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UT's M.S. in instructional design and technology program addresses a growing field in learning and human performance, and provides a multidisciplinary area of study that draws students from many backgrounds. Instructional designers understand and utilize technologies as both product (e.g., web-based courses) and process (e.g., iterative and formative approaches to learner assessment).

Listen to podcasts created by UT graduate students from this program.

Given the diverse career tracks in instructional design, this program offers students the flexibility to customize their course of study based on individual goals and interests. Graduates of the program are well prepared to practice their unique, multidisciplinary profession in a variety of settings, including businesses, K-12 schools, higher education, government and military, or to pursue doctoral studies.

Who enrolls in this program?

Students who enroll in this program intend to pursue careers as experts in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of instructional resources to improve learning and performance in multiple environments. Candidates come from a broad array of backgrounds, including communications, psychology, management and education, among other areas of specialization, but share a common interest in designing creative solutions to learning needs.

What is the structure of the M.S. in instructional design and technology program?

This program emphasizes theories of learning and cognition, multimedia design and development, systematic instructional design, technology and open learning environments. The curriculum couples hands-on, technology-based coursework with theories of education, learning and human performance. Candidates learn to develop effective, cross-media curricula for diverse audiences.

What courses are offered?

A comprehensive list can be found in the course catalog. A small sampling of the courses in the M.S. in instructional design and technology program includes:

  • Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology
  • Theories of Learning and Cognition for Instruction
  • Open Learning Environments in the 21st Century
  • Principles of Learner Motivation
  • Design of Online Collaborative Learning
  • Introduction to Distance Learning
  • Multimedia Design and Development
  • Management of Instructional Development

Who teaches in the instructional design and technology program? 

What are the benefits of the M.S. in Instructional Design program?

  • Cutting-edge, multidisciplinary curriculum
  • Rigorous coursework prepares graduates for highly skilled careers
  • Professional networking and growth provided through classroom interactions
  • Mentorship and career support from expert faculty members who hold doctorate degrees in the field
  • Opportunities to build a professional portfolio to support job seeking
  • Course specialization in individual areas of interest
  • Exponential job growth predicted in the field

Guaranteed Admission for UT Graduates

Students who have earned a 3.0 or higher accompanied by their bachelor's degree from The University of Tampa qualify for our guaranteed admissions track, which also waives some application components. Email ut2ut@ut.edu if you are interested or have questions about guaranteed admission.

4+1 M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology (combined B.A./M.S.)

Undergraduate communication majors have the unique option to enroll in the M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology program. In an accelerated 4+1 format, students may take two graduate-level classes during their senior year and then complete the M.S. program in just one additional year of study.


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Nikisha Watson

"The UT faculty played a huge role in preparing me for the real world. I know I secured my current position because of my professional portfolio, which I was required to complete as my master’s thesis. My professors’ mentorship and expertise gave me insights on what skill areas are highly desired and what professional organizations I should join. I’ve found that my knowledge surpasses the expectations of many in the field because of the way I was taught to stay ahead of emerging trends.”

— Nikisha Watson ’14, Instructional designer, Pasco-Hernando State College, New Port Richey, FL