Master of Science (MS) Program of Study Planning Sheet

Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences

Utah State University 

Overview:  The mission of the MS program in Instructional Design and Development is to prepare individuals for careers in business, industry, government and education.  Positions range from highly design-oriented jobs requiring extensive instructional design skills to product development-oriented jobs requiring an emphasis in multimedia production.  The mission of this program is to prepare individuals to handle a variety of possible positions.  

Program: The expected time-line for full-time students is 4-5 semesters.  The Plan A program of study requires 45 credits to complete.  Plan B and Plan C programs require 39 credit hours to complete.  In addition to completing the coursework and the culminating experience, students are required to complete an electronic portfolio to submit to their chairperson by the end of their final semester. 

** Check the current class schedule or with your advisor or chair for availability and course options.

While this schedule is largely accurate, some classes may be subject to change.

The following tables show the course of study recommended by the InsT department faculty: 

Total Plan B or C Required Credit Hours 39 Credits 15 Required + 24 Elective 

Total Plan A Required Credit Hours 45 Credits 21 Required + 24 Elective 

An MS student's program of study is under the direction and approval of his/her graduate chairperson.  A temporary advisor is assigned upon matriculation to the program to guide you through the first semester, but a permanent chairperson should be chosen as-soon-as-possible to direct and approve the final program of study.   

Note: No more than 15 semester credits of 5000-5990 coursework may be used for a master’s degree. [One 3000-4999 course may be used as long as it is approved by your chairperson and the dean of the graduate school. The 3000-4999 course will count toward the 15 undergraduate credit limit.]  No more than 12 workshop credits may be applied to a master’s degree.