Frequently Asked Questions

Instructional technology is the practice of designing, developing and evaluating learning experiences and systems. Professionals in this field work to improve how people learn and develop skills across education, corporate training, healthcare, government and other sectors.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but instructional technology tends to emphasize the tools and systems used to deliver learning, while instructional design focuses on the process of creating learning experiences.

Lehigh’s online M.S. in Instructional Technology integrates both. You’ll build the design skills and the technical fluency to bring your solutions to life.

Most students in this program are working professionals with a background in education or organizational development. Many are K–12 teachers stepping into a new role. Others come from university support, corporate training, healthcare education or adjacent fields.

No specific undergraduate major or prior experience in instructional design is required.

Graduates pursue roles across education, corporate training, healthcare, nonprofit and government sectors. Common titles include:

• Instructional designer
• Learning experience designer
• Training and development specialist
• Instructional technologist
• Instructional coach
• E-learning developer

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for training and development specialists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than average.

Yes, Lehigh University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Lehigh is also a participating member of NC-SARA, which allows students from most U.S. states to enroll without additional state authorization requirements.

The program is 30 credit hours. It includes one college core course, five core courses and four electives. To fulfill the elective requirement, students may choose from two focused tracks or work with their staff advisor to build a customized course of study.

The Artificial Intelligence & Learning Analytics track teaches you to evaluate and implement AI tools, analyze learning data and build intelligent applications for real educational or organizational contexts. No computer science background or data analytics experience is required — coursework is designed to support learners at all levels while offering depth for advanced application.

The Game-Based Learning & Learning Design track explores the design of simulations, games and gamified systems, and focuses on when and how to use them to move learners from external reward to genuine engagement. Applications extend beyond the classroom into healthcare training, corporate onboarding and beyond.

Both tracks can also be taken as standalone certificates. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.

Yes. Students who prefer to chart their own course can work with their staff advisor to select electives that match their goals. Your transcript will reflect the M.S. in Instructional Technology degree regardless of which path you take; the certificate designation is added only if you formally complete a track certificate.

Most students complete the degree in one and a half to two and a half years. The fastest possible completion time is just over one year for students who take a full course load. The maximum time to complete the degree is six years.

Both. 9 credit hours per semester is considered full time. 6 credit hours or fewer per semester is considered part time. A typical course load is one to two courses per semester in fall and spring, and two courses in summer.

Yes. All coursework is completed online. Courses are offered in a mix of synchronous and asynchronous formats. Synchronous sessions are scheduled in the evenings Monday through Thursday, in blocks of 4:25-7:05 p.m. ET or 7:15-9:55 p.m. ET. Most synchronous sessions are recorded. No courses are held on Fridays.

It depends on the course. In fully synchronous courses, attendance is required. Other courses may offer optional supplementary live sessions — these are not required. Attendance policies may differ across faculty.

No. Faculty prioritize free software and open-access resources. Readings and course materials are provided, and students should expect little to no out-of-pocket cost for course materials.

There are no specialized software requirements. Students need a reliable internet connection and a computer capable of running standard applications.

Online students have access to registration guidance, onboarding and matriculation support, career services and the Lehigh University Library. Students meet at least once per semester with a faculty advisor. Faculty members respond to questions within two to three business days.

Students have the opportunity to observe and participate in faculty research, including active virtual reality and learning analytics projects. In some cases, students become co-authors on manuscripts that grow out of coursework.

Internship opportunities are available on an informal basis for interested students. For example, Lehigh has an ongoing relationship with a regional hospital that regularly needs instructional designers, and a formal affiliation with the United Nations that opens NGO internship pathways. These are not required and are arranged individually based on student interest.

To apply, you’ll need:

• Completed application
• $25 application fee
• Transcripts
• Resume
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation

No. There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for the M.S. in Instructional Technology.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We recommend applying early to receive a decision sooner.

Yes. The application fee is $25. Fee waivers are available in certain circumstances, including a fee waiver period offered once per semester. Contact an enrollment specialist at (610) 215-2867 to learn more.

Most applicants receive a decision within three to seven business days of submitting a complete application.

Yes. Admitted students may defer enrollment up to one year from the term of application. You may defer up to three times before you are required to reapply. There is no deferral fee.

You’ll set up your Lehigh account, obtain your university credentials and work with a staff advisor to choose your first-semester courses. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to the start of your first term.

We’ll be in contact with you through the entire onboarding process, so you always know your next step.

Yes. Students enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester are eligible to apply for federal financial aid. To get started, explore our tuition and financial aid page and complete the FAFSA using Lehigh’s school code: 003289.

Yes. For students who are also preK-12 teachers, the PA Educator Incentive provides a tuition discount.

Students whose employers are part of the AllCampus Workplace Network receive an additional 10% tuition discount.

For a full list of options, visit our financial aid page.

Yes. The M.S. in Instructional Technology qualifies for Yellow Ribbon funding. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more about your eligibility.

For questions about graduate loans and financial aid, contact Tami Bauder, Director of Graduate Loans, at tlb211@lehigh.edu.

Refunds are prorated based on the timing of your withdrawal. For specific refund schedules and withdrawal deadlines, refer to the academic calendar found here.