For educational enterprises as well as corporations, the need for those who can design effective and innovative learning experiences has never been greater, especially as online education and training becomes more prevalent in contemporary society.
A fully online and application-oriented degree, the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Instructional Design at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) prepares students to become generalist instructional designers equipped to work in a variety of fields and professional settings.
The program offers students a sturdy foundation in instructional design as well as the tools and perspectives needed for flexible career paths and continuing professional development in the field. Rather than a focus on a narrower area of specialization within the field, our Instructional Design program provides a breadth of foundational knowledge and skills in different areas. As a result, you will be well positioned to work with technical specialists and subject matter experts and prepared to develop more specialized interests as you advance in your career.
Students who have earned their Foundations of Instructional Design Certificate or Professional Certificate in Instructional Design at SCPS can get a jumpstart on their MPS in Instructional Design, too, as both certificates can be applied toward degree requirements.
Curriculum
The MPS in Instructional Design comprises 30 credit hours. Courses are offered in an 8-week session format with online, evening options.
Program Courses
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| CIEP 470 | Principles of Instructional Design | 3 |
| INDN 420 | Instructional Design Theories and Models | 3 |
| INDN 421 | Design & Development of Instructional Materials | 3 |
| INDN 430 | Performance Improvement in Organizations | 3 |
| INDN 431 | Fundamentals of Learning Analytics | 3 |
| INDN 440 | Applications of Human Centered Design Principles | 3 |
| CIEP 415 | Models of Instruction | 3 |
| CIEP 425 | Theory and Practice in Assessment | 3 |
| CIEP 488 | Participatory Action Research (PAR) in Schools and Communities | 3 |
| INDN 490 | Instructional Design Capstone | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
Plan of Study Grid
| Year 1 |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| CIEP 470 |
Principles of Instructional Design |
3 |
| INDN 440 |
Applications of Human Centered Design Principles |
3 |
| INDN 420 |
Instructional Design Theories and Models |
3 |
| CIEP 415 |
Models of Instruction |
3 |
| | Hours | 12 |
| Spring |
|---|
| CIEP 425 |
Theory and Practice in Assessment |
3 |
| INDN 421 |
Design & Development of Instructional Materials |
3 |
| INDN 430 |
Performance Improvement in Organizations |
3 |
| INDN 431 |
Fundamentals of Learning Analytics |
3 |
| | Hours | 12 |
| Summer |
|---|
| CIEP 488 |
Participatory Action Research (PAR) in Schools and Communities |
3 |
| | Hours | 3 |
| Year 2 |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| INDN 490 |
Instructional Design Capstone |
3 |
| | Hours | 3 |
| | Total Hours | 30 |
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the MPS in Instructional Design candidates will be able to:
- Utilize instructional design processes and adapt appropriate theoretical approaches to a variety of professional settings (K-12 schools, corporate organizations, higher education institutions, etc). while designing and creating effective and innovative learning experiences.
- Employ a variety of technologies and multimedia authoring tools to produce instructional materials.
- Apply culturally responsive and ethical practices while establishing collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders (e.g., administrators, faculty, students, technologists, project managers, public) and building a network of industry colleagues.
- Conduct research and predictive data set analysis to inform practice and stay abreast of emerging trends in the field of instructional design to make recommendations about instructional practices and performance gaps in an organization.
