Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Master of Science in Education in Instructional Technology


Check departmental information for any additional requirements. For application links and additional information visit the college page or the NIU Online page.

This 33-semester-hour program prepares students to be competent practitioners and creative leaders in all major areas of the field. Students develop competencies in such areas as performance technology, instructional software design and development, information access, materials’ selection and evaluation, media administration, program evaluation, and instructional design, development, and evaluation.

The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.

Admission

An applicant may submit MAT scores in lieu of GRE scores.

Student-at-Large, Study-Abroad, and Transfer Credit

Students-at-large are normally prohibited from registering for graduate courses in instructional technology unless they are pursuing an approved endorsement as a Technology Specialist or Library Information Specialist. A maximum of 15 student-at-large and transfer semester hours in combination may be applied toward the master’s degree in instructional technology. See “Requirements for Graduate Degrees” for limitation on study-abroad and transfer credit. With the approval of the student’s faculty advisor, a student who has completed endorsement and/or licensure requirements as a Library Information Specialist or Technology Specialist at NIU as a student-at-large may apply some or all of those student-at-large hours towards the master’s degree in instructional technology.

Requirements


The M.S.Ed. in instructional technology requires a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate course work, determined jointly by the student and advisor. An approved program of courses includes general requirements in instructional technology, and electives as follows.

Comprehensive Examination


The comprehensive examination requirement is fulfilled by successfully completing and presenting a portfolio of student work that demonstrates competency in all core areas of the program. Students must have completed 24 credit hours toward the M.S.Ed. degree in order to participate in the portfolio process.

Requirements for Accelerated B.S. in Applied Management with Emphasis in Instructional Technology, Training and Evaluation/M.S.ED. in Instructional Technology


This accelerated sequence leads to both a B.S. in Applied Management with Emphasis in Instructional Technology, Training and Evaluation and a M.S.ED. in Instructional Technology. Up to 18 semester hours of Emphasis specific courses count towards both the M.S.ED. and B.S. degrees.

Eligibility requirements for application to the M.S.ED. program through the accelerated B.S. in Applied Management program are:

  • Undergraduate majoring in Applied Management with Emphasis in Instructional Technology, Training and Evaluation
  • Completion of at least 9 credit hours of Emphasis specific courses.
  • Minimum of 3.2 GPA.
  • Completion of all M.S.ED. in Instructional Technology program application requirements, including application to the graduate school, statement of purpose, resume, two letters of recommendation, transcripts for all college coursework. The GRE is not required for admission if GPA requirement is met.
  • Students must meet Graduate School application deadlines.

Interested students should talk with an advisor as early as possible and should apply during their junior year.

Curriculum


Students must complete all the requirements for the B.S. in Applied Management with Emphasis in Instructional Technology, Training and Evaluation and the general education requirements before admission. Beginning with the first semester of their final undergraduate year, students will start taking classes in the M.S.ED. in Instructional Technology program. These courses will count toward the final 18 credits of the undergraduate degree. Upon receiving their undergraduate degree, students will work with an advisor to establish a timeline for completion of the M.S.ED. in Instructional Technology program.