Where is the best Instructional Design program?

Discussion in 'Education, Teaching and related degrees' started by Pelican, Mar 15, 2013.

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  1. Pelican

    Pelican Member

    What are some of the best schools for studying Instructional Design? Is there any school which is particularly famous for its Instructional Design program or which is considered in the lead for reserach in this topic?
     
  2. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

  3. major56

    major56 Active Member

  4. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    I second that. They may be lesser known for other things, but for instructional design they're a name brand, and they even have a low cost online doctoral program in it.
     
  5. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    Virginia Tech | Invent the Future
     
  6. Anthony Pina

    Anthony Pina Active Member

    I have been in the field of instructional design & technology for over 25 years and know many of the faculty at the top programs. Boise State is very good. These are the instructional design/instructional technology/instructional systems programs considered in the field to be the leaders (particularly in preparing future faculty and generating research):

    Indiana University
    Arizona State University
    Utah State University
    Florida State University
    Syracuse University
    Penn State University
    Brigham Young University

    Other good and notable programs are Purdue, Boise State, Western Illinois, San Diego State, Virginia Tech, U. of South Alabama, Wayne State, Northern Illinois, Nova Southeastern, U. of Memphis
     
  7. AnnyIngram

    AnnyIngram member

    I have great list of top schools that offer a master's degree in Instructional Design.

    1. University of Georgia in Athens
    2. Florida State University in Tallahassee
    3. California State University in Fullerton
     
  8. Anthony Pina

    Anthony Pina Active Member

    Can't imagine how I missed University of Georgia--It definitely belongs in the list of top programs.
     
  9. estaple

    estaple New Member

    Any thoughts on the University of North Dakota? I am looking at Western Illinois, UW-Stout and North Dakota and was wondering how they stack up. I will work on the certificate first and then move on to a MA or MS after completion. Thanks!
     
  10. Anthony Pina

    Anthony Pina Active Member

    Western Illinois has Dr. Bruce Harris--one of the best in the business!
     
  11. WR213

    WR213 New Member

    I am presently completing my MS in IDT from UND (27 or 36 credits completed), and can happily say that it has been an awesome experience. Like others here, I was between Boise State and UND and selected UND due to its delivery method and interactivity. Nothing against Boise State, I was admitted there and Ms. Fenner, my assigned advisor was very proactive in helping me choose my classes. In the end I chose UND and never looked back. My deciding factor was that at BSU all courses were strictly online and at UND classes are attended live via adobe connect. Another factor for me was the cost. UND's price is the same for online as in-state tuition, which is great if you are depending on the VA 911 GI Bill tuition like I am. UND's Dr. Van Eck lives IDT and his classes are master pieces and very animated. Very project based curriculum, with practical projects that include the use of Captivate and Articulate. Lots of emphasis in Gagne's nine events, human performance technology, etc. Department of Instructional Design and Technology | The University of North Dakota Ask me any questions if interested.

    Schools I also considered and researched: Purdue, Cal State Fullerton, Western Illinois, Emporia State, Univ. of Arkansas, Cal State Monterey.
     
  12. silver123

    silver123 New Member

    Here are a few things that you want when searching for the ideal instructional design masters program:
    1. Curriculum
    What curriculum is being offered and how are the courses structured? Does the school offer online education, or will you be required to attend in-person classes? How many credits are required for the degree itself? How long does it take to complete the program?
    2. Faculty
    Is the faculty experienced? Is the faculty active and supportive? Will you be able to get in touch with your instructors should the need arise? What methods of student-instructor communication are offered (i.e. email, live chat)?
    3. Costs
    What are the costs involved? Are learning materials covered with the cost of tuition, or will you have to pay for those separately? What is the cost of each credit? What are the financing options involved (i.e. grants, scholarships)?
    4. Career goals
    Will the program enable you to achieve your career goals? Are the subjects being taught going to provide you with the practical and theoretical knowledge you're looking for?
     
  13. ryan785

    ryan785 New Member

    Couldn't agree more and as a holder of graduate degree in Instructional Design, I will throw in my two cents:

    1. Curriculum
    Adding to sliver123's information, you also want to see what college the program is hosted within. For example, at our university, the Instructional Design program is housed in the School of Computing and Design, which is somewhat rare. Most schools will host their program within the school of education, but I've seen others who place it in a college of professional studies, etc.

    2. Faculty
    Once again in addition, I would look into faculty research. Especially if you want to go on and get your own Ph.D. in the future. If the faculty have similar research interests as your own, that will help immensely.

    3. Costs
    Not much to add, but sometimes (as is the case for the program at my university) programs try to place you into an internship to help finance the program.

    4. Career Goals
    I'd take this a step further and say that you also want the program to be able to open your eyes to positions you might not regularly think of. This somewhat goes back to researching the faculty, to see what they have done in the past, but this is probably the most subjective piece of advice I can give.
     

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