HCD-ITD Master's Program Guide

Human Capital Development (Instructional Technology and Design) MS Program Overview

The Master of Science in Human Capital Development with an emphasis in Instructional Technology and Design (HCD-ITD MS) provides students with a strong theoretical base and practical hands-on experience in the design, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of leading-edge educational technologies. HCD-ITD MS (100% online) is a rigorous program of study designed for individuals who wish to become dynamic and innovative leaders in the field of instructional technology and design. The goals of this program are designed to prepare professionals who will:

• utilize current and emerging technology improving the teaching and learning processes,
• develop a systematic approach to designing, developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating the integration of technology into instruction, and
• respect diversity among individuals and ascribe to the highest level of ethical standards and practice in the field of instructional technology and design.

HCD-ITD MS requires 30 hours of post-baccalaureate work depending upon the selected graduation requirement. Courses within the program focus upon different areas such as performance improvement, workforce development, instructional design, learning theory, multimedia development, Web-based education, and technology research and administration. Thus, students graduating from the program are qualified for the field because of their extensive background both in human capital development and instructional technology and design.

Majority of HCD-ITD MS Alumni work in the following roles:

• Learning/Training Specialist
• E-Learning Instructional Designer
• Instructional Technologist
• Media Specialist
• Educational Consultant
• Learning Technologist
• Technology Support Specialist
• Educational Technologist
• Education Technology Coordinator
• Instructional Designer/Curriculum Leader
• Educational Technologist Consultant

Program Format: Online

The 30 credit hour HCD-ITD MS fully online degree can be completed from anywhere through Canvas, USM’s virtual learning environment and course management system. Students are not required to visit campus. A blogfolio and comprehensive exam are completed during the student’s final semester. Each course is delivered asynchronously in 8-week sessions.

Comprehensive exam and mastery project are completed as part of HCD 691. Students must apply for graduation the semester prior to graduation and be continuously enrolled in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Program Curriculum 

Core Courses (15 hours):

• HCD 643 - Design and Development of Performance Improvement (3 hrs)
• HCD 640 - Workforce Development Models (3 hrs)
• HCD 660 - Foundations of Human Capital Development (3 hrs)
• HCD 675 - Research in Human Capital Development (3 hrs)
• HCD 725 - Advanced Workforce Analysis (3 hrs)

ITD Emphasis (12 hrs):

• ITD 645 -  Technology in Education (3 hrs)
• ITD 648 - Digital Communications in Education (3 hrs)
• ITD 650 - Instructional Strategies of Online Teaching (3 hrs)
• ITD 755 - Web Development and Assessment (3 hrs), or
• ITD 780 - Seminar in Instructional Technology (3 hrs)

Mastery Project (3 hours)

• HCD 691 - Research (3 hrs)

Course Descriptions

Tentative Course Schedule and Fees 

HCD-ITD Student Awards and Recognition

Kudos: Student & Alumni News
Previous IT MS Students' Blogfolios

Current Student Resources