Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A.The IDET program takes a cognitive perspective to instructional design and educational technology. That is, the program focuses on building a deep understanding of how individuals learn with technology. IDET students learn about cognitive processes involved in learning, the instructional design practices that will support these learning processes, and gain experience in developing meaningful technology experiences that promote deep learning and understanding.

A.The IDET master's program is a 30-credit M.Ed. degree program that is structured to be completed in two years (see “How long will it take to complete the program” below). If you decide to complete the M.S. degree (see “Can I do a Research Thesis” below), you will need to complete 36 credits.

A.Graduate students who enroll in the IDET master's program complete their degree in five (5) consecutive semesters, which includes four regular semesters (over two academic years) plus one (intervening) summer semester.

Undergraduate students majoring in Educational Psychology can apply to the IDET 4 + 1 degree program, which allows them to concurrently finish their bachelor's degree as they begin their master's study. Students in the 4 + 1 program complete their IDET master's degree one year after the completion of their undergraduate degree.

A.For the M.Ed. degree, you would take two courses per semester (3 credits each) for a total of six credits per semester.

A.Classes are typically held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. You will meet two nights per week for class, with one class per night. The days of the week on which your classes will be held vary by semester – class dates are affected by room availability, instructor availability, course conflicts, etc. The University Catalog is online and you can check course schedules as soon as they are available, about 3 months before the semester begins.

A.Yes. Many of our students work full-time in addition to earning their IDET master's degree. To accommodate work schedules, classes typically are held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. two nights per week.

A.Some of the IDET courses are hybrid courses, meaning that they meet partially online and partially in-person. However, because the IDET program emphasizes personalized, hands-on instruction, most degree courses meet in-person.

A.The IDET program enrolls a small cohort of 15-20 students every year. Typically, you will complete your five semesters of coursework with the same cohort. The IDET program limits cohort size so that instructors can provide personalized, hands-on experiences to IDET students.

A.Yes. However, if you decide to pursue the M.S. degree, you will need to complete 6 additional credits (for a total of 36 credits) and develop a research thesis with the help of a faculty mentor. Please consult the IDET program manual to learn more about the M.Ed. and M.S. degrees and requirements.

A.Exact, up-to-date tuition rates can be found by consulting the appropriate link(s) below:

Resident Tuition and Fee Schedule
Non-Resident Tuition and Fee Schedule

A.There are some general scholarships provided through the College of Education for which students may apply. You may also view University of Utah Scholarship information.

A.Most of what you need to know about the process of applying to the IDET Program is contained within the standard application process for the Department of Educational Psychology. When completing your application be sure to check the box to indicate your interest in being considered for the Master's Program in Instructional Design & Educational Technology.

Because IDET students often are returning to school after working in professional careers, it is fine for you to solicit letters of recommendations from supervisors, employers, or other professional colleagues. You (of course) may use academic references from past professors as well. The most important consideration is to use references who know you well and can provide a professional evaluation of your skills and abilities relevant to the IDET program.

A.Many of our graduates are employed in educational or training settings. In school and educational settings, our graduates are working as technology specialists, teachers and administrators, and advisors. In industry, our graduates are working as instructional designers, media designers, training directors, and technology leads.

A.Students have generally found that they study about 12 hours per week.

A.Please consult the IDET program manual and the IDET “Quick Start” Guide for new students for additional information and detailed program information. If you have additional questions after reviewing these materials, please contact IDET program director, Dr. Kirsten Butcher: kirsten.butcher@utah.edu.