M.Ed. LID Course Descriptions

CI 795 Change, Creativity and Innovation (3)
This course will focus on key theories and elements related to organizational change, the creative process, and innovation. Students will develop an understanding of creative thinking processes to explore how those processes can impact change and lead to innovation.

CI 880 Learning Theory & Curriculum Design (3)
This course will focus on cognitive science relative to how people learn and how instruction is designed to facilitate and optimize learning. Several different theoretical perspectives on learning, cognition, and cognitive development will be explored. By looking at current learning theories, a range of tools will be identified in understanding effective curriculum design for a variety of settings.

CI 884 Inquiry into Instructional Practice: Part 1 (3)
This course will be an introduction to the procedures commonly used in research and data analysis. Conceptual, procedural and analysis issues from a wide variety of areas will be covered, ranging from the formal research techniques to the approaches used by researchers involved in investigations in "real-life" settings. The course will also include critical analysis of selected published research in your professional area.

CI 885 Inquiry into Instructional Practice: Part 2 (3)
This course is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to conduct research relevant to their professional practice. The course will include elements of quantitative as well as qualitative data analysis. Students will critically analyze data-based decision making and potential implications for instructional practice.

CI 893 Instructional Leadership: Professionalism and Collaboration (3)
This course focuses on the role of the instructional leader to facilitate the implementation and sustainability of change necessary to support individual and organizational learning. Candidates will acquire the skills necessary to facilitate, nurture and maintain partnerships.

Important Note:
By taking these required courses (CI 795, CI 880, CI 884, CI 885, and CI 893), students will earn the Instructional Design in Professional Practice (IDPP) graduate certificate. The IDPP certificate is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to design and implement effective, efficient and engaging instruction, from assessing learners’ needs to designing/developing appropriate materials and to evaluating instruction. Students will be able to apply learning theories, instructional design models and principles, and experiences gained through coursework to lead the instructional design process in diverse organizational settings. Besides, this program not only allows students to earn a powerful career credential but also complete a significant portion of a full Master’s of Education in learning and instructional design program.

In consultation with the program advsor, students will complete 12 credit hours worth of coursework in the following areas:

Educational Technology
Interdisciplinary STEM
Literacy
ESOL
Interdisciplinary, student-designed

In consultation with the program advisor, students can choose to complete a master's thesis or capstone project to complete this program.

Capstone Project Required Courses

CI 862 Evidence-Based Inquiry: Capstone Project Proposal (1-2)
Students develop a research-based inquiry proposal as a process for increasing skills as evidence-based practitioners. A formal proposal is written to research evidence-based practices or other important knowledge bases relevant to learning and instruction. Prerequisite: CI 851 or CI 860 or CI 885 or instructor's consent.

CI 863 Evidence-Based Inquiry: Capstone Project (1-2)
Students complete and present a research-based inquiry proposal as a process for increasing skills as evidence-based practitioners. This formal report is presented to a pre-identified audience describing the results of an inquiry into a knowledge basis relevant to the fields of learning and instruction. Prerequisite: CI 862.

Master's Thesis Required Courses
CI 875 Master's Thesis (1-2)
Students complete and the research proposal accepted by their thesis committee. Students work closely with their adviser and committee. Student received credit for this course when their thesis has been completed and defended. Prerequisite: CI 885, 858

CI 876 Master's Thesis (1-2)
Students complete and orally defend their thesis. Students work closely with their adviser and committee. Students needing an addition semester to satisfy these requirements should enroll in one hour of CI 876. Students received credit for courses when their thesis has been completed and defended. Prerequisite: CI 875 or instructor's consent.