Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences

Return to: Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services

Department Head: Andrew Walker
Location: Emma Eccles Jones Education 215A
Phone: (435) 797-2614
FAX: (435) 797-2693
E-mail: andy.walker@usu.edu
WWW: itls.usu.edu/

Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education (MEd) Educational Technology and Learning Sciences, Master of Science (MS), Education Specialist (EdS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences

Graduate specializations: MEd—School Library Media Administration

Full details of the learning objectives, assessment plan, student outcomes, and evidence of continuous improvement for these programs of study can be found at itls.usu.edu/about/assessment.

Undergraduate Programs

Objectives and Requirements

The Human Experience Design and Interaction (HEDI) program focuses on instructional design, video game design, product design, or multimedia design, all with an emphasis on being human-centered. HEDI has core classes that include design, product/project management, how people learn, and how to visualize and present data to key stakeholders. Students will also specialize in two emphasis areas of their own choosing. Emphasis options include game studies, marketing, new venture management, multimedia, culturally responsive design, product development, and technical communication.

A GPA requirement of 2.0 and completion of 60 credits are required for admission to the program. Other criteria considered includes prior work experience, aptitude for technology, and experience with multimedia.
 
The program is geared toward students who have already completed an associate degree, either through USU or another institution. However, students can be accepted into the program before completing an associate degree, even as incoming freshmen. ITLS coursework is only available online.  

Two minors are offered, one in School Library Media Administration and another in Multimedia Development.

Graduate Programs

Instructional technology is a systematic way of analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating the processes of learning and teaching with specific objectives based on research in human learning and communication. It employs a combination of human and non-human resources to bring about more effective instruction. Instructional technology includes aspects of instructional design, product development, interactive learning technologies, multimedia, distance education, and library and information literacy. Each aspect of the field has unique contributions to make to the teaching-learning process.

The department offers a specialization in School Library Media Administration. A program emphasis in online learning communities in education and training is also offered.

Graduates are in demand in business and industrial settings, as well as in education, because of their preparation in training and instructional design. Admission to the graduate program is open to all students regardless of their undergraduate preparation.

Admission Requirements

See general admission requirements. The EdS, MS, MA, and MEd admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) and an MAT score or GRE verbal and quantitative scores at or above the 40th percentile. Those applying for the PhD program must have GRE verbal and quantitative test scores at or above the 40th percentile. Demonstrated writing proficiency is required of all applicants. International students must have a minimum 79 TOEFL or 6 IELTS language proficiency score unless they have completed a Master’s degree at a U.S. university.

Applications for PhD and EdS degree programs must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies by January 6th. Applications for MS, MEd, and MA programs must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies by April 1st for a Fall start or October 15th for a Spring start. Space permitting, additional qualified candidates will be considered up to two months before the next semester starts. Students who wish to be considered for financial aid must submit applications by January 31st for the coming academic year. A required three-day orientation will be held in August before classes start. 

Applicants for the EdS and PhD programs who do not hold a master’s degree in Instructional Technology must complete additional course requirements.

No applications will be considered until all required information is received by the School of Graduate Studies.

Course Requirements

Course requirements for all degrees are dependent upon the area of emphasis and are individually planned by the student and the supervisory committee. For planning materials and program details, contact the department.

Financial Assistance

Fellowships, assistantships and other financial support are available and awarded on a competitive basis. Apply through the department. 

FACULTY - Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services  
 

Return to: Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services