Instructional Technology and Design, M.S.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Instructional Technology and Design is a fully online program offered for people who want to work as instructional technology professionals in K-12, and/or as instructional designers and training specialists in a wide array of environments including higher education, non-profit, government, corporate, and military settings. Students in this program gain hands-on experience in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of a broad range of educational media and technology for innovative teaching, training, and development.

Program Distinctions

• UNC Greensboro’s graduate Library and Information Science programs are ranked among the best in the nation by US News & World Report.
• As part of this program, students have the opportunity to fulfill the requirements for a North Carolina State K-12 instructional technology (077) license. Additional courses will be required for those without a current teaching license. 
• This program also offers a general program of study, ideal for students who are interested in working in instructional design and technology outside of K-12. 
• Unique focus on design thinking, online learning, and instruction for diverse learners and equitable access
• All students are required to take a set of core and leadership courses, including a field-based capstone.

The Student Experience

• Graduate students in the School of Education LIS programs benefit from online synchronous instruction that enables engaging instruction in a discussion based format. 
• Students work closely with their advisor to customize their learning experiences to align with their desired work context (e.g., K-12, higher education, corporate, etc.).
• Students will gain learning experiences and applied skills in the design, production, application, and evaluation of a broad range of media and technology for innovative teaching, instruction, training, and development.
• As both science and art, students will learn the systematic process of assessing needs, identifying learning priorities, developing instructional or performance solutions, implementing instruction in a wide array of environments with an emphasis on online and mobile delivery.

After Graduation

A master’s degree in instructional technology is the gateway to a fast growing career field with opportunities across many different sectors including: K-12, higher education, nonprofit, government agencies, corporate, healthcare and insurance, science and technology, and military settings. Jobs for training and development specialists are expected to grow 9% through 2029 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Career opportunities may be remote, hybrid or in person. 

Some examples of instructional technology and design careers include, 

• Education/Instructional Technologist
• Instructional Designer OR Learning Designer 
• Learning and Development OR Training and Development Specialist  
• Corporate Trainer
• Curriculum and Instruction Specialist 
• E-Learning Developer
• Instructional Coordinator
• Instructional Systems Specialist

Check out our ILRS Jobs Board to see current job announcements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Program Customization

For students wanting to obtain the MEd with 077 licensure, please note that all LIS licensure candidates are required to:

• Submit a Candidate Agreement form to the program coordinator.
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Archive all course assignments required as evidence for accreditation and post them to your final portfolio by the last semester of the program.
• Score 2 or above on all teaching dispositions.
• Receive a satisfactory evaluation on the practicum.
• Acquire professional liability insurance for all courses with field-based components (LIS 677).
• Submit to a criminal background check before completing LIS 677.

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We accept applications on a rolling basis, meaning you may apply at any time, and begin your program during either the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.

LIVE OUTSIDE NORTH CAROLINA?

Currently, UNC Greensboro is authorized to offer online education in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Find out more about State Authorization — a law that regulates in which states colleges and universities can offer education.

UNC Greensboro does not guarantee that programs that fulfill North Carolina licensure requirements will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states or territories. For further explanation, visit Professional Licensure.