Online Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology
Open doors by unlocking your potential.
Interested in growing your skills in the expanding instructional design and learning technology field? You’re not alone. Careers in learning and development are expected to grow faster than the average. In addition to this growth, instructional designers and learning technology professionals are being asked—more than ever—to upskill in key areas (e.g., foundations of instructional design, working with emerging technologies, producing content and assessments in dynamic ways, and leadership) and have master’s level credentials for positions. This is where the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology can help.
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Top-notch, nationally recognized faculty
- Faculty noted for excellence in teaching and mentoring
- Flexible and convenient for your schedule
- Courses designed for you to achieve professional goals
Fully Online
No requirements to come to campus.
Flexible
Choose three of four certificates to stack to a master’s degree.
Experienced Instructors
Teachers and mentors have extensive professional experience.
Online Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology program empowers professionals to design state of the art learning experiences and lead innovation in an ever-changing field.
On your way to earning the degree, you’ll be able to personalize your program by choosing three out of the four available certificates.
- Foundations of Learning Design
- Emerging Technology for Digital Learning
- Producing Effective Learning Experiences
- Leadership in Instructional Design and Learning Technology.
Each certificate is comprised of three courses; all are designed by experts in the field for aspiring or current learning professionals to prepare you for the wide-ranging roles and demands commonly associated with the field of technology-rich instructional design.
Curriculum
The program consists of 30 credits, of which 27 are chosen from three of four certificate programs. After you complete three of the four certificates, you are eligible to take the capstone course to earn your Instructional Design and Learning Technology Master’s Degree.
The capstone was designed to help students develop a career plan and apply what they have learned throughout the program to their future work.
Certificates can be earned as stand-alone credentials if a student does not wish to earn the M.S. Degree.
More information on the program structure and courses can be viewed in the Graduate Catalog.
Admission Requirements
To ensure a high quality graduate student group, all MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology students must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution and meet graduate admission criteria.
If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.
International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.
Learning Outcomes
The program objective for the MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology is to prepare future professionals who are skilled in designing and implementing digital learning experiences, such as online instruction, and other instructional modes integrating digital tools. The program has been designed to strategically align with current instructional design and learning technology literature, professional organizations, and employer needs.
By the end of this program, students completing the degree will:
- Design effective learning experiences, considering learner needs, applying foundational design principles, and identifying technologies that support learner success.
- Produce effective learning experiences that leverage technology to meet organizational and learner needs.
- Integrate emerging technologies to increase learner success, identifying needs, implementing the technology, and evaluating the technology’s effectiveness.
- Lead organizational learning technology initiatives, designing and implementing assessment systems to ensure quality in instruction and developing project plans with budget and resource allocation.
In addition, three key employability skills will be addressed in the program. Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Work with diverse populations and skill sets to create and deliver high-quality instructional materials.
- Apply effective oral communication, writing, and interpersonal skills to coach, mentor, support, and collaborate with others involved in creating effective learning experiences.
- Demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills in solving problems that arise in learning design and emerging technology.
Online Tuition
This graduate program at UW-Whitewater are a superior value at $596 USD per credit for the 2024-25 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or an international student within the major. Additional fees and non-resident tuition may apply to other courses.
If you compare our graduate tuition to others, you will find that this per-credit price is quite reasonable. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
Students enrolled in a graduate certificate program only are not eligible for federal aid.
Students completing a certificate with a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try uwwfao@uww.edu or 262-472-1130.
Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology - Online Graduate Certificates
Graduate Certificates Overview
On your way to earning the degree, you’ll be able to personalize your program by choosing to earn three of four possible in-demand certificates.
Each certificate is comprised of three courses-all designed by experts in the field for aspiring or current learning professionals to prepare you for the wide-ranging roles and demands commonly associated with the field of technology-rich instructional design.
In each course you will have opportunities to engage with leaders in the field around current trends in instructional design and learning technology and practice using strategic decision making in case-based learning. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to apply what you’re learning in real-world projects-all providing evidence to your future employer that you’re not only ready to create engaging learning experiences, but demonstrating that you’re ready to step forward to lead the way in this dynamic field.
Foundations of Learning Design - Online Graduate Certificate
Knowing how to design learning experiences in today’s world (whether it be in higher education, K12, healthcare, or business) is no easy task. It requires having a full understanding of instructional design theories, practices, models, and learner needs.
Emerging Technology for Digital Learning - Online Graduate Certificate
More than ever emerging technologies change the way we do things and this is no different in learning. Courses in this certificate will give students key skills in understanding current trends (as well as how to keep up with trends), research skills to explore effectiveness of learning technologies, and experience working with emerging learning technologies.
Producing Effective Learning Experiences - Online Graduate Certificate
From courses in higher education to training at businesses, many places are focused on growing digital learning. To do this effectively they need qualified instructional design and learning technology professionals who can plan and produce dynamic, engaging, and effective learning experiences.
Leadership in Instructional Design and Learning Technology - Online Graduate Certificate
As online courses and training continues to grow, individuals are needed to develop programs, lead units, and navigate the support of organizational technology change. These courses will focus on helping students to develop new programs and initiatives, prepare for leading learning technology units, and lead change in an organization.
