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 Design and Technology (IDT) program equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to create effective and engaging learning experiences in a variety of settings, including K-12 schools, colleges and universities, nonprofits and government agencies, and corporations. The Department offers both an MA degree in Instructional Design and Technology and an 18-unit Graduate Certificate in Training Systems Development.
The Instructional Design and Technology MA Program and Graduate Certificate are both fully online, allowing you to earn your degree from anywhere in the world. We cater to working adults, with all synchronous courses offered in late afternoons and evenings. Almost all courses are designed to allow an asynchronous participation option. The MA program can be completed full-time in 2 semesters or part-time in 3-5 semesters. Our flexible schedule allows you to complete your coursework at your own pace and to gain valuable practical experiences 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.
Graduate students will work with faculty to develop an IDT career pathway and portfolio. Upon completion of our program, you will be prepared for a range of positions in the field of instructional design and technology, as an instructional designer, e-learning development specialist, curriculum developer, training specialist, 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.
August 4, 2025
Application Deadline for Fall 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.