Instructional Design and Learning Technologies, MEd, Concentration in Gifted Intervention Specialist

Program Description

This program will help prepare candidates to develop innovative teaching and training practices into K-12 settings, with a specific focus on gifted interventions. This program provides the candidates with the skills needed to design learning environments that promote the growth and development of learners. It also provides candidates the skills to apply instructional strategies and learning technologies to improve learning. The ISG courses will provide a theoretical background in the nature and needs of the gifted child, including affective/social needs, curriculum development, and differentiation for gifted students with educational needs. Candidates will be exposed to direct contact with gifted children and youth through field experiences. This unique, fully online master’s degree allows you to participate in dynamic courses and learn to create engaging learning experiences while earning both your Gifted Intervention Specialist Endorsement and the Instructional Design and Learning Technologies Masters’ degree.

This program does not lead to an initial teaching license. Students must complete all five ISG courses before being eligible for the Gifted Intervention Specialist Endorsement.

Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
2. Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher
3. GPA of 3.0 or higher on any previous graduate work, if applicable.
4. Current Ohio teaching license (Endorsements cannot be added to alternative or supplemental licenses).
5. Entrance Essay: Please include a short essay with your application that answers the following questions (see below). Your essay should not exceed 1,000 words or two pages (whichever comes first). You will upload the essay to your application.  
   1. Why do you want to become a gifted intervention specialist and pursue the instructional design and learning technologies M.Ed.?
   2. Please provide specific examples describing your experience using educational technologies, multimedia technologies, or other technologies and how these experiences would help you to be successful in this program. Examples of relevant experience could include but are not limited to, practical teaching experiences, training classes, certificates, minors, or degrees in these areas. Provide links to examples of work samples or a digital portfolio, if applicable.

Admission Process

• Apply to Graduate School.
• Submit to the Graduate School:
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended (except WSU).
  • Entrance Essay. 
• International applicants should refer to the International Gateway website for any additional application requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of their learning experience, graduates can:

• Use educational technologies to improve student learning.
• Analyze educational theories to utilize while designing courses to improve students’ learning.
• Demonstrate effective instructional design practices by designing effective learning experiences for students using technology.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the philosophies, principles and theories, laws and policies, historical perspectives, and human issues in gifted education.
• Create learning environments that promote the growth and development of children with exceptional learning needs and abilities.
• Apply instructional strategies to promote students’ learning and meet the needs and interests of gifted students.

Upon successful completion of the five ISG courses within this program and passage of the Gifted OAE, candidates will be eligible to apply for a Gifted Intervention Specialist endorsement with the Ohio Department of Education.

For More Information

• Master of Education in Instructional Design and Learning Technologies
• Gifted Intervention Specialist Endorsement
• School of Education and Leadership
• College of Health, Education, and Human Services