

859-622-8764
bailey.bird@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Photo of Aida Bermudez
MS in Instructional Design & Learning Technology | School of Art & Design

Aida Bermudez

EKU Instructional Design & Learning Technology Student
In 2020, COVID-19 affected everyone, and I saw how hard it was to teach online. One day, I found the Instructional Design program at EKU. I realized that there are proper ways to conduct training online for people to learn. I saw how all this can be beneficial in how to get information across these days.
Missy Brownson Ross smiles in a professional headshot.
College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences | MS in Instructional Design & Learning Technology | School of Art & Design

Missy Brownson Ross

EKU Instructional Design & Learning Technology Graduate
I can’t recommend EKU’s Instructional Design and Learning Technology program highly enough. With a full-time job and other adult responsibilities, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to have had this life-enhancing experience it if it hadn’t been in online and in an asynchronous format. I was able to do it in a way that worked with my busy schedule. Not that it wasn’t challenging (it was) – but the work was meaningful and real and I felt supported by my professors and fellow students, and I was able to do it on my time.

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Related Programs

Graduate Certificate in Online Learning Design

Common Job Titles: instructional coordinator, curriculum designers, training manager

Modalities: online

Credit Hours: 12

Graduate Certificate in User Experience Design

Common Job Titles: training and development specialist, curriculum designer, instructional coordinator

Modalities: online

Credit Hours: 12

Contact Information

School of Art & Design

Campbell Building
Room 309
2396 Crabbe Street
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1629
Fax: 859-622-6509
art@eku.edu

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