Program Overview

Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology

The Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology is a 100% online program designed for working adults, offering flexible pacing and the opportunity to earn a degree in 3 semesters. The program focuses on portfolio-focused learning, career-ready skills in eLearning and design, and affordable CSU tuition. Students can also stack the IDT Graduate Certificate with no additional cost and time.

Program Overview

The program blends design thinking, technology integration, and applied AI tools to prepare students for careers in instructional design and technology. The curriculum combines foundational courses, technical electives, and a culminating capstone project that builds a professional portfolio.

What You'll Learn

• Instructional Design Models and Frameworks
• eLearning Development Tools leveraging Artificial Intelligence capabilities and Media Production
• Data Driven Design Approaches Using Artificial Intelligence Tools
• Learning Analytics and User Experience (UX) Design
• Game Design and AI aided App Development for Learning
• Project Management for Learning Programs
• Organizational change communication and management

Employment Opportunities

A Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology degree prepares students for careers such as:

• Instructional Designer
• Learning Experience Designer (LXD)
• Educational Technologist
• eLearning Developer
• Curriculum Designer / Developer
• K–12 Instructional Technology Coach
• Educational Program Coordinator
• Higher Education Instructional Designer
• Faculty Development Specialist
• Online Learning Manager
• Corporate Training and Development Specialist
• Learning and Development (L&D) Manager
• Learning Systems Administrator (LMS Specialist)
• AI Learning Experience Specialist
• Digital Learning Strategist
• UX Designer for Learning
• Educational Consultant
• EdTech Entrepreneur / Startup Founder
• Innovation and Learning Design Consultant
• Project Manager for Learning Technologies

Program Curriculum

The curriculum includes:

Core Courses (6 Units)

• ITEC 800: Theoretical Foundations of Instructional Technologies (Fall) | 3 units
• ITEC 801: Introduction to Learning Design, Design Thinking, and Innovation (Spring) | 3 units
• ITEC 805: Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation (Fall) | 3 units

Electives (15 Units)

Students select 15 units of elective coursework in collaboration with their advisor. Recommended electives include:

• ITEC 720: Fieldwork in Educational Technology (Fall, Spring)
• ITEC 740: Visual Design for Learning (Fall)
• TEC 815 Integration of Instructional Computing (TBD)
• ITEC 816: Designing Digital Learning Spaces of the Future (TBD)
• ITEC 818 Digital Game Play Design for Learning (TBD)
• TEC 819 Mobile Application Design and Development (TBD)
• ITEC 825: Digital Product Usability Testing (Spring)
• ITEC 830: Design of Learning Environments with Emerging Technologies (Spring)
• ITEC 833: Instructional Products Design Studio (Spring)
• ITEC 842: Cognition, Mind, and Learning for Educators (Spring)
• ITEC 850: Design and Management of Training Projects (Fall)
• ITEC 860: Online and Flexible Learning Systems Design (Fall)
• ITEC 865: Fundamentals of Designing Interactive E-Learning Courses (Spring)
• ITEC 899 Independent Study in Instructional Technologies (Fall, Spring)

Culminating Experience (3 Units)

• ITEC 894: Creative Work (Fall, Spring) | 3 units
• ITEC 895: Field Study (Fall, Spring)

Application and Admissions

The program welcomes applicants from all professional backgrounds. Basic requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units of college coursework recommended from an accredited institution
• Statement of purpose outlining professional goals

Application Deadlines

• Fall Admission: August 6
• Spring Admission: January 9

Western Regional Graduate Program

The MA in Instructional Design and Technology is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program, which enables students in 16 Western States and territories to enroll in this MA program as a nonresident yet pay the lower California in-state resident tuition rate.

Career Outcomes

Graduates have been designing learning solutions in diverse industries from schools and universities to healthcare, tech, and corporate environments – for fifty years.

Program Legacy and Alumni Network

• Nearly 50 years of innovation in Instructional Design & Technology
• A powerful alumni network across the U.S. and abroad, shaping learning in education, business, and government
• Graduates in leadership roles influence industry standards and hiring decisions
• A dynamic mentorship program links current students with alumni for real-world insight and career growth

International Applicants

Because the IDT MA degree is offered fully online, international students can complete the program from their country of residence. However, San Francisco State University cannot issue an I-20 to international applicants.