M.S. in Instructional Technology Systems 2005

The MS in Instructional Technology Systems program is intended for graduate students who plan to work with Instructional Technology Systems in two possible capacities:
  Students in the Software Design in Instructional Technology Track emerge as accomplished software engineers and programmers. They will be prepared for jobs in software design and construction at Universities and at coding shops that specialize in educational software.
  Students in the Systems Integration in Instructional Technology Track emerge as accomplished systems planners, systems analysts, and systems managers. They will be prepared for jobs in instructional software systems management, or as business/systems analysts at coding shops that specialize in educational software.

The MS in Instructional Technology Systems will equip the student with the core theories and skills to advance to be the CIO or CTO of an instruction delivery organization. A primary focus of the degree is to develop practitioners at corporate training and development organizations. The degree is split into two tracks, matching the two capacities listed above.

This program is guided by several curriculum principles:

• Reflecting the eclectic and developing nature of current Internet and instructional technology design, this program does not presuppose any dominant technologies or programming languages. Rather, students will be exposed to a broad mix of technologies, programming languages and tools.

• The program is designed to adapt to rapid changes in both technology and industry norms.

• The program is designed around industry needs and based upon a long-term partnership with instructional technology leaders.

• The program is designed to provide maximum opportunities for practicum and team projects.

The program has five phases, with each phase preparing the student for the subsequent phase. The master’s degree program consists of:

• Prerequisite Courses
• Fundamentals Courses
• Advanced Phase Courses
• Elective Courses
• Capstone Course

Grade and GPA requirements

Grades: Students must receive a grade of B- or better in each prerequisite course and a C- or better in all other courses. 

GPA: Students must maintain a graduate level GPA of 2.50 or higher while pursuing their degree. Students will not be approved for graduation with less than a 2.50 GPA. Students with a GPA of 3.90 will graduate with distinction.

Prerequisite Courses

Both Tracks

Software Design in Instructional Technology Track

Systems Integration in Instructional Technology Track

By taking these courses and receiving a grade of a B- or better in each, the student will have completed the requirements of the Prerequisite Phase. All or part of the Prerequisite Phase may be waived if a student has the equivalent academic background. Alternatively, students with practical experience may complete a Graduate Assessment Examination ((GAE) to show competency in a prerequisite. All students are blocked from enrolling in the graduate phase of the degree prior to completing their prerequisites. The student must submit an online Change of Status request when the Prerequisite Phase is completed to inform the Student Services offices that the block can be removed. The online request must be submitted two weeks before the student intends to register for graduate level classes. The student will then be considered a fully admitted student, and may pass to the Graduate Phase of the program. Students may submit the Change of Status request by logging in to MyCTI.

Fundamentals Courses

Students should complete their Prerequisite courses before beginning the Fundamental courses. However, while completing the Prerequisite courses, students may take Fundamental courses with consent of their faculty advisor. The Fundamental courses for the MS in Instructional Technology Systems are:

Both Tracks

Software Design Track

Systems Integration in Instructional Technology Track

Advanced Phase

Software Design in Instructional Technology Track

Options: Pick Three from the list below:

Systems Integration in Instructional Technology Track

Options: Pick Three from the list below:

Elective Courses

Both Tracks

Two open electives from CTI courses numbered 420-599

Capstone Course