Master's Degree Concentrations

Master's of Arts in Media, Technology, and Learning Design

The Master's of Arts in Media, Technology, and Learning Design (MTL) provides an innovative blending of learning opportunities in the design, production, application, and evaluation of a broad range of media and technology. Students are encouraged to pursue work in both traditional and emerging technologies related to all aspects of educational media. Graduates of the program will be prepared to assume leadership roles in various fields of media and technology. The range of possibilities for students in the four concentrations includes the study of digital technologies in education, multimedia systems and website production, as well as media literacy, instructional design, and telecommunications systems.
 

Concentrations Available:

The K-12/ITF concentration is designed for education professionals and others who wish to enhance their use of digital technologies for teaching and learning. This concentration is designed to prepare traditional and nontraditional students to assume educational leadership roles in the use of instructional technology in public schools, public libraries and related educational settings through active scholarship, reflection, professional discourse and interdisciplinary programs of study based on the integration of theory and practice. This concentration leads to 077 'M' level licensure for Instructional Technology Specialists.

The Online Design, Communication, and Engagement concentration and certificate offer students the opportunity to gain technical, aesthetic, and intellectual skills and perspectives to analyze and develop online learning and professional development pedagogies and environments. The program of study engages the learner in constructivist learning environments and local and global learning communities. Particular emphasis is placed on instructional design, technological tools for the creation, hosting, and delivery of online content, and the assessment of online learning and professional development solutions. The ethical and social issues involved in distance learning will also be examined. This concentration does not lead to North Carolina Licensure.

The Digital Media Literacy concentration  is available at the Certificate level and helps students develop the intellectual, technical, and aesthetic skills to successfully create, utilize and critique traditional, emerging, and converging new media, technologies, and literacies as they relate to individuals, societies, and cultures. Emphasis is placed on an investigation of the production, form, language, and dissemination of a variety of texts, including print, non-print, and evolving media forms (e.g., web-based media, augmented reality, etc.). Emphasis is also placed upon the analysis of new media in light of educational, cultural and social forces from both local and global perspectives. This concentration does not lead to North Carolina Licensure.

Program of Study by Area: Course Requirements for the Master of Arts in Media, Technology, and Instructional Design: Instructional Technology Specialist


Required Courses, All Concentrations (21 hours):

  • MTL 5240: Designing Digital Learning
  • MTL 5310: New Media and Emerging Literacies
  • MTL 5330: Social Media, Network Communications, and Digital Culture
  • MTL 5350: Societal & Legal Issues in Digital Learning
  • RES 5000: Research Methods
  • MTL 5450: Accessibility, Equity, and Inclusion in Media and Technology
  • MTL 5910: Applications of Digital Technologies (3)

Concentration (Choose One):

Online Design, Communication, and Engagement (Code: 400D)

  • MTL 5650: Designing for Online Engagement
  • MTL 5642: Design & Development of Digital Media
  • 9 s.h. of courses related to online course design and pedagogy. Suggested:
    • MTL 5440: Exploring Critical Issues and Opportunities in Media and Technologies
    • MTL 5531: Selected Topics (3)
    • MTL 5550: Technology, Leadership, and Change
    • MTL 5200: Multimedia Production and the Mind
    • MTL 5835: Media Influence and Identity Across Cultures (3)
    • MTL 5845: Global Perspectives in Media and Technology (3)
    • MTL 5740: Photography and Digital Imaging
    • MTL 5600: Digital Storytelling
    • MTL 5825: Documentary Media

IT Specialist/K-12 Concentration (Code: 400C)

This concentration leads to North Carolina Licensure (077) and North Carolina endorsement in Computer Education/Technology Facilitator (18079).

+Advanced Licensure: Requirements for this concentration were designed, and have been approved by the appropriate bodies at the state level, to meet the advanced competencies as mandated in the North Carolina Excellent Schools Act for Master-level teacher education programs.

  • MTL 5550: Technology, Leadership, and Change
  • MTL 5440: Exploring Critical Issues and Opportunities in Media and Technologies
  • 9 s.h. of courses related to online course design and pedagogy. Suggested:
    • MTL 5531: Selected Topics (3)
    • MTL 5650: Designing for Online Engagement
    • MTL 5642: Design & Development of Digital Media
    • MTL 5200: Multimedia Production and the Mind
    • MTL 5835: Media Influence and Identity Across Cultures (3)
    • MTL 5845: Global Perspectives in Media and Technology (3)
    • MTL 5740: Photography and Digital Imaging
    • MTL 5600: Digital Storytelling
    • MTL 5825: Documentary Media

IT Specialist/General Concentration (Code: 400B)

15 s.h. of graduate study, concentrated in Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computer Science (CS) and Instructional Technology (ITC), will be developed with the advice and approval of the graduate advisor.
 

Semester Hours Required (minimum): 36