Degree Overview: Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Instructional Technology for Trainers
Majors Overview August 9, 2015This article talks about Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs in Instructional Technology for trainers and their education requirements, coursework, and job and wage outlook.
Master of Science (M.S.) Programs in Instructional Technology for Trainers
Trainers can learn ways of evaluating new technologies and applying different training strategies by enrolling into a Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in Instructional Technology. In most MS degree programs, enrolled trainers can choose from specializations in numerous instructional technology fields, including business, design, education and eLearning. Full-time students usually complete the program within two years. Some schools expect a special project or thesis to be completed by students before they graduate.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold bachelor’s degrees in related fields. Schools offering an instructional technology master’s program usually focus the program on incoming students with undergraduate backgrounds in technology, education, or business. Programs may prefer incoming students with undergraduate grade point averages (GPA) of at least 3.0.
Coursework
Program coursework is designed to teach trainers how to incorporate emerging and new educational technologies with the process of training students and workers. The curriculum may help hone students’ skills in technology integration, professional leadership, curriculum design, and interactive training. A wide array of elective coursework is also offered to enable students to prepare for their career goals. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Multimedia applications
•Learning theories
•Adult learning
•Instructional design
•Instructional technology research
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 13% has been predicted for workers in the instructional coordinator industry (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Instructional technology trainers, also called instructional coordinators, are expected to enjoy better employment opportunities in industries related to education, particularly with employers with a focus on improving the quality of educational standards (BLS). In May 2012, instructional coordinators brought in an average annual wage of $60,500. Among the highest paymasters who hired these professionals were:
•Federal government agencies ($88,110)
•Professional technology services ($80,630)
•Home health care services ($71,230)
•Employment agencies ($70,320)
•Architectural and engineering design firms ($70,710)