Semester Credits Required
Total credits: 32-36 (depending upon prior technology experience and writing skills)
Credits in residence at CSUMB: 24 (8 transfer credits maximum)
Outcomes, Courses and Assessment
The Master of Science in Instructional Science and Technology (MIST) degree requires 24 semester hours of core courses, 4 semester hours of an elective, and 4 semester hours for the culminating Capstone experience or thesis. There are another 4 units of technology and writing workshops that are required for all students to take during the first four months of study. [Learn more at CSUMB.EDU/capstone].
The core courses comprise a cluster of instructional design, instructional systems, media design and best educational practices. By guiding the students toward the Learning Outcomes (LOs) listed below, these courses provide students with the skills they need to become effective instructional designers and e-learning developers in the high-tech, global marketplace. Given the complexities that arise from emerging global forces and conflicting values, we discuss international and ethical issues in all courses.
The MIST-Blended program consists of four terms (semesters) that must be taken sequentially covering the following courses and outcomes.
Term I
Courses
IST 522: Instructional Design
IST 524: Instructional Technology
Outcomes
LO 1 Instructional Technology
LO 2 Instructional Design
Students are introduced to the field and profession of Instructional Science and Technology. Topics include but not limited to history, current issues, future trends and an overview of how the components of the field fit together. Students investigate and apply instructional design models to carry out small scale projects and generate a detailed instructional design document. Students are encouraged to incorporate projects from their current employment into the class assignments.
Term II
Courses
IST 520: Learning Theories
IST 526: Interactive Multimedia Instruc
Outcomes
LO 3 Learning Theories
LO 4 Interactive Multimedia
Students learn to evaluate and select appropriate learning theories and instructional principles. And apply them for the design and implementation of instruction and training. Students construct a functioning learning module using interactive multimedia software, information technology and media.
Term III
Courses
IST 622: Assessment & Evaluation
IST 626: Advanced Instructional Design
Outcomes
LO 2 Instructional Design
LO 5 Assessment and Evaluation
Students work on authentic instructional design projects individually or in small groups. Students engage in a real world design experience that deals with and balancing numerous additional variables, including project management, effective communication with clients, time management, application of professional knowledge and skills, and producing professional level products. Students are introduced to the theoretical framework of assessment as it applies to learner performance, effectiveness of curriculum design, and effectiveness of instructional delivery. Students develop techniques for judging the performance of instructional delivery and conduct appropriate usability, reliability and efficiency tests of instructional and learning management systems.
Term IV
Courses
IST 699: Graduate Capstone
Minimum of 4 elective upper-division or graduate-level credits, approved by program coordinator and faculty advisor, related to the field of instructional science and technology. For example: CST 352: Web Scripting, CST 451: Web Production, CST 610: Web-Based Sys Anal & Design, CST 655: E-Commerce:Design & Dev, CST 551: Web Databases & Services, CST 404: Publication Workshop, CST 424, IST595, IST695, etc.
Outcomes
LO 6 Breadth of Knowledge
LO 7 Instructional Sciences and Technology Capstone Project or Thesis
Students complete a Capstone project or thesis that connects with their careers as the culminating experience. Examples include a field study, a client-driven project or applied research.
The MIST-Fully Online program consists of eight terms (each term is about half of a regular semester, eight weeks) that must be taken sequentially covering the following courses and outcomes. Course outcomes are indicated above, the only difference is offering one core course at a time with a lighter support course or a 2-unit elective course.
Term I: Courses: IST524 & IST501
Term II: Courses: IST522 & IST511
Term III: Courses: IST520 & IST531
Term IV: Courses: IST526 & (IST530 or IST541)
Term V: Courses: IST622
Term VI: Courses: IST626
Term VII & VIII: Courses: IST699