About the MIT Program

The Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology (MIT) program provides advanced professional training for teachers and school technology coordinators; business and industry personnel such as executives, trainers, and human resource development employees; persons in the health care field; and community college instructors. The program focuses on the theory and practice of design and development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning. It emphasizes product development and utilization of advanced technology and provides applied training in the total design, development, implementation, and evaluation of educational and training programs. The program consists of 36 credit hours including 15 hours of core or foundation courses and 15 credit hours of focus or specialty area courses, 3 hours of seminar series (colloquia) and internship, and 3 credit hours of electronic portfolio or master's thesis.

The M. S. in Instructional Technology requires that students have North Carolina “A” level licensure in at least one area of education prior to admission if they are seeking advanced licensure.  Upon completion of the program, students are recommended for “M” level licensure as an Instructional Technology Specialist – Computer Specialist. 

Individuals in other fields (e.g., business and industry, higher education or health-related fields, etc.) that do not require teaching licensure complete their master's degree in instructional technology, but are NOT recommended for advanced licensure in teaching upon completion.

The Instructional Technology Specialist (ITS), an 18-hour certification program has also been established within the M. S. in Instructional Technology Program to address the needs of K-12 teachers, as well as instructional technology specialists, community college faculty/staff, and individuals interested in advancing their career opportunities. The Certificate in Instructional Technology Specialist requires that students have or qualified to have, North Carolina class “A” teaching licensure in at least one area of education if they are seeking 079 Special Endorsement in Educational Computing and Technology Facilitation (TF). Upon completion of the program, students are recommended for “079” Special Endorsement as a Technology Facilitator. Individuals in other fields that do not require teaching licensure (e.g., business, community college or health-related fields, etc.) may be admitted to the program and complete the certificate in Instructional Technology Specialist, but will not be recommended for 079 Special Endorsement in Educational Computing and Technology Facilitation (TF).

All courses in the MIT and IT Specialist (ITS) programs are delivered in a technology-enhanced (web-enhanced) or distance-learning (online) format.  All web-enhanced and online courses are designed to provide highly interactive learning environment where students and the instructor use threaded discussion, virtual classroom interaction, email and other online synchronous and asynchronous interaction and discussion to learn the materials. Both web-enhanced and online courses require attendance at an introductory group meeting in the Virtual Classroom for introductions or on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington for introductions and to forge initial learning community linkages.  Students also are introduced to web-based course content and its interactive components during this introductory session.