MSIDT FAQs

Overview

FAQs — MSIDT

General Program Information

  1. Q. What is the Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology (MSIDT)?
    A. The MSIDT is a 100% online, 34-unit graduate program that prepares students for careers in instructional design, training, organizational management, and human performance improvement. The program equips students with data-driven, technology-enhanced strategies for developing effective learning and performance solutions.
  2. Q. When does the program start?
    A. The first cohort will begin in fall 2025 and is open to California residents only.
  3. Q. How is the program delivered?
    A. The MSIDT is offered fully online, allowing students to complete coursework asynchronously from anywhere in the world.
  4. Q. Who is this program designed for?
    A. The MSIDT program is ideal for individuals interested in instructional design, e-learning, corporate training, higher education, and human performance technology. It is suitable for career changers, educators, corporate trainers, and instructional technologists seeking to expand their expertise.
  5. Q. Why should I choose the MSIDT at SJSU?
    • Silicon Valley Connections – Access to industry leaders and top companies.
    • Flexible Online Format – Learn at your own pace.
    • Cutting-Edge Curriculum – Focus on learning analytics, human performance improvement, and immersive technologies (XR/VR/AR).
    • Strong Faculty and Support – Expert faculty with deep experience in instructional technology.

Admissions and Application

  1. Q. What are the admission requirements?
    A. Applicants must have:
    • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
    • A minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate program (or last 60 semester/90 quarter units).
    • Admission in fall 2025 is open to California residents only.
  2. Q. Do I need prior experience in instructional design or technology?
    A. No. The program welcomes students from various backgrounds. However, familiarity with teaching, training, or instructional technology can be beneficial.
  3. Q. What is the application process?
    • Submit an online application via Cal State Apply.
    • Provide official transcripts from previous institutions.
    • GPA must be 3.0 or higher.
  4. Q. Is the GRE required?
    A. No, the GRE is not required for admission.
  5. Q. When is the application deadline?
    A. The application deadline for fall 2025 is June 1, 2025. 

Program Structure and Curriculum

  1. Q. How many units are required to complete the MSIDT?
    A. Students must complete 34 units:
    • 6 Core Courses (16 units)
    • 6 Electives (18 units)
  2. Q. What are the core courses?
    • IDT 200 – Online Learning: Tools and Strategies for Success must be completed within the first 4 weeks of the semester. If it is not completed within this timeframe, the student will face the following consequences:
      • A hold will be placed on their account.
      • The will be placed on administrative probation.
      • They will be unable to register for anymore classes in the iSchool until the requirement is fulfilled.
    • IDT 201 – Introduction to Instructional Systems & Learning Technologies
    • IDT 202 – Systematic Design of Instruction & Human Performance Improvement
    • IDT 203 – Trends and Issues in Instructional Design
    • IDT 204 – Theories of Teaching, Learning, and Cognition
    • IDT 298 – Capstone e-Portfolio & Applied Project
  3. Q. Are there elective courses?
    A. Yes. Elective options include:
    • IDT 205 – Learning Design & Technologies
    • IDT 207 – Learning Analytics & Data-Driven Evaluation
    • IDT 209 – Emerging Technologies
    • IDT 210 – Multimedia Design & Immersive Extended Realities (XR)
  4. Q. What is the capstone project?
    A. Students complete a final capstone project and e-Portfolio, demonstrating their mastery of program learning outcomes. The capstone involves:
    • Identifying an instructional or human performance challenge.
    • Designing a proposed solution using instructional design strategies.
    • Building an e-Portfolio showcasing student work and reflections.
  5. Q. Can I take courses part-time?
    A. Yes. Students can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to fit their schedule.
  6. Q. How many transfer units are allowed?
    A. Students may transfer nine units from an accredited institution and all courses must be reviewed and approved by the program coordinator.
  7. Q. Can MLIS students take MSIDT courses as electives for the MLIS program?
    A. MLIS students are able to bring in a total of 9 units from MARA or MSIDT. This 9 units maximum includes approved transfer credit from other ALA Accredited universities, SJSU World Languages, and iSchool courses taken through iSchool Open Classes before matriculation.

Career and Job Prospects

  1. Q. What career opportunities are available after graduation?
    A. Graduates can pursue roles such as:
    • Instructional Designer
    • Corporate Trainer or Learning & Development Specialist
    • E-Learning Developer
    • Human Performance Consultant
    • UX Designer for Learning Technologies
    • Educational Technology Specialist
  2. Q. How does the program connect with industry?
    A. The Silicon Valley location provides networking opportunities with tech companies, corporate training firms, and educational institutions.
  3. Q. What is the job outlook for instructional design?
    A. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts above-average job growth (8-10%) in instructional design and educational technology through 2031.

