Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How much is it going to cost?
The program cost is $17,750, which includes tuition, textbooks and an iPad. There are no additional costs or hidden fees.

Will I need to own a computer?
No, but students should have access to a laptop or computer.

Is Financial Aid Available?
Yes. All aid available to graduate students requires submission of the FAFSA in order to be considered. The FAFSA is submitted to the federal government at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. We strongly encourage students to file the FAFSA at least one month prior to the start date of the program. The application process will need to be repeated for each academic year.

For more information, please contact James Hadley, Financial Aid Specialist - Graduate & Professional Studies
Phone: 541.684.7221
Fax: 541.684.7300
jhadley@nwcu.edu

Can I apply as a Non-Degree seeking student?
YES. Please fill out the short form application found at the web address below and return to the registrar's office as indicated on the bottom of the application.

What are the GPA requirements?
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to the Master of Education program.

Is an entrance exam required?
No.

How long does it take to complete the M.Ed. program?
One year.

When can I start this program?
This program has rolling admission and can be started Fall, Spring or Summer.

What is Instructional Technology?
Instructional Technology is a field concerned with improving the efficiency and effectiveness of instruction. It involves:

Designing instruction (including all the phases of activity from needs assessment to evaluation)
Applying learning theory to instructional design
Selecting delivery systems and designing techniques for a given delivery system
Assessing human characteristics
Conducting process and product evaluation
Managing change and adopting innovations
Building teams and managing projects
Integrating instruction with other factors that influence human performance
Implementing delivery to reach learners when they need it
Using technology in support of the development and delivery of instruction

What is the Definition of Instructional Technology?
The current AECT definition is "Instructional Technology is the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management and evaluation of processes and resources for learning." (Seels & Richey)

Instructional Design seeks to teach how to plan, develop, evaluate and manage the instructional process effectively to ensure improved performance by learners.

Instructional Technology's goal is to understand how people learn and how to best design instructional systems and instructional materials to facilitate that learning. We also use appropriate technology to aid us in the design and delivery of the instruction.

Instructional Technologists are today's problem solvers. They look to understand performance problems and design solutions to those problems. Sometimes the solution is instructional; other times the situation requires a non-instructional solution. (Reiser & Dempsey)

"The instructional design approach considers instruction from the perspective of the learner rather than from the perspective of the content." (Morrison, Ross, Kemp)

Why Should I Enroll in the Instructional Technology Program?
The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instructional Technology is a broad-based program designed to improve the candidate's competence in providing leadership for improving learning and teaching through the coordinated use of human resources, instructional materials and technology. Specifically, the program provides you many opportunities:

Potential for salary increase: Individuals with a master's degree typically earn more.
Expanded career options: An M.Ed. in Instructional Technology opens doors of opportunity for your career.
Chance to upgrade skills: Courses are designed to provide update and current information of new and/or emerging technologies.
Life-long learning: Increase your professional expertise.
Real-world connections for learning: The program allows you to apply learning to "real-world" settings.
Capstone experience tailored to your individual needs: Your online portfolio project is a comprehensive demonstration of your learning that is tailored to address your professional and career goals.
Learn with peers: Network and become part of a learning community.

Can I earn a teaching license in the Instructional Technology program?
The Instructional Technology program will not fulfill state teaching and licensure requirements.

Is there a teacher license or certification for becoming a school or district-based Technology Specialist?
There is no license or certification offered by the state of Oregon for technology specialists. However technology administrators, coordinators and specialists at the K-12 level often have an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology or Curriculum and Instruction. They may also hold a teaching license, and have experience and/or coursework in integrating technology in the classroom.

What computer skills will I need for this program?
Students entering the Instructional Technology program should have competency in general computer skills including email, word processing, search engines and file management.

Do you need to have a background in technology in order to be accepted into this program?
No, it is not necessary to have a background in technology in order to be accepted into this program. It is recommended that students have a fundamental understanding of basic computer concepts such as email, internet, word processing, etc.