Interdisciplinary Master of Arts with Instructional Science and Technology Emphasis ~ Degree Requirements

Semester Credits Required

Total credits: 32-40 (depending upon prior technology and writing skills)
Credits in residence at CSUMB: 24 (8 transfer credits maximum)

Outcomes, Courses and Assessment

The Interdisciplinary Master of Arts with Instructional Science and Technology emphasis (IST) 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. [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 IST program consists of four terms 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 Theory
IST 526 Interactive Multimedia for Instruction

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 use the design document generated in the previous term to collaboratively construct a functioning learning module using interactive multimedia software, information technology and media.

Term III

Courses
IST 622 Assessment and Evaluation
IST 695 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 630 Graduate Capstone in Instructional Sciences and Technology

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, CST 451, CST 610, CST 655, CST 551, CST 404, CST 424, IST595, IST695, etc.

Outcomes
LO 7 Breadth of Knowledge
LO 8 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.