School of Computing and Design
Fully Online Program
The MIST Blended Program is a 4 semester, 16 month long graduate program that emphasizes the use of instructional technology in a variety of learning environments.
The Fully Online Program, while having identical faculty and curriculum, to the Blended MIST Program, with the key difference being that this program requires zero time on campus, unlike the Blended Program, with orientation sessions taking place online using Zoom.
However, students are always welcome to come make use of the campus facilities or meet with faculty in person if that is desired!
Much like the Blended Program, the curriculum is designed in a way that both novices to the world of instructional design, and its respective software and skills, and seasoned Instructional Designers can benefit from our program. In short, no specific student background is necessarily expected, but an interest in training, teaching, educational technology, web design and development, alongside audio and visual production is of great help in ultimately succeeding in our program.
*Students develop their capstone each semester, starting with a conceptual idea in the first semester, grounding it in learning theory and developing a prototype in the spring. Followed by beta-testing the module or learning-based site during the summer, and ultimately finalizing it for use in the final fall semester.
During the first semester, students develop a common understanding of the field and familiarity with instructional design processes.
During the second semester, students use learning theories and instructional design principles to construct a functioning learning unit.
During the third semester, students develop and conduct appropriate usability, reliability, and efficiency tests of learning modules.
During the fourth semester, students finish a Capstone project or thesis that connects with one's career as a culminating experience.
Throughout the program, students use a wide range interactive multimedia software, information technology, and media through team-based projects and individual work. In short, each semester builds upon the last, both in terms of theoretical knowledge and in practical technological skills. In this way, students can develop a career-ready background in a short timeframe.
The program can be completed in both a full-time and part-time manner. Full-time students take 3-4 classes per semester, while part-time students take 1 to 2 classes per semester. Students can transition between full-time and part-time status as needed to better fit the program around their career and personal lives.
Note for Spring Cohort:
Spring 2024 is the first time we will be offering seats in our program outside of a Fall start date. As such, students who apply to this pathway will need to take a minimum of five semesters to complete the program.
Students develop a unique component of their capstone project during each class. The diagram below outlines how the Capstone project progress from conceptual idea to completed project, for both full-time and part-time students.
