Instructional Systems Masters Program

Overview | Handbooks | Procedures

Instructional Systems Major
Open and Distance Learning Major
Performance Improvement and Human Resource Development

Overview

The field of Instructional Systems is concerned with the improvement of educational and training programs through the application of research and technology. Instructional Systems is a relatively new area of specialization which draws upon the fields of psychology, communications and management in order to improve human performance.

Within the Instructional Systems Program, there are three choices of majors. The first major, which is the foundation of the program, is Instructional Systems. It is offered both residentially and as an online program via the Internet. The other two majors are Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Performance Improvement and Human Resource Development (PI&HRD), which are offered via the Internet. Students also have an option of earning a Human Performance Technology Certificate and an Online Instructional Development Certificate.

Students who enter the master's program usually have little or no previous training in Instructional Systems. They represent a wide range of undergraduate majors including such areas as psychology, sociology, and English, as well as art, music, and teacher education. In the master's program, students learn the skills that will prepare them to take positions in many types of organizations including business, industry, government, and education.

Those master's graduates who choose to continue in the doctoral program are joined by master's graduates from various related academic areas. The doctoral program builds upon the practitioner skills learned in the master's program and includes emphasis on research and management skills. Recent doctoral graduates have advanced rapidly in positions with universities and major industries. Numerous international students have been attracted to both the master's and doctoral programs in Instructional Systems.

Handbooks

Masters Program Handbook: Majors in Instructional Systems, Open and Distance Learning, and Performance Improvement/Human Resource Development (pdf) (Updated Jan 27, 2010)