Instructional Design Technology students focus on creativity and innovation; critical thinking and problem solving; and communications and collaboration skills.
Instructional Design Technology students will learn to assess, problem solve, and design pedagogy for more effective learning.
Depending on your undergraduate area of studies and GPA, we provide this 3 in 1 opportunity. Our program enables you to earn the M.Ed. and with careful planning of electives, you may also earn the Instructional Technology Specialist Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Online Learning certification.
Graduates interested in Instructional Design careers may attain a career in corporate training or in higher education Instructional Design, Assistive technology, or Universal Design for Learning.
Why ESU?
This unique program encompasses learning theory, practice and learning new technology applications using a hands-on approach.
The purpose of the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Design Technology is to address the learner and develop instructional design using 21st century skills and technology.
Please contact the graduate coordinator if you have any questions.
What You'll Learn
In the ESU master's program, students will become proficient in applying theory and instructional design to address the pedagogical needs that will help them confidently implement technology.
- Instructional Design Models
- Universal Design for Learning
- Instructional Design and Learning Theories
- Differentiated Instruction
- Interactive Web Design
- Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality
- Artificial Intelligence for Learning & Design
- Action-based research design
Admissions Requirements
For M.Ed. degree
- Two letters of recommendation
- Portfolio or interview (Interview is granted after the application is received)
- For full admission a minimum overall undergraduate 3.0 QPA
- Rolling deadline
For Certification
- Contact the graduate coordinator for additional admission information to comply with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.
- Minimum overall undergraduate QPA 3.0 (Pennsylvania Act 354)
- If not 3.0 QPA, then completion of nine credits of Instructional Design Technology courses with prior written approval of graduate coordinator faculty adviser
- Two letters of recommendation
- Rolling deadline
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program build successful careers in a variety of instructional, corporate, and educational settings, including Instructional Designer, Instruction Technology Specialist, Instructional Coach, Assistive Technology Coordinator, Universal Design Technology Coordinator, and Corporate trainer.
For example, some of the higher education and corporate employers of past alumni include: Penn State University, Montgomery College, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Northampton Community College, Thomas Jefferson University, Oregon State Health Department, St. Luke Hospital, Comcast, and Verizon.
Internships and Research Opportunities
Capstone level courses include a three-credit internship and Action Design Research. The internship allows students the choice to immerse themselves in the role of Instructional Designer or Instructional Coach The internship and research are key building blocks to build your resume for a career to meet your professional goals.
Students will engage in research design to create learning opportunities to enhance knowledge of technology integration in learning. Using research-based instructional theories and extant data, students create a proactive research action plan to analyze technology integration in learning. While doing systematic research, students create an observation tool, understand the IRB process, gather data, analyze the limitations of a study, and do data analysis to interpret results. Culmination of the research process enables students to apply for research presentations at regional, national, and international symposiums.
The Instructional Design Technology graduate internship is a culminating experience that extends the knowledge base and customizes the learning experience beyond the academic setting.
- The internship counts as 3 credits.
- This represents part of the 33 credits for the degree, or 24 credits for certification.
- Internship candidates will complete the degree coursework and the portfolio.
- Review Graduate Internship Guidelines
Become a Warrior
Earn your Master's degree in Instructional Design Technology at ESU
Contact Us
Campus Address
Stroud Hall 209
(570) 422-3363
Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Carol Walker
cwalker@esu.edu
(570) 422-3763
Department Chair, Professional & Secondary Education - IDT
Dr. Beth Sockman
bsockman@esu.edu
(570) 422-3621