  4. Q. Given that this is a brand-new program, there is no information yet on job placement or career trajectory for graduates of the program. Could you comment on your expectations in this regard, perhaps based on similar programs at other universities? 
    While the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology (MSIDT) at San José State University is a brand-new program, we can draw reasonable expectations about job placement and career trajectory by examining trends in similar programs and national employment data. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Training and Development Specialists—one of the core occupational fields aligned with this degree—is projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Similar graduate programs have consistently produced professionals who enter roles such as instructional coordinators, learning experience designers, course developers, and digital learning managers across sectors including education, corporate training, healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations.

    Given the MSIDT program’s emphasis on data-driven design, immersive technologies, and real-world application, graduates will be well-positioned to meet workforce demands for technologically savvy instructional designers. The flexible, fully online format and industry-aligned curriculum also mirror successful models at institutions like Boise State University and University of Central Florida, which report strong career outcomes for their instructional design graduates. Therefore, we anticipate that MSIDT graduates will be highly competitive in a rapidly growing field, with career trajectories spanning both instructional roles and leadership positions in learning and development.

  5. Q. Could you speak more specifically about partnerships that are being cultivated with local employers in the instructional design and technology space? 
    The MSIDT program is strategically positioned in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering students unique access to a vibrant ecosystem of technology and innovation. We are actively cultivating partnerships with local employers to support hands-on learning, mentorship, and career development opportunities in the instructional design and technology space. Notably, we already have a relationship with Coursera, which opens doors for students to engage with one of the world’s leading online learning platforms. In addition, San José State University maintains strong institutional relationships with industry leaders such as Adobe, Nvidia, Samsung, and Google—companies that not only drive advancements in digital learning technologies but also have a history of supporting student internships, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects. As the program launches, we are working closely with these partners and others to create meaningful pathways for MSIDT students to gain real-world experience and establish career connections that reflect the evolving needs of the field.

  6. Q. What do you see as potential challenges or advantages for a career-changer coming from outside the Education/Technology space into the field of Instructional Design and Technology?
    For career-changers coming from outside the education or technology sectors, one of the main challenges may be adapting to the specialized language, tools, and methodologies used in instructional design and learning technologies. Concepts such as learning management systems, instructional systems design (ISD), or user experience (UX) in learning environments may be unfamiliar at first. Additionally, those without a background in digital tools or pedagogy might need time to build confidence in applying technology to educational contexts or corporate training scenarios.

    However, these challenges are often outweighed by several important advantages. Career-changers typically bring a wealth of real-world experience, cross-disciplinary insight, and strong communication or project management skills that are directly transferable to the field. Whether from healthcare, business, the arts, or the military, individuals often find they can quickly apply their domain knowledge to create meaningful learning experiences tailored to adult learners, workplace training, or professional development. The MSIDT program is designed to support this transition by grounding students in both the theoretical and practical foundations of the field, while also offering flexible learning, mentorship, and career support. Instructional design is an applied discipline that values diverse perspectives, and career-changers often find the field to be both welcoming and rich with opportunity.

Tuition and Financial Aid

  1. Q. How much does the program cost?
    A. Tuition is $621.86 per unit starting in Fall 2025. The total cost for 34 units will be approximately $21,143.24.
  2. Q. Are there financial aid options?
    A. Yes. Students may qualify for:
    • Federal and State Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Grants
    • Employer Tuition Reimbursement
  3. Q. Does SJSU offer payment plans?
    A. Yes, installment payment plans are available through the university’s financial services.

Student Support and Resources

  1. Q. What academic support is available?
    • Faculty Advising – Personalized academic guidance.
    • Career Services – Resume building, job placements, and networking.
    • Online Library Access – Research resources and digital materials.
    • Technology Support – Access to Canvas, Zoom, Panopto, and eCampus tools.
  2. Q. How can I connect with faculty and peers?
    A. Students can interact through:
    • Discussion forums & group projects
    • Virtual networking events & webinars
    • Industry partnerships & mentorship programs
  3. Q. Are there student organizations?
    A. Yes. Students can join professional organizations such as:
    • Association for Educational Communications & Technology (AECT)
    • Association for Talent Development (ATD)
    • Society for Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR)
    • American Educational Research Association (AERA)
    • International Society for Technology Education (ISTE)
    • EDUCAUSE
    • Online Learning Consortium (OLC)

Next Steps

  1. Q. How can I get more information?
    A. Visit SJSU iSchool’s website for updates on admissions, curriculum, and faculty contacts.
  2. Q. Who can I contact for questions?
    A. For inquiries, contact our student advisors or email Dr. Linda Main at linda.main@sjsu.edu, or email Dr. Anthony Chow, iSchool Director at a.chow@sjsu.edu.
  3. Q. How do I apply?
    A. Applications are available through Cal State Apply.