Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology

(30 credits)

The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology will be on enrollment hiatus for the 2026–2027 academic year and will not be accepting new student applications during this period.

The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology prepares professionals to design meaningful learning experiences that inspire growth, innovation, and organizational success. 

Through a blend of instructional design principles, learning theory, educational technology, and workforce development practices, students develop the skills needed to design accessible, engaging, and effective learning experiences across a variety of settings. The program prepares graduates to support learning and development initiatives in education, business, government, nonprofit organizations, and other professional environments—empowering them to use technology and innovation to transform the way people learn, work, and grow.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a degree in Instructional Design and Learning Technology, students will:

• Design effective learning experiences using instructional design principles, learning theories, and best practices.
• Develop accessible and engaging instructional materials that support diverse learners and organizational needs.
• Integrate technology and innovative approaches to create meaningful online, blended, and in-person learning experiences.
• Apply assessment strategies to evaluate and improve learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop solutions that support learning, training, and organizational goals.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical leadership in the field of instructional design and learning technology.

Admission Requirements

• A completed application form and a non-refundable $50 application fee.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended that are accredited and recognized by the USDE or CHEA.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
• Proficiency in essential software and tools, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), data analysis tools (such as Excel or statistical software), and communication platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet).
• For non-native English-speakers, a minimum TOEFL score of:
  • 550 (paper-based)
  • 80 (internet-based)
  • 213 (computer-based)
• Proof of identity.
• Applicants using VA benefits may be required to submit additional documentation, such as a Certificate of Eligibility, upon matriculation to the school certifying official.
• An essay (of 500-600 words, double-spaced) on their professional career interests, reasons for entering the program, expectations of the program, and must cite specific examples of training, development, and/or instructional design of which they have been a part.
• Two letters of recommendation from former professors or professional associates.

Program Tuition and Fees

For up-to-date graduate tuition rates and programmatic fee breakdowns, visit the Albertus Magnus Graduate Tuition and Fees page.

Required Fees:

• Application Fee: $50.00

• Internship, Capstone & Thesis Continuation Fee

  • Fee: $300.00 per module / $600.00 per semester

  • Frequency: Charged each term until the course or thesis is completed.

  • Policy: Subject to the Graduate Program Time Limits & In Progress Policies.

Fees and rates are subject to change.

Fees and rates are subject to change.

Transfer Credits

Albertus Magnus College will accept a maximum of 6 graduate hours from accredited institutions approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) toward satisfying the program requirements. Such credits must have been completed prior to entrance into the program and must satisfy degree requirements. Transfer credits must have been completed with a minimum grade of 3.0 within the last five years. Transfer credits will be considered on an individual basis. Students must submit an official transcript showing proof of completion of the course(s) to be transferred. All requests to transfer credits must be completed prior to starting the program. Internal transfer students from other Albertus graduate programs must complete at least 50% of their requirements (15 credits) in the Albertus M.S. in Instructional Design and Learning Technology program.

Accreditation

Albertus Magnus College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology is accredited by the State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education.

Program Format

Classes are offered in five, eight-week modules during the calendar year. All classes are fully online. On-ground courses may be offered when demand suffices.

Academic Advisement

Admitted students are assigned a faculty advisor, typically the program director. Together the student and advisor will develop a program of study. Throughout the program the advisor will assist students with course planning, registration and regular academic review.

Course Load

Students may register for no more than 6 credits per mod.

Graduation Requirements

Students are responsible for reviewing the program requirements for their specific catalog year, fulfilling those requirements, and maintaining regular communication with the program director. To earn a graduate degree from Albertus Magnus College, students must successfully complete all program requirements and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. All requirements must be completed within seven years of matriculation, beginning with the module or semester in which the student starts their first course in the program. Graduate courses that exceed the time limit no longer count toward meeting program requirements, including transferred courses.

Graduation with Honors

Master’s degree candidates who have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.90 are awarded honors and will have the notation included on their transcript and diploma.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

REQUIRED CORE (30 credits)

IDT 500 - Introduction to Curriculum Design
IDT 512 - Foundations of Blended, Remote & Online Learning
IDT 523 - Principles of Curriculum Assessment
IDT 534 - Collaborative Project Management
IDT 542 - Developing Multimedia Content
IDT 611 - Designing for Accessibility and Inclusion
IDT 623 - Gamification and Learner Motivation
IDT 637 - Engaging Diverse Audiences
IDT 650 - Future Directions of Learning Design
IDT 660 - Capstone Portfolio

4+1 Bachelor's/MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology

The 4+1 Bachelor's/MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology program is designed for high-achieving traditional undergraduate students who seek to complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in an expedited timeframe. This program provides a streamlined and cost-effective pathway to advanced study in instructional design, preparing students to lead in the creation and application of effective learning technologies across educational, corporate, and nonprofit settings.

Students admitted to a 4+1 program complete the requirements for both degrees, typically totaling at least 150 credits, including a minimum of 120 undergraduate credits and 30 graduate credits. During the senior year, students may enroll in up to two graduate-level courses, one in the fall and one in the spring semester, which may be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. These are the only credits that may be double-counted between the two programs.

Admission Requirements
Students must apply to a 4+1 program during the junior year a upon completion of no more than 90 credits. Admission is competitive and requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, unless otherwise specified by the program. Applications submitted after the junior year may not be considered. Final acceptance is granted by the graduate program. 

Enrollment and Advising
Upon acceptance, students are assigned a graduate advisor in addition to their undergraduate advisor. Students remain classified as undergraduate students until the bachelor’s degree is conferred.

Academic Standards and Progression
To continue in the 4+1 program, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and earn a grade of B or higher in all graduate-level coursework. Students may not exceed the maximum number of graduate credits permitted prior to completion of the bachelor’s degree, as defined by the program.

Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate courses taken during the undergraduate phase are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate when included as part of a full-time undergraduate course load (12–18 credit hours per semester), unless otherwise noted; in these cases, no additional tuition is charged for the graduate coursework. After the bachelor’s degree is awarded, students are charged graduate tuition rates for all remaining coursework. Financial aid eligibility may change upon transition to graduate status and is subject to federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Program Completion
Students are expected to complete all graduate degree requirements within a defined timeframe following conferral of the bachelor’s degree, typically within one year, unless otherwise specified by the program.

Withdrawal or Dismissal
Students who withdraw from or become ineligible to continue in a 4+1 program may apply completed graduate coursework toward their undergraduate degree as elective credit, where applicable, provided a passing grade is earned. If a student later regains eligibility and is formally readmitted to the graduate program, previously completed graduate coursework in which a passing grade was earned may be applied toward the graduate degree, subject to program approval and applicable time limit requirements.

Eligibility
4+1 programs are limited to full-time, matriculated traditional undergraduate students in designated majors.