Education - Instructional Systems Design, MSEDU

The Instructional Systems Design (ISD) program is designed for the working professional who wants to advance their career with a specialization in instructional design - a field that utilizes theories of learning, information and communication technology, and appropriate assessment and evaluation to help people learn and perform better in the e-learning era. The ISD graduates work in a wide range of industries and have jobs as instructional designers/technologists, e-learning designers/developers, training specialists, project managers, and curriculum directors. This program does not require or lead to initial teacher certification.

Plan A: 30 credit hours, with a thesis requirement
Plan B: 36 credit hours, without a thesis requirement

Admission Requirements

Applicants are evaluated holistically, with attention paid to prior educational achievement and professional experience. In addition to the admission requirements set by the Graduate School, departmental requirements include undergraduate transcripts, a statement of professional goals, a resume, and three letters of professional reference. The GRE is not required for admission to the ISD program. All materials may be submitted through The Graduate School’s online application portal.

Degree Requirements

Specific programs are planned with a faculty advisor subject to the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies. All students are required to complete:

An 18-hour common core including nine semester hours in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
At least 6 hours must be taken outside the College of Education.

The Plan A (thesis) option includes 6 credit hours of electives and 6 credit hours of thesis credit.
An additional 12 credit hours of electives are required for the Plan B (non-thesis) option.

Plan A students must successfully defend a thesis; Plan B students must successfully complete a final exam.
Students in Instructional Systems Design may elect to complete a graduate certificate, such as the departmental certificate in Distance Education, as part of their coursework.

https://education.uky.edu/edc/isd/ms/