Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology
Welcome to San Francisco State University’s first fully online degree program: Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology
The Instructional Technologies (ITEC) program equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to create effective and engaging learning experiences for a diverse range of audiences, whether in the education, corporate training, or instructional design sectors. The Department offers both an M.A. Degree in Instructional Design and Technology as well as an 18-unit Certificate in Training Systems Development. Credentialed K-12 teachers can obtain a California supplementary authorization in computer science by completing 12 units of coursework in the four required areas.
With our fully online format, you can earn your degree from anywhere in the world, while still maintaining your other commitments. We offer online courses with options for synchronous or asynchronous participation. IDT programs cater to the working adult with all synchronous courses offered in late afternoons or evenings, and almost all courses designed to support an asynchronous participation option. The program can be completed in an average of 3-5 semesters, through an accelerated 2-semester (one year) program is possible. Additional courses may be offered in special Winter or Summer Sessions. Our flexible schedule allows you to complete coursework at your own pace, while also gaining practical experience through projects and internships.
Our curriculum covers a range of topics in instructional design and technology, including learning theory, needs assessment, instructional strategies, assessment and evaluation, and the use of emerging technologies in education and training. Popular elective courses explore traditional and emerging learning technologies, mobile applications, gamification, game-based learning, augmented/virtual reality, social networking and assistive/adaptive technologies.
Our experienced faculty will provide you with personalized attention and support throughout your studies, helping you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your career.
Students develop a career pathway and a portfolio during their studies. Upon completion of our program, you will be prepared for a range of positions in the field of instructional design and technology, including instructional designer, training specialist, e-learning developer, curriculum developer, and education technology specialist.
Read some of our ITEC student testimonials.
Apply Today! Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply to our online Master of Arts degree program in Instructional Design and Technology today! Visit Cal State Apply to get started.
Western Regional Graduate Program: The MA in Instructional Design and Technology is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program, which enables students in 16 Western States and territories to enroll in this MA program as a nonresident yet pay the lower California in-state resident tuition rate. For more information, please visit the Western Regional Graduate Program site.
International Applicants: Because the IDT MA degree is offered fully online, San Francisco State University is not able to issue an I-20 to international applicants.
January 6, 2025
Application Deadline for Spring 2025 admission to the Instructional Design and Technology MA program
Contact an Advisor
Dr. Zahira Merchant | zahiram@sfsu.edu
Dr. Brian Beatty | bjbeatty@sfsu.edu
Out-of-State Resident Tuition Exchange Program
Residents of the following Western states--Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, and Washington--are eligible to participate in the WICHE-WRGP tuition exchange program, and pay California in-state tuition for the Instructional Technologies MA. Learn more about the WICHE-WRGP tuition exchange program.
Degree Requirements
| Core Courses (6 Units) | Units |
|---|---|
| ITEC 800: Theoretical Foundations of Instructional Technologies (Fall) | 3 |
| ITEC 801: Introduction to Learning Design, Design Thinking, and Innovation (Spring) | 3 |
| Research Requirement (6 Units) | |
| ITEC 805: Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation (Fall) | 3 |
| Research Electives: Select three units (one course) from the following: | 3 |
| ITEC 816: Designing Digital Learning Spaces of the Future | |
| ITEC 830: Design of Learning Environments with Emerging Technologies (Spring) | |
| ITEC 850: Design and Management of Training Projects | |
| Electives (15 Units): Select 15 units of elective coursework in collaboration with your advisor. | 15 |
| Recommended electives include the following: | |
| ITEC 720: Fieldwork in Educational Technology (Fall, Spring) | |
| ITEC 740: Visual Design for Learning (Fall) | |
| TEC 815 Integration of Instructional Computing (TBD) | |
| ITEC 816: Designing Digital Learning Spaces of the Future (TBD) | |
| ITEC 818 Digital Game Play Design for Learning (TBD) | |
| TEC 819 Mobile Application Design and Development (TBD) | |
| ITEC 825: Digital Product Usability Testing (Spring) | |
| ITEC 830: Design of Learning Environments with Emerging Technologies (Spring) | |
| ITEC 833: Instructional Products Design Studio (Spring) | |
| ITEC 842: Cognition, Mind, and Learning for Educators (Spring) | |
| ITEC 850: Design and Management of Training Projects (Fall) | |
| ITEC 860: Online and Flexible Learning Systems Design (Fall) | |
| ITEC 865: Fundamentals of Designing Interactive E-Learning Courses (Spring) | |
| ITEC 899 Independent Study in Instructional Technologies (Fall, Spring) | |
| Culminating Experience (3 Units) | |
| ITEC 894: Creative Work (Fall, Spring) OR | 3 |
| ITEC 895: Field Study (Fall, Spring) | |
| Total | 30 |
Instructional Technologies Certificate Program
The Certificate in Training Systems Development program, available fully online with some opportunity for on-campus participation, is designed to help students to develop and update skills and knowledge in the training design and development area in order for to advance to new positions in corporate or public agency training departments. The certificate program offers professional training program developers an opportunity to strengthen and augment their skills. This program is especially useful to individuals who already hold a master’s degree in a related field, such as industrial psychology, broadcast and communication arts, or human resource development or for those who need documentation in training competencies to meet governmental requirements.
Visit our Training Systems Development Certificate Program page for further information.
Admission to the M.A. and Certificate Programs
Entry into the program is open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 units of college course work.
How to Apply
Please review the Graduate Application Procedures for Admission.
Questions?
If you have questions about the program you can review our list of FAQs.
For questions about the admissions process please contact the ELSIT Department at (415) 338-1653 or email us at elsit@sfsu.edu.