Instructional Design and Performance Technology, M.Ed.

The M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Performance Technology (IDPT) provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to apply research, theories, concepts, best practices, and sound pedagogical principles to improve performance in K12 education, higher education, business and industry, healthcare, and other organizational settings. Students will learn to conduct comprehensive analyses and work with organizational stakeholders to close gaps in performance through the design, development, implementation, evaluation, and administration of instructional and non-instructional interventions. Students will develop expertise in instructional design, human performance improvement, online teaching and learning, and the educational applications of current and emerging technologies.

Students completing the Instructional Design and Performance Technology M.Ed. will also earn certificates in Human Performance Improvement, Online Teaching and Learning, and Current and Emerging Instructional Technology. These certificates may automatically be added to the student record upon admission to the program.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University graduate admission requirements described in the Admissions section of the catalog, the department bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials in which the following criteria are used to assess the potential success of each applicant:

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Submission of letter of intent that meets the following minimum requirements:
  • Describes the applicant's academic and professional experiences
  • Describes the applicant's career goals and reasons for pursuing the degree
  • Minimum of two pages in length
  • Free of spelling and grammatical errors
• Professional and/or academic preparation

Degree Requirements

In addition to general University requirements, students seeking the M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Performance Technology must meet the requirements listed below.

• Complete degree requirements of at least 36 semester hours compliant with the time-to-degree policy
• Be recommended for graduation by the department
• Complete all courses with a grade of "B" or better
• Successfully complete the Capstone Experience (EME 6946).

Instructional Design and Performance Technology Core

Focus Areas

Students will complete three courses in each of the three focus areas listed below for a total of 27 semester hours of coursework. Each focus area aligns with a Graduate Certificate. Students should work closely with their advisor to determine the order in which to complete these requirements and to arrange to have the certificates awarded upon completion.

Current and Emerging Instructional Technology

Human Performance Improvement

Online Teaching and Learning

Capstone Experience

All students are required to complete a capstone project/field experience. Students are responsible for identifying field experiences and obtaining permission to proceed from both the client and the instructor. Field experiences must fulfill a real need for a real client and be aligned with the student’s academic program. 

Artificial Intelligence in Education Certificate

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Certificate prepares learners to integrate artificial intelligence effectively, ethically, and strategically across all instructional design and technology contexts. Designed for professionals working in K–12, higher education, corporate training, government agencies, and military learning environments, the program develops interdisciplinary competencies that support the responsible adoption of AI-enhanced tools and practices. Through four focused courses, students develop a foundational knowledge of AI technologies, examine their ethical and policy implications, and explore how AI can enhance curriculum design, instructional delivery, and assessment across various sectors. The certificate culminates in an applied project in which students design, implement, and evaluate an AI-supported instructional solution tailored to a real-world educational, training, or organizational challenge. Graduates emerge with the skills to analyze emerging AI tools, align them with evidence-based instructional strategies, ensure responsible and secure use, and lead innovation in technology-enhanced learning across educational and professional settings.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into the University of West Florida Artificial Intelligence in Education Graduate Certificate, you must be admitted as a graduate non-degree or degree-seeking student. 

Program Requirements

To earn the certificate, a minimum grade of "C" is required for all courses with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Current and Emerging Instructional Technology Certificate

The Current and Emerging Instructional Technology Certificate will provide students with the skills necessary to evaluate new and existing technologies to identify their instructional and performance improvement applications and to effectively and efficiently integrate them in organizational settings. Students will learn to utilize research, theory, best practices, and sound pedagogical principles to effectively integrate current and emerging technologies to facilitate instruction and performance improvement in K12 education, higher education, business and industry, healthcare, military, and other settings. Credits earned in the Current and Emerging Instructional Technology Certificate program may be applied to the M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Performance Technology in accordance with university policy.

Students who enroll in courses required for this certificate may automatically have the certificate program added to their student record.

Human Performance Improvement Certificate

The Human Performance Improvement Certificate (HPI) provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to facilitate improvement in individual and organizational performance. Students will learn to apply systems thinking to analyze performance, identify gaps in performance and their root causes, and select, design, develop, implement, and evaluate appropriate solutions. Credits earned in the HPI Certificate program may be applied to the M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Performance Technology in accordance with university policy. 

Students who enroll in courses required for this certificate may automatically have the certificate program added to their student record. 

Online Teaching and Learning Certificate

The Online Teaching and Learning Certificate provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to create, implement, and manage online teaching and learning activities, courses, and programs. Students will learn to apply research, theory, best practices, and sound pedagogical principles to design, develop, implement, evaluate, and manage technology-driven learning experiences in K12 education, higher education, business and industry, healthcare, military, and other settings.  This 9-credit-hour fully online program can be completed in as little as two semesters. Credits earned in the Online Teaching and Learning Certificate program may be applied to the M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Performance Technology in accordance with university policy.

Students who enroll in courses required for this certificate may automatically have the certificate program added to their student record.