Online Master’s in Instructional Technology and Design

The Master’s in Instructional Technology and Design (MSITD) at UNC Greensboro prepares students to create engaging, effective learning experiences across educational and professional settings. Offered fully online, the program combines instructional design, learning technologies, and evidence-based teaching practices to help students design, develop, implement, and evaluate innovative learning solutions. Whether pursuing careers in K-12 education, higher education, corporate training, healthcare, government, or nonprofit organizations, students gain the practical skills and hands-on experience needed to lead technology-enhanced learning initiatives and improve outcomes for diverse learners.

Online master’s in instructional technology and design Program Distinctions

UNC Greensboro’s graduate Library and Information Science programs, which includes our online course for Instructional Technology & Design, are ranked among the best in the nation by US News & World Report.

The Master’s in Instructional Technology and Design emphasizes synchronous online instruction that allows students to engage in discussion-based classes and collaborate with faculty and peers in real time.

Students in the MSITD program gain practical experience designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating instructional materials and technology solutions. The curriculum culminates in a field-based capstone experience that allows students to apply their skills in real-world settings. 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 a K-12 setting. 

The Online instructional technology and design Student Experience

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. All MSITD students are required to take a set of core and leadership courses, including a field-based capstone.

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.

The MSITD program incorporates design thinking, online learning strategies, accessibility, and instruction for diverse learners. These areas align closely with current workforce demands in instructional design and learning experience development.

Students have the option to complete requirements for the North Carolina K-12 Instructional Technology (077) license while earning their MSITD degree. This creates a pathway to instructional technology facilitator, coordinator, or leadership roles within school systems.

Personalize Your Online master’s in instructional technology and design Experience

As a student in the MSITD program, you have the opportunity to focus on developing your skill set in specific areas. Below are some suggested courses to help students plan out a particular destination in their studies. None of these courses are required, but they can help students who wish to refine their academic experience within a particular area.

• LIS 672 Instructional Design
• LIS 675 eLearning Design
• LIS 636 Website Production
• LIS 637 Instructional Communication and Technologies
• LIS 671 Designing Blended and eLearning environments
• LIS 674 Seminar: Issues and the Virtual Community
• LIS 630 Computer Related Technologies for Information Management
• LIS 631 Emerging Technological Trends in Information Access
• LIS 635 Introduction to Technology Resources
• SES 662 Assistive Technology for Inclusive Education
• TED 610 Integrating Technology into Subject Matter Instruction

For students wanting to obtain their 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.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning you may apply at any time, and begin your program during either the fall, spring, or summer.

After Graduating with an Online Instructional Technology and Design Master’s Degree

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, insurance, science and technology, and military settings. Jobs for training and development specialists are expected to grow 11% through 2034 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Career opportunities may be remote, hybrid or in person. 

Some examples of instructional technology and design careers include:

• Education or 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 related to instructional design.

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.