The graduate Instructional Technology (IT) Program directly addresses the rapidly accelerating changes in the field by providing exposure to a wide range of emerging technologies, while ensuring the basic competencies required of all practitioners. Core course requirements for graduate students in IT provide a broad but firm background in the areas of instructional design, computer-based learning, media production, learning theory, educational evaluation, and tests and measurement. Preparation is offered in the master’s (M.Ed.), education specialist (Ed.S.), and doctoral (Ed.D. and Ph.D.) levels. Applications may be received at any time, but those received by March 1 are given preference for financial aid.
Depending on their career goals, students may elect to specialize in instructional media production, interactive technologies, or applications of technology for K-12 schools. The specialization in instructional media production offers professional preparation for directing instructional resource center operations, designing and producing instructional media (such as graphic arts, photography, and video), and for being faculty members in higher education in these specializations.
The specialization in interactive technologies offers experience in the design and production of interactive instructional and informational materials; instructional components are developed in multiple media including digital images, sound, text, and video. Advanced course work offers an opportunity for the development of interactive products of increasing complexity, and for the conduct of usability tests on user interface design. Doctoral students in this area pursue research projects involving the effective design of interactive media.
The specialization in technology for K-12 schools offers experience in design and integration of innovative technologies in school settings. Working in concert with faculty members in the Curry Center for Technology and Teacher Education, graduate students will have the opportunity to develop, implement, and assess methods and materials to help teacher educators and teachers appropriately integrate educational technologies into their teaching. Selected students will also have opportunities to collaborate on initiatives with corporate partners in developing hardware and software for K-12 education. This specialization also provides experience in the evolution and implementation of state and national policies related to emerging technologies and schools.
Internship opportunities in schools, corporations, and government agencies throughout the mid-Atlantic region give the IT student valuable skills and experience in a variety of work settings. Graduates of the IT Program go on to pursue careers as instructional technologists in education, business and industry, the government, and non-profit organizations.
Individuals desiring entry into the Ed.D. or Ph.D. programs in instructional technology must submit a scholarly writing sample of at least 12, and no more than 20, pages. For details, contact the Chair of Admissions, Instructional Technology Program, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, 405 Emmet Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2945.