Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Educational Technology

The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Educational Technology (IDET) is a fully online program designed for trainers, instructional designers, e-learning specialists, and professional educators in various sectors, including K-12, higher education, corporate, military, health, and public service. This program is consistent with state, national, and international standards, supported by prominent associations such as the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), the Association for Talent Development (ATD), the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

Program Description

The IDET program offers current professional-grade technology tools and utilizes current design models with service outlet opportunities. The primary goal of the program is to enable graduates to solve learning and performance problems by applying instructional design principles, emergent technology applications and software, learning theories, best practices, and relevant research. Students are encouraged to involve community and international collaborators in their projects, allowing for a considerable amount of flexibility to explore areas of personal interest. Each student works with their faculty advisor to develop a program of study that emphasizes the aspects of Educational Technology they wish to focus on, tailored to their learning and career goals.

Student Learning Outcomes

The IDET Master's Program is driven by three major Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):

• Plan and develop effective, efficient instruction and related assessments using instructional design processes and principles to solve 21st-century learning and performance problems.
• Design and develop complete, effective instruction for online learning environments in an active learning management system.
• Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and application of the field's underlying theories, knowledge base, and tools in an electronic portfolio or website.

Program Requirements

Prerequisites

Applicants entering the program are required to take an online module that assists learners in using the learning management system at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC).

Required Courses

The program includes a variety of foundation, core, and specialization courses designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of instructional design and educational technology. Some of the key courses include:

• IDET 5300: Instructional Design and Educational Technology Foundations
• IDET 5302: Computer Applications in Education
• IDET 5303: Instructional Hypermedia
• IDET 5304: Instructional Design
• IDET 5305: Instructional Design Applications
• IDET 5310: Internet Resources in Education and Training
• IDET 5320: Project-Based Learning and Related Strategies for Technology Integration
• IDET 5397: Instructional Design and Educational Technology Practicum

Specialization Courses

Specialization courses are designed to provide deeper knowledge in specific areas of instructional design and educational technology, such as:

• IDET 5360: Design Strategies for Online Instruction and Learning Management Systems
• IDET 5365: Instructional Materials Development for Learning Management Systems

TXVSN Professional Development Award

Students who successfully complete IDET 5360 and IDET 5365 are eligible for the TXVSN Professional Development Award, which recognizes their ability to design and teach courses on the Texas Virtual School Network.

Comprehensive Examination, Portfolio, and Exit Survey

All students are required to pass a comprehensive examination, develop and submit a professional portfolio, and complete an exit survey prior to graduation.

Admission Requirements

Students are eligible to pursue graduate-level coursework in Instructional Design and Educational Technology if they meet the College of Education and Human Development's (COEHD) graduate admission requirements as specified in the COEHD's Graduate Policies and Regulations section of the catalog.

Conclusion

The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Educational Technology at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a comprehensive online program that prepares students for careers in instructional design, educational technology, and related fields. With its focus on practical application, community collaboration, and adherence to international standards, this program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.