Program Objectives

Aligned with the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) standards, the program prepares graduates to: 

1. Create, use, assess, and manage theoretical and practical applications of educational technologies and processes.
2. Demonstrate effective analysis, integration, and implementation of educational technologies and processes based on contemporary content and pedagogy.
3. Facilitate learning by creating, using, evaluating, and managing effective learning environments.
4. Design, develop, implement, and evaluate technology-rich learning environments within a supportive community of practice.
5. Explore, evaluate, synthesize, and apply methods of inquiry to enhance learning and improve performance.

Concentrations

The M.Ed. Instructional Systems Technology program has three concentrations:

1. School Specialist
2. Training and Development
3. Online Learning and Teaching

School Specialist Concentration

This concentration is for those who work in the P-12 system and who already hold either an “A” or “G” level teaching license from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (or from another state) for the new Masters/Advanced “M” license in Instructional Technology Specialists.

Training and Development Concentration

This concentration is for instructional technology personnel who wish to do training and development in corporate, higher education, government, and military.

Online Learning and Teaching Concentration

This concentration is for those interested in designing, developing, or managing online learning and teaching.

Admission Requirements

Interested applicants may apply online at graduateschool.uncc.edu.  Applications are accepted for Fall, Spring, and Summer admissions.  Check the program website for application deadlines.

The admission process is competitive and determined by the following application components:

1. Applicants are required to have a minimum of a B.A. or B.S. Degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Official transcripts
3. GRE or MAT scores (Students who have completed either the IST Graduate Certificate  or at least 4 courses within the IST Graduate Certificate  with a GPA of 3.5 or above do not have to submit GRE or MAT scores)
4. Three letters of recommendation from professionals who are able to judge the quality of the applicant as a future student in this program
5. Statement of Purpose of no more than 750 words in 12-point font and double-spaced, written definitively, coherently, and incorporating thoughtful expression in response to:
   1. What skills and knowledge do you hope to acquire and develop as a result of this program?
   2. Characterize what you would contribute to the collective learning experiences of your fellow students.
6. Additional items required for those using this program to satisfy the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Instructional Technology Specialists: Computers (10877).  This requirement is only for those who wish to earn the 077 license.  Those who wish to work in other instructional technology settings (higher education, corporate, military, government) do not have to fulfill this requirement.
   1. A valid appropriate North Carolina teaching license A or G level (or equivalent from another state). In the online admission application, there is a field in which to specify the type of teaching license. Rather than uploading a copy of the teaching license into the application system, scan the license and email a copy to the Program Director
   2. A minimum of 2 to 3 years teaching experience

Degree Requirements

The M.Ed. Program in Instructional Systems Technology requires a total of 36 credit hours comprising foundations courses in a selected concentration (18 credit hours), elective coursework (12 credit hours), and internship and Capstone project (6 credit hours).

Licensure - Instructional Technology Specialist (North Carolina 077)

The M.Ed. Program in Instructional Systems Technology with a School Specialist concentration also qualifies graduates who already hold either an “A” or “G” level teaching license from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (or from another state) for the new Masters/Advanced “M” license in Instructional Technology Specialists: Computers (NC 077) license.  Students should work with an advisor to complete these requirements.  Students in the other concentrations earn the M.Ed. degree, but not the 077 license.

Program Certification/Accreditations

• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) (with National Recognition)
• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)