Online Masters of Science (M.S.) in Instructional Technology & Learning Design

Advance teaching and learning through innovation and instructional design

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Credits required

32

Cost per-credit*

$353.50

Length

2 years

Start Terms

3 Per Year

The Online Masters of Science degree (M.S.) in Instructional Technology & Learning Design from the University of Nevada, Reno equips educators, corporate trainers and instructional designers with the tools to transform how people teach, learn and develop skills in digital environments. Rooted in the latest instructional design theories and technology integration practices, this fully online graduate program emphasizes hands-on experience in designing, developing and implementing technology-rich learning environments.

Whether you are a K–12 educator, a higher education professional, or a corporate trainer, this degree in instructional technology helps you master the use of instructional strategies, digital tools and multimedia platforms to improve teaching and learning outcomes in schools, universities, businesses and beyond.

*Program tuition. Base in-state tuition cost. Does not include student fees. Please note everyone's net tuition costs is specific to their own situation and will be different for each person. Learn more about tuition and fees.

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Program Overview

This instructional technology program offers a flexible, 32-credit pathway tailored for working professionals. Courses are delivered online and asynchronously, allowing you to continue full-time employment while earning your master’s degree. Students complete a culminating capstone project and receive preparation aligned with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards.

  • Program Format: 100% online, asynchronous
  • Total Credits: 32 credit hours
  • Tuition Rate: $353.50 per credit*
  • Estimated Tuition: $11,312 (excluding mandatory university fees)
  • Completion Timeline: 2 years
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • College: College of Education and Human Development

No GRE is required, and the program is designed to meet the needs of K–12 educators, corporate learning designers and professionals involved in distance education and digital learning development.

Who Should Apply

This online master’s program is ideal for educators and professionals seeking to elevate their careers in instructional design, online learning and educational technologies. Ideal candidates include:

  • K–12 teachers aiming to lead technology integration in their schools
  • Higher education staff building online instructional content
  • Corporate trainers designing education and training for adult learners
  • Professionals transitioning into the field of instructional technology

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Prior experience in education or training is helpful but not required. Required materials include:

  • Official transcripts
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A 500-word statement of purpose

Curriculum and Learning Outcomes

Students complete 20 core credits in instructional design, digital learning environments and universal design, followed by 12 elective credits selected from courses in gamification, project management and social learning platforms. The final capstone (ITLD 797) allows students to apply their learning through a real-world, portfolio-worthy instructional technology project.

Sample courses include:

  • ITLD 625: Design of Online Teaching & Learning: Build interactive online learning environments
  • ITLD 720: Instructional Design Theory & Application: Apply ADDIE and SAM models for learning design
  • ITLD 729: Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Create accessible, inclusive instructional materials

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Elective options include:

  • ITLD 612: Methods of Using Information Technology in Education
  • ITLD 626: Game-Based Instruction
  • ITLD 685: Project Management in Digital Integration

Please refer to the University Course Catalog for complete details.

Graduates will be able to:

  • Integrate technology tools into instructional materials
  • Design scalable learning solutions using multimedia
  • Lead the development and implementation of training programs
  • Evaluate learning platforms and apply ISTE technology standards
  • Use data analytics to assess and improve instructional effectiveness

Career Outcomes

The Master’s of Science in Instructional Technology & Learning Design opens doors to a variety of career paths in education, corporate learning, healthcare, and government. The project-based curriculum prepares students to build professional portfolios that demonstrate expertise in instructional systems, digital tools and online delivery.

Career Path Sample Work Settings
Instructional Designer K–12 districts, universities, education publishers
E-Learning Developer Corporations, nonprofits, consulting firms
Educational Technology Specialist Charter networks, public schools, training teams
Training and Development Manager Healthcare systems, government agencies, private industry
Technology Integration Coach Teacher development programs and regional service centers

Graduates are well-positioned for leadership in learning and development, with demand for these roles growing faster than average according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

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Faculty and Student Support

Courses are taught by experienced faculty members who are leaders in instructional design, digital pedagogy and the use of educational technologies. Students benefit from personalized advising, hands-on portfolio feedback, and mentorship from instructors with deep expertise in the field of instructional technology.

  • Learn from nationally recognized faculty
  • Receive career guidance and job prep via the University of Nevada, Reno Career Studio
  • Access 24/7 tech support and academic resources
  • Build a professional e-learning portfolio by graduation
  • Network with professionals from K–12, higher education and business sectors

Take the Next Step Toward Instructional Technology Leadership

The Master’s of Science degree (M.S.) in Instructional Technology & Learning Design from the College of Education and Human Development gives you the skills, credentials and confidence to lead in education, business and beyond. Whether you're looking to create instructional materials, manage learning and development teams or innovate digital media strategies, this graduate degree positions you for success in a rapidly growing field. Earn your master’s in instructional technology from Nevada Online—and shape the future of teaching, training, and learning.

Why Choose The University of Nevada, Reno For Your M.S. in Instructional Technology & Learning Design?

The University of Nevada, Reno offers an accredited online M.S. in Equity & Diversity in Education with multiple annual start dates.

Benefits of learning online with Nevada Online

Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty

Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university

Choose from accessible, fully online programs

Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule