Master of Arts | Instructional Systems Development at UMBC

Master of Arts in Instructional Systems Development

The Master of Arts in Instructional Systems Development requires a minimum of 36 credits hours. Students must complete seven required core courses (totaling 21 credits), five elective courses (totaling 15 credits) and complete a professional portfolio (students admitted fall 2012 and on). (Students admitted prior to fall 2012 will take a final comprehensive examination).

Benefits of Program

Combines research and practical design experience
Provides a strong foundation in adult learning, instructional systems development and training principles
Emphasis on implementation of technology within instruction
Practical application of learned skills through internships and project-based course work
Accomplished program faculty as scholars, instructional designers, developers and training managers
Flexible learning options; online and evening classes

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Ask us about the MA degree in ISD

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Twelve (12) Credits in Core ISD Courses

Core ISD courses must be taken in the first 18 credits.

EDUC 602: Instructional Systems Development I * (3)
EDUC 603: Instructional Systems Development II (3)
EDUC 605: Adult Learner (3)
EDUC 671: Principles of Training and Development (3)

(*) Must be an ISD section of the course.

Nine (9) Credits of Advanced ISD Courses

To be taken after 21 credits have been completed.

EDUC 771: Research Design in Education* (3)
EDUC 792T: ISD Internship (3)
EDUC 794: ISD Project Seminar* (3)

(*) Must be an ISD section of the course.

Choice of Five (5) Elective Courses (15 Credits)

Students enrolled in the ISD-Training Systems Master's program may select 15 credits of electives from the below group of courses. It is possible with the approval of the program director to take some electives that are not in this group. Please contact the graduate program director for details.

EDUC 641: The Online Classroom (3)
EDUC 643: Principles of Distance Education (3)
EDUC 647: Corporate Distance Training (3)
EDUC 648: Consulting for Training & Performance (3)
EDUC 681: Survey of Instructional Technology Applications (3)
EDUC 682: Instructional Technology Design and Development (3)
EDUC 683: Multi-media Project Management (3)
EDUC 689: Advance Special Topics-Connecting ISD and Human Performance Improvement (3)
EDUC 689: Advance Special Topics-Managing Your Career (3)
EDUC 689: Advance Special Topics-Managing & Training Performance (3)
EDUC 689: Advance Special Topics-Portfolio Development & Talent Management (3)
EDUC 690: Individual Projects (must have program director's approval) (1-3)

Comprehensive Exam

All M.A. students, admitted prior to fall 2012, are required to complete a comprehensive exam at the conclusion of their program of study. The purpose of the comprehensive exam is to evaluate a student's ability to analyze, synthesize and problem-solve a case study within the context of training and development. See Comprehensive Exam Requirements

Portfolio

All M.A. students in the Instructional Systems Development degree program admitted fall 2012 and later are required to submit a professional portfolio of course-related work samples that reflects their accomplishments throughout their tenure in the program. UMBC ISD Portfolio Requirements and Portfolio Checklist

Internship and Final Project Seminar

Students are required to complete an internship course and final project seminar course. Since most students are working adults the internship provides flexible options to complete this requirement.

Academic Standards

Students must earn a grade of “B” or higher in their first six credits. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (“B”) to graduate. If students do not maintain a 3.0 GPA their matriculation in the program may be discontinued.

For more details on policies and procedures visit the UMBC Graduate School website.