About MIST

Master of Science in Instructional Science and Technology

The MS in Instructional Science and Technology (MIST) is an interdisciplinary program that integrates information technology, instructional design, and education technology. This 36 credit, cohort-based program incorporates substantial distributed learning to help students acquire knowledge of the following: Learning Theories, Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Assessment and Research Methods , and Interactive Multimedia.

Cohort Features	Program Logistics
Cohort-based program where students engage with peers across varied educational and professional backgrounds	Coursework online, plus 5 weekend seminars either on campus or fully online
Up to 50 new students per academic year	16-month to 24-month program
Cohorts start in January & August	Can be completed in as little as 4 semesters
All Masters students complete 11 courses to fulfill degree requirements	Students pick electives based on professional interests

The program follows standard CSU graduate tuition and fee rates. Total tuition is estimated at approximately $19,000 for California residents and $26,000 for non-California residents. Financial aid is available to eligible students, and non-California residents may qualify for the reduced Western Regional Graduate Program tuition rate.

More detailed information can be found in the program handbook.

MIST FAQ

Can I apply to both programs?

No, when applying please choose only one program since there are limited spaces available in each cohort.

Can I apply to one program and if I get accepted can I then switch to the other?

Yes, please contact MIST Student Services Coordinator Ryan Eller (mist@csumb.edu) to complete a program objective change form to make a formal shift in delivery format.

Can I defer my enrollment?

Yes, deferrals are allowed when extenuating circumstances precludes a student from beginning during the term they applied for. Please reach out to Ryan Eller (mist@csumb.edu) for further information on this process.

Can I take a leave of absence?

Yes, a leave of absence is allowed for one year. Since the program is cohort-based, students who take a leave of absence would have to wait one semester or one year depending on what classes are still needing to be completed.

When should I apply for financial aid?

Filling out the FAFSA should be done as soon as you apply to the program; however, financial aid information won’t be available to students until they have been admitted into the program and matriculated (meaning the enrollment confirmation fee has been paid) by the admission office.

Is there student housing available on campus for grad students?

Yes, every MIST program (both masters and postgraduate certificate) qualifies for student housing.

More information about student housing can be found here.

Can I use my CSU staff fee waiver for the MIST program?

Yes, both our masters programs and postgraduate certificates qualify for the employee waiver program!

Please check with your Human Resources department for more information before you apply.

How is CA residency determined for the MIST Blended program?

Generally, establishing California residency for tuition purposes requires a combination of physical presence and intent to remain indefinitely. An adult who, at least one full year prior to the residence determination date for the term in which enrollment is contemplated, can demonstrate both physical presence in the state combined with evidence of intent to remain in California indefinitely may establish California residency for tuition purposes.

See Determination of Residency rules set by the CSU system for further information.

Questions? We're Here to Help.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

School of Computing and Design

Building 506, second floor

Ryan Eller

MIST Program Coordinator