Instructional technology refers to the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management and evaluation of the processes and resources for learning. It is used to improve educational and training systems in organizational settings, school systems, and universities through the application of research and best practices from instructional technology. We believe that Instructional Technology is much more than hardware and computer software development. Instructional Technologies also encompasses the instructional design process, which includes analysis, design, development, evaluation, and implementation of instructional systems and other learning environments. Related areas of study include educational psychology, organizational development, communications, message design, multimedia development, electronic distance education, management and consultation, technical writing, information systems design, to name a few.

With exciting and innovative programs, Instructional Technology programs provide students the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge from educational and applied psychology, instructional systems design, computer science, systems theory, and communication theory, allowing for considerable flexibility to tailor individual needs across other academic disciplines. Students from diverse fields can plan programs that are consistent with their long-range academic and professional goals. Our Instructional Technology courses are offered 100% online, allowing professionals to earn their degrees and/or certificates from anywhere at any time!

In addition, our programs are directed toward preparing students to function in a variety of roles to be performed in a broad range of settings, including business and industry, human services, health institutions, higher education, government, military, and public and private K-12 education.

The Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology (MIT) program provides advanced professional training for teachers and school technology coordinators; business and industry personnel such as executives, trainers, and human resource development employees; persons in the health care field; and community college instructors. The program focuses on the theory and practice of design and development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning. It emphasizes product development and utilization of advanced technology and provides applied training in the total design, development, implementation, and evaluation of educational and training programs. The program consists of 36 credit hours including 15 hours of core or foundation courses and 15 credit hours of focus or specialty area courses, 3 hours of seminar series (colloquia) and internship, and 3 credit hours of design and development research project or master's thesis.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Instructional Technology program includes a concentration in Evaluation and Organizational Learning. This concentration has a program of study that emphasizes evaluation as a leadership process focused on organizational learning and change. The program is designed for professionals in fields such as health, business, education, social work, sociology, and public administration.

Active professionals with degrees in Instructional Technology (or instructional design) are highly regarded in many varied educational and training settings. Examples include computer-based learning, online learning via the World Wide Web, instructional videos, or "just-in-time learning" modules used in government or businesses. Other examples include:

• Developing instruction/training for government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), US Coast Guard, or Department of Defense (DoD), higher education, and business and industry.
• Managing training programs for medium to large businesses or corporations, higher education, health organization, and public or private education.
• Creating custom learning solutions for various clients in an instructional design or consulting firm.
• Supporting teachers and students at K-12 or college/universities as incorporate technologies into their curricula.
• Developing instructional or educational software using multiple and combined media.

These are places where are alumni are currently working (these are a few of many just to give you an idea of how far our alumni network spreads):

Corporate:

Cisco System
Lockheed Martin
Booz Allen Hamilton
AT&T
SAP
Bank of America
Cone Health
Kindred Healthcare
Infina
DST Health Solutions
Proficient Learning
US Bank
Exxon Mobile
SunTrust banks
Fuji Film
PPD
3D Robotics
GAP/Old Navy/Banana Republic Corporate
American Institute for Certified Public Accountants
American Express
New Hanover Regional Medical Center
*Many branches of the military and government
*We also have alumni working internationally

Minimum Admission Requirements

Students desiring admission into the graduate program in instructional technology must present the following:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or its equivalent from a foreign institution of higher education based on a four-year program.
• A strong academic record (an average GPA of 3.0 or better is expected) in the basic courses required in the area of the proposed graduate study.
• Three recommendations from individuals who are in a position to evaluate the student's professional competence as well as potential for graduate study.
• A statement of career goals and degree objectives and a letter describing educational and professional experiences, their reasons for pursuing graduate study, and the contributions that the student hopes to make after completing the degree.
• North Carolina essential and advanced technology competencies (*This requirement applies to teachers with certification).
• There are no tests (GRE or other) required for admission in Master's or Certificate Programs in Instructional Technology

Individuals who fall below a specified criterion (i.e., low GPA) may be admitted if other factors indicate for success. Individuals with identified deficiencies may be accepted provisionally with specified plans and goals for the remediation of those deficiencies. Such remediation may include a requirement of additional hours beyond those normally required for the degree. Please feel free to contact us if you have a question about this.

When & How to Apply

Students are admitted to the program each semester. The deadline for receipt of applications by the Graduate School is:

• Spring - October 31
• Summer I - April 15
• Summer II - May 15
• Fall - July 1

Applicants are required to submit the following materials to the UNCW Graduate School Admissions Office:

• Official graduate application (Use the following link https://uncw.edu/gradschool/admissions/application/index.html to apply electronically.)
• Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate). The transcripts should be mailed directly to UNCW Graduate School.
• Three recommendations from individuals in professionally relevant fields, addressing the applicant's demonstrated academic skills and/or potential for successful graduate study.
• Evidence of a bachelor's degree at the time of entrance.
• Letter of application and a statement of professional goals describing applicant's educational & professional experiences, reasons for pursuing a master's degree in instructional technology, & contributions that applicant hopes to make after degree completion.
• There are no tests (GRE or other) required for admission in Master's or Certificate Programs in Instructional Technology
• International students: TOEFL score of 550 or higher or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 217 or better (computerized test), 550 or better (paper test), or a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) or IELTS minimum score of 6.5 or 7.0 to be eligible for a teaching assistantship.

Graduate Assistantships are available and are awarded on a competitive basis each academic year. Graduate assistants are chosen from among the candidates who apply by the May 15 deadline for the Fall semester. Please contact us for more information on graduate assistantships.

Students interested in being considered for an assistantship should check the appropriate box on the application form and should submit a description of their technology skills in addition to the other application materials.

Tuition fee-2 years$48,000

Total fee-2 years$84,000