Welcome to ITLS
Prepare for a career at the cutting edge of learning design
Technology is changing the way people learn. In both the private and public sectors, the world needs learning designers more than ever. We've developed a unique curriculum that combines research and practice.
97% of our students work in a related field within three months of graduation.
Our online graduate program was ranked third in the nation by the 2019 U.S. News and World Report. Our students become leaders, known for their ability to adapt, grow and guide others.
Start your career in learning design.
Full time or part time
We love our working students! They bring depth to classroom discussions with real work experiences. We’ll help you figure out the details with your employer and schedule.
On campus or online
Master’s students can study online to help accommodate full or part time jobs. Online students benefit from our close-knit community, even while abroad.
Application Deadlines
The ITLS graduate orientation is held on the USU Logan campus each fall. All incoming graduate students at both the master's and doctoral level are required to attend. We offer two sections of orientation. Students are required to attend only one of the sections.
| Graduate Degree | Application Deadline | Semester Start |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | January 6th | Fall |
| Master's Programs (MEd, MA, MS) | April 1st | Fall |
| Master's Programs (MEd, MA, MS) | October 15th | Spring |
Careers in Learning Design
Corporate, Tech Sector, and Government
Whitney: Instructional/Learning Designer at Intuit
Despite her writing degree, Whitney feared she wouldn’t easily find a job outside of marketing. She wanted further training where she could also create a top-notch portfolio. Her interest in teaching, design, and creative problem solving made ITLS a logical choice.
With my degree in Learning Design, instead of trying to sell people something, I’m teaching them something. My degree doesn’t limit me.
Corporate, Tech Sector, and Government:
Are you interested in how technology can transform business or government? On this career path, you’ll design innovative learning experiences, training methods, and user interfaces.
- Develop staff training programs
- Design product training and support materials
- Design new user interfaces
- Evaluate the effectiveness of programs
Research
Brooke: Assessment Librarian at Oregon State University; PhD in ITLS
As a peace activist, Brooke knew she needed to find a stable yet meaningful job. She wanted to use Instructional Technology tools to make the world a better place. At USU, she developed a deep love of statistics and data, which she now uses to further her own academic interests, as well as those of graduate students and other members of the Oregon State community.
Every day I use something I learned from USU. ITLS is a degree that gives you a lot of options.
Research:
Are you interested in research? Do you like to look to the future? On this career path, you’ll develop theories and equip the next generation of thinkers. Research-focused graduates typically become faculty at universities or work at nonprofits and businesses.
- Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of programs
- Investigate how learning happens within a given intervention
- Develop and define learning theories
- Teach, advise, and develop an independent research agenda
Schools and Universities
Matt: Instructor at Bridgerland Technical College & AM STEM Coordinator
Matt was in charge of developing a hands-on STEM curriculum delivered daily to high school students across northern Utah. He wanted a deeper understanding of the learning process, so that he could feel confident he was making research-backed decisions. But as a father of four with a full-time job, commuting to campus was out of the question. Matt completed our online ITLS program, while applying his course projects to his curriculum development work.
I was able to recognize holes in the students’ learning and address them head-on. I can attribute the decisions I made to this ITLS degree. I was able to apply what I was learning every single day.
Schools and Universities:
Are you interested in what the future of education will hold? On this career path, you’ll combine innovation and feasibility to help educators harness new technologies.
- Develop initiatives to help educators create better learning experiences
- Run workshops and professional development
- Design online courses and training and innovate with new technologies
- Negotiate and plan technology purchases
Museums, Libraries, and Community Sites
Stephanie: STEAM educator at Hands-On Museum (The Leonardo Museum, Salt Lake City)
Stephanie always wanted to be a teacher—just not in a traditional classroom. She didn’t know how else she could teach. She studied Instructional Design within the ITLS program, while enjoying the freedom to tailor her electives. Through her role as a research assistant at the nature center, she discovered she loved Informal Education.
The graduate research assistantship helped equip me for exactly what I’m doing now.
Museums, Libraries, and Community Sites:
Are you interested in learning that happens outside of traditional classrooms? On this career path, you’ll explore how to use new technologies for lifelong learning and public engagement.
- Design programs to teach media skills, like game design or coding
- Develop the digital experience and online presence of your organization
- Design interactive museum exhibits
- Leverage museum collections and archives for public use and learning
- Run community makerspaces
