Master's in Educational/Instructional Technology

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by chrisjm18, Aug 29, 2022.

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  1. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    So, I will return to the "classroom" in the spring as a student. I have decided to pursue a master's degree in instructional technology (or related).

    Application submitted

    University of Tennessee, Knoxville
    M.S. in Education: Instructional Technology

    The program is online with synchronous classes one day each week for each course.
    *Option to be awarded a graduate certificate in online teaching & learning along the way
    https://catalog.utk.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=35&poid=17723&returnto=4809

    Considering

    University of Memphis
    M.S. in Instructional & Curriculum Leadership: Instructional Design & Technology

    This is an online, asynchronous program.
    *Option to be awarded a graduate certificate in IDT Instructional Design & Technology along the way
    https://www.memphis.edu/idt/programs/ddms.php

    Tennessee Technological University
    M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction: Educational Technology

    This is mainly an online, asynchronous program. However, the research courses have synchronous requirements of one day per week, every other week.
    *Option to be awarded a graduate certificate in IDT Instructional Design & Technology along the way
    https://catalog.tntech.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=35&poid=4835&returnto=7676

    For this program, the GRE/MAT is required. A waiver is available for those who have "successfully passed EdTPA, Praxis, and teaching license requirements with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher."

    However, I emailed the chair, and he stated, "We do not typically waive the MAT/GRE requirement, but if you wanted to request a departmental evaluation from Graduate Studies, I’d be glad to review your file. I’m definitely open to considering a waiver taking your past degrees into account. I’ve copied our Grad Studies representative on the message."

    UT and UM are R1, while TN Tech is R2. I love the TN Tech colors (primarily purple). I also like the fact that it's a STEM-focused school, and I am seeking an instructional technology degree. UT no doubt has the best reputation. As far as cost, I am not concerned because I get up to 9 credits paid for each semester at these schools. I don't plan to take more than 6 credits each semester.

    Any thoughts about the schools or programs? Should I wait to hear from UT before applying for the others?

     
  2. Dustin

    Dustin Well-Known Member

  3. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    I completed the Professional Certificate in Online Learning (PCOE) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison a few years ago. I was impressed with their ability to train and teach online learning.

    Another favorite of mine is the online master's on the same topic at Boise State.

    The Association for Talent Development, the professional association serving the talent development field--I'm a Certified Talent Development Professional (CPTD)--maintains a listing of degree programs in our profession: ATD Online Degree Programs
     
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  4. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    The rationale for this degree is that I want to increase my chances of obtaining a full-time remote gig, even if it means giving up a full-time faculty role to be an instructional technologist. I want to be able to travel full-time, primarily in Africa, until I am ready to settle somewhere. Working the last year and counting as the lead faculty for online programs (including designing courses as an SME) has increased my interest in instructional design and development. I have been supervising about 6 SMEs through their online course development. Though I wanted to give up my role at UVI at the end of the summer, I was asked by the AVP of Online Learning to continue. So, I figured I'll serve through fall and see all courses developed through completion. She even provided one of the three recommendations for my UT application. She thinks I can't go wrong with an IT degree.
     
  5. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Remote work usually requires more reliable Internet access than can often be easily found even in major cities in Africa.

    (I'm not saying to forget it, because I love your dream! I'm just suggesting to keep it squarely in mind.)
     
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  6. AsianStew

    AsianStew Moderator Staff Member

    You have a couple masters already, and a change may be for the better since you're going into teaching anyways. If work is forking out the majority of the costs to the degree, why not? If you're paying for it out of pocket, then you may want to look at alternatives such as WGU Tennessee or even ACE.edu and whatever else is less expensive. Apply to all 3... It's great you're keeping your options open, just in case the first choice doesn't select you, you can see if the second/third options would.
     
  7. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    I am a tenure-track faculty at a Tennessee public university. Hence, I won't pay for the degree if I attend any UT or formerly TBR school, which includes the three I mentioned. Thanks for your feedback regarding application options.
     
  8. JoshD

    JoshD Well-Known Member

    Good luck, Chris! I think you have a fantastic plan and I look forward to seeing future updates.
     
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  9. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    I submitted my TN Tech app last week and my UM app this morning. Let's see what decisions they will come back with. Ultimately, I will choose the one that offers me the most transfer credits (if any) for the research course(s).
     
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  10. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    Received my first admission letter.

    Screenshot_20220908-042442_Spark.jpg
     
  11. JoshD

    JoshD Well-Known Member

    Congratulations! :)
     
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  12. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Congratulations! :emoji_medal:
     
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  13. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    I have been admitted to The University of Memphis :)

    I am now waiting to hear from UT Knoxville, but I am pretty sure I will choose UM.
     
  14. MaceWindu

    MaceWindu Active Member

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  15. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    Screenshot_20221016_055526.jpg
     
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  16. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    Screenshot_20221020_153622.jpg

    University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

    I was conditionally accepted because my official transcripts were not sent.
     
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  17. Acolyte

    Acolyte Active Member

    Congratulations! I hope you find it interesting. My M.S. is similar (Instructional Design & Learning Tech) - With all of your experiences, it should come pretty easily to you.
     
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  18. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    Thank you. I'm looking forward to it!
     
  19. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    I have decided to attend The University of Memphis for several reasons. First, UM’s program has 30 credits, compared to the other two, which are 33 credits. Also, I inquired if I could get the Intro to Educational Research course waived (3 credits). My advisor informed me that it could be waived, or I could take another research course. Second, UM has the most diverse undergraduate and graduate student populations and faculty. Third, UM is the most LGBTQ+-friendly option.

    If all goes according to plan, I should be completed by December 2023. Not sure it will happen because the last course is 16 weeks long. They follow a rotation that would have my taking two other courses in Fall 2023. These are prerequisite for the final course. It's only offered in the fall. However, I am going to meet with my advisor in a few weeks to discuss my degree plan. I couldn't imagine writing a whole year for the final course.

    I want to take 3 courses each spring, summer, and fall. That's another plus with UM. They offer 8-week courses, except for the research course and the capstone course I mentioned. Finally, as I mentioned before, I get three credits for free each semester and six credits reimbursed at all Tennessee public universities. So, I am earning this degree tuition-free. I will be sure to post updates on my experience in the program.

    Blessings,
    Chris

    20221020_190214.jpg
     
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  20. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    One of my many failed attempts up the doctoral mountain was through the University of Memphis. The culprit was a stats course that was, bar none, the worst mathematics course I have ever seen. It was enough to turn me off to the whole institution.

    I hope your experience differs.
     
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