This is an archive of the 2021-2022 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

This is an archive of the 2021-2022 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2021-2022

Program: M.A., Instructional Design

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Instructional Design will provide learners with in-depth knowledge and applicable skills in the areas of adult learning theory, design of educational media including computer games and simulations, assessment and evaluation of learning, and online learning tools. The focus is on the design and development of cutting-edge educational tools. This degree is applicable to a variety of settings and fields, such as higher education, training in corporate and nonprofit settings, and any professional environment in which staff or stakeholders need professional development to be successful.

This program is administered through The Tseng College. It is entirely funded by student fees and is offered in the cohort format.

Program Requirements

A. Admission Requirements

To be admitted, students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Have a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  2. Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended.
  3. Have satisfied one of the following conditions:
    1. Attained a GPA of at least 2.5 in a baccalaureate degree program.
    2. Attained a GPA of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.
    3. Hold a post-baccalaureate degree earned at a regionally accredited institution and 2.5 GPA in either the undergraduate cumulative GPA or the last 60 units.

B. Classification

To meet the requirements for classified status, the student must fulfill the following:

  1.  Have a 3.0 GPA or higher in all work taken after completion of a bachelor’s degree.
  2. Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  3. Score at or above the 50th percentile on one of the three subject areas of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE requirement will be waived if student’s undergraduate cumulative GPA is 3.0 or higher.
  4. Pass the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam (UDWPE). Students who have fulfilled the Upper Division Writing Exam at another CSU campus may submit official notification of a passing score. Students who score a minimum of 3 on the Analytical Writing section of the GRE are exempt from the UDWPE.

C. Coursework

1. Required Courses (27 units)

EDUC 601 Introduction to Instructional Games and Simulations (3)
EDUC 602 Introduction to Game Scripting and Development (3)
EDUC 603 Instructional Games and Simulations (3)
EDUC 604 Assessing Learning from Educational Media (3)
EDUC 605 Instructional Games and Simulations Seminar (1-1-1)
EPC 613 Assessment and Evaluation of Learning (3)
EPC 615 Introduction to Instructional Design (3)
EPC 616 Seminar: Current Trends in Instructional Design and Adult Learning (1-1-1)
EPC 695DC Seminar in Selected Studies: Current Issues in Adult Learning (3)

2. Culminating Experience (3 units)

EPC 698D Graduate Culminating Project (3)

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 30

Contact

Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling
Chair: Alberto Restori
Education (ED) 1218
(818) 677-2599

Graduate Coordinator: Pete Goldschmidt
(818) 677-4601

Staff: Jesse Knepper
(818) 677-4415

Staff: Saira Shah
(818) 677-3936

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of instructional design theories and instructional technology practices.
  2. Demonstrate a comprehension of learning theories, including multicultural learning theories, multiple learning strategies and adult learning theories.
  3. Effectively develop, implement and evaluate curricular/training projects and programs.
  4. Utilize current technologies and emergent learning strategies effectively in training and educational products (courses, seminars, modules, programs, etc.).
  5. Describe the process and procedures involved in the design and conceptualization of instructional games/simulations/scenario-based learning content opportunities.
  6. Identify and analyze an adult learning-related problem, need or challenge, and successfully conceptualize and/or design a learning solution, including a relevant game/simulation/scenario-based learning opportunity to meet the identified problem/need/challenge.
  7. Examine and assess the components and effectiveness of instructional games/simulations/scenario-based learning items.
  8. Design and implement effective instructional opportunities (courses, seminars, modules, programs, games/simulations/scenario-based products, etc.) that can be evaluated for relevant usability.