Hero Image

Master of Science in Instructional Design & Learning Technology

School of Art & Design

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Master of Science in Instructional Design & Learning Technology

School of Art & Design

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Online

Program

30 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$649 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Become an Architect of Exceptional Learning Experiences

Innovative instructional programs are increasingly critical to success in a variety of fields – from education to industry. EKU’s 100% online master of science in instructional design and learning technology (IDLT) prepares you to integrate current and emerging technology as you learn to design, facilitate and evaluate effective learning programs. Graduates leave the program with a professional portfolio that aligns with the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (IBSTPI) Instructional Designer Competencies. These standards are known as the industry gold standard, and this portfolio showcases graduates’ skills and accomplishments highlighting the ways they are prepared to take on key roles in the growing field of instructional design.

Learn More


Loading…

Career Outlook


Jobs such as Instructional Coordinators, are poised to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031 – a rate considered by the BLS to be an average growth. Additionally, Training and Development Specialists are projected to grow 8% – much faster than average – within the same time period.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Instructional designers work in many diverse fields such as large corporations, higher education, traditional manufacturing environments, positions within state and national governments, nonprofit organizations, as well as military and military/government contractors.

Job Titles Include:

  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Technical Writer
  • Training and Development Specialist
  • Curriculum designers
  • Training manager

EKU instructional design graduates work in a variety of fields and positions.

Employers Include:

  • Fidelity Investments Learning Experience Designer
  • Chewy.com
  • Splunk
  • Navigate 360
  • Franklin Precision Industry, Inc.
  • Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
  • Lexington, KY Public Library

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Accelerated terms
  • No GRE required
  • Complete your degree in as little as 18 months
  • Assemble a professional portfolio as you complete your coursework
  • Internship opportunities and the chance to network with professionals in the field
  • Curriculum aligned with the prestigious International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI) standards
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Reduced tuition for active duty military
    Free online tutoring and career services assistance
  • Free access to Articulate 360 – a savings of $1,200 per year
  • Dedicated advisors who provide personalized graduation plans
  • Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best universities offering online degrees

Curriculum & Admission


The IDLT program offers a systematic approach to improving learning outcomes by developing quality instructional products and experiences. Instructional design and learning technology courses include multimedia for learning, making data-driven decisions, online learning design, and training the modern workforce.

A minimum of 30 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit from accredited institutions.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

Applicants for admission to the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology program must:

  • Meet all admission requirements of the Graduate School
  • Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree
  • Have a 2.5 overall undergraduate GPA. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement for admission must submit: Official GRE scores to be considered for probationary admission
  • Applicants with master’s degree can submit:
  • List of 2 professional or academic references with current contact information
  • Write a letter of intent explaining why applicant wants to pursue this degree

International Students: Applications from international students are encouraged. Refer to the University admission guidelines: eku.edu/admissions

IBSTPI sets the internationally recognized standards for instructional design professionals. EKU’s MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology curriculum directly addresses these industry-validated standards, positioning our graduates for success in the field.

  • Industry-Aligned Curriculum: This alignment lends immediate credibility among employers who recognize these internationally validated standards as the gold standard in the instructional design field. By aligning with IBSTPI Instructional Design competencies, EKU ensures that our program meets the expectations of employers in corporate training, e-learning, instructional technology, and academia.
  • Comprehensive Skill Development: The alignment ensures graduates master all essential and advanced standards, creating well-rounded professionals ready for any instructional design challenge.
  • Portfolio Alignment: Graduates will leave the program with a portfolio that is aligned with the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI) to showcase their skills to potential employers.

What is Instructional Design?

Learn about the Master of Science in Instructional Design & Learning Technology with Dr. Nedim Slijepcevic at Eastern Kentucky University Online.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our enrollment advisor today.

professional photo of bailey bird

Bailey Bird

Online Enrollment Advisor

859-622-8764
bailey.bird@eku.edu


Student Stories & Features


Upcoming Events

April 2025
MoTuWeThFrSaSu
31123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
2829301234
567891011
Calendars
Venues
Days of the Week
Time of Day
List
Grid
Plain
Tue
08

Spring 2025 Chellgren Success Workshop Series: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

April 7, 2025 at 5:00 pm – April 9, 2025 at 6:00 pmcalendar-multiday
Tue
08

Honors Thesis Conference

April 8, 2025 – April 15, 2025calendar-multiday
Tue
08

Spring 2025 Chellgren Success Workshop Series: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

April 8, 2025 at 6:00 pm – April 9, 2025 at 7:00 pmcalendar-multiday
Wed
09

Walkabout Wednesday

at recurcalendar-day

News & Updates

Meet the Newest EKU Colonels

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) welcomed the class of 2028, which is projected to be the largest freshman class in EKU history at nearly 3,000 students. The freshmen come from 108 Kentucky counties, 34 states and nine countries. More than 50% of the incoming class are first-generation college students. Since 2020, during a time of national […]

From Sidewalk Chalk to Derby Art

Wylie Caudill, ’18, is the official artist of the 2024 Kentucky Derby. “Since before I can remember, my parents tell me I have been drawing,” he said. As Caudill grew up, he started exploring various art forms on all kinds of surfaces. He made the world his canvas, using sidewalks, canvases, whiskey bottles, horse statues […]

From Studio to Startup

Ashley Norman, ’11, half of the husband-and-wife team that created Dirty South Pottery in Winchester, Kentucky, didn’t choose pottery as her profession. It chose her.  Originally, Ashley came to EKU with plans to pursue nursing. That’s in sharp contrast to today’s career calling, where she sits contentedly at her pottery wheel, elbows deep in wet […]

Related Programs

Graduate Certificate in Online Learning Design

Common Job Titles: instructional coordinator, curriculum designers, training manager

Modalities: online

Credit Hours: 12

Graduate Certificate in User Experience Design

Common Job Titles: training and development specialist, curriculum designer, instructional coordinator

Modalities: online

Credit Hours: 12


Contact Information

School of Art & Design

Campbell Building
Room 309
2396 Crabbe Street
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1629
Fax: 859-622-6509
art@eku.edu