Master of Science (MS)
Education: Instructional Technology
College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
Program Overview
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers an online Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Instructional Technology. It equips students with the skills needed to teach in the online environment, including educational institutions, corporations, government positions and nonprofit organizations.
Credit Hours
33
Cost Per Credit Hour*
In-State $700
Out-of-State $775
Testing Requirements
No GRE
Admission Terms
Fall, Spring
*Cost per credit hour is an estimate based on maintenance and university fees. Some programs may have additional course fees. Please contact your department for additional information on any related fees, and visit Tuition and Fees in Detail at One Stop.
About The Program
UT’s Instructional Technology master’s degree program prepares leaders in the field of instructional design and technology. Coursework enables students to design, develop, implement, and evaluate online learning environments. These skills are desirable in a variety of contexts such as education, corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Asynchronous & Synchronous
The program utilizes both asynchronous and synchronous learning formats. This means students are able to engage in course-related activities from the convenience of their home, and also have live interactions with instructors and peers. Class meetings occur in the evening to accommodate working adults.
IT Online coursework enables students to design, develop, implement, and evaluate online learning environments. Students apply what they learn by working directly with real-world clients. These skills and experiences are desirable in a variety of contexts such as education, corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations.
The program is targeted to employment, providing research experience and opportunities to work with clients. Graduates in this field typically find jobs related to curricular design, technology coordination, distance education, instructional design, and training.
Degree Requirements
IT Online requires thirty-three credit hours of coursework. The degree can be completed in a timeframe that works best for each individual, with two–year, three-year, and four-year program plan options.
In lieu of a thesis, a professional portfolio is the capstone experience of this program. This portfolio meets the professional standards of the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) and Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT).
While completing degree requirements, students can simultaneously earn a graduate certificate endorsed by AECT in Online Teaching and Learning. This certificate offers students a way to group courses they are already taking into a recognizable skill set that can be presented to future employers.
Technical Requirements
To be successful in this fully online program, students need access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection, webcam, USB headset with microphone, backup storage device, and software, as required by the course instructors.
Featured Courses
Students will have the opportunity to take courses that align with their interests and goals, such as:
IT 577: Practicum in Online Learning Environments
Field-based project involving aspects of the instructional design process in an online learning environment with reflection on theory and practice issues.
IT 532: Online Learning Environments
Theory, research and practice of designing, developing and evaluating online learning environments including distance education and blended learning approaches.
IT 573: Introduction of Multimedia in Instruction
Selected computer-based multimedia production tools and use to produce instructional materials based on specific learner characteristics and objectives.
IT 570: Instructional Systems Design
Application of theory and research of instructional systems design to solve instructional problems in educational settings.
Student Testimonials
“One of the most rewarding things about being a part of the IT Online program was meeting, connecting, and networking with my classmates. We had a broad representation of professionals in primary, secondary, and higher education institutions, the private sector, government, and even the military. These individuals became more than just classmates – they became valuable professional contacts and even friends.”
Kevin L. Fowler, MS, Education, Instructional Technology graduate, ‘16
“Everything in the program is grounded in practice. We’re not taught just design models or theory – we are taught to really look at the problems and possibilities from a holistic perspective that allows for creative problem-solving. I also really appreciated the collaboration with my peers, which has made me much better prepared for working in the complex environment of professional instructional design and training.”
Anne Skutnik, MS, Education, Instructional Technology graduate, ‘16
“As this program of study is delivered (almost) entirely online, each course provides you with not only the knowledge and skills listed on the syllabus, but also a model of how to structure and deliver instruction in online environments. Do not ‘fight’ the online nature of the program – consider it a valuable part of the learning process. Take the time to step back and evaluate each professor’s approach to the course, determine what is effective (and not), what feels comfortable to you (and isn’t) in order to build or enhance your own ‘toolbox’ of preferred approaches to online (and blended) learning.”
Duren J. Thompson, MS, Education, Instructional Technology graduate, ‘16
“If you’re new to the world of instructional design and technology, start thinking about what you want to do within the field. You’ll learn a lot of foundational knowledge about education and how people learn in the program, and you’ll get familiar with the technical jargon, but there are a variety of ways to apply that knowledge out in the world and a varying set of skills for each area. Having an idea of where you want to be so you can direct your individual studies in that direction is immensely helpful for your future career.”
Lindsey Leffew, MS, Education, Instructional Technology graduate, ‘16
