The University of Houston-Clear Lake Instructional Technology program gives its students a firm foundation of knowledge in an evolving field of study. The coursework applies technological innovations to diverse economic sectors. Graduates of the program qualify for careers in healthcare, business and industry, higher education, and elementary and secondary schools.

UHCL Instructional Technology graduates enter positions throughout the economy. Some continue in doctoral programs. They work in colleges and universities such as San Jacinto College, College of the Mainland, University of Houston, Houston Community College, and University of Houston - Clear Lake. Graduates have held positions in health care with the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and the University of Texas Health Science Center. Graduates work as designers or in other positions requiring performance technology skills. They join multinational firms such as SpaceHab, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, AIM Funds, Shell Oil, and Texaco, or design firms such as imediait and Tietronix. After earning one or more Instructional Technology certificates, you may apply your certificate courses to the INST Master's degree. The program has five multi-course certificates including two UHCL Professional Development Certificates: Online Distance Educator and Performance Technology; and three Texas State Teacher add-on certificates: Technology Applications (8-12), Technology Applications (EC-12), and Master Technology Teacher.

If you want to move from the business sector to education sector (or vice versa), the MS can help you make that transition. Many Master's students choose an internship for that purpose. Many students who sought design jobs in higher education have completed internships at colleges and universities; they later accepted employment with them. One graduate moved from an internship at one college to a position at a community college. That alumnus now works as a designer at a university. All this took place in just three years. Many students serve public institutions as interns; such firms include Johnson Space Center and numerous local school districts. Interns have taken consulting or permanent jobs with these organizations after graduating.

Choice, flexibility, and convenience

You may plan precisely when and how to complete your degree. Full-time students can earn a Master of Science in Instructional Technology within four semesters. One big advantage is that at 2008 tuition rates, a Texas resident may earn a Master's degree for under $12, 000 including tuition and books. Furthermore, full-time Instructional Technology advising faculty members teach nearly all IT courses.

Another way to participate in the UHCL program is through our online courses. Most students prefer face-to-face courses but many appreciate and take advantage of our online courses. Students may earn a Master's degree by taking all their courses online. The UHCL Instructional Technology program has a master schedule to help you plan which courses and in which formats you would like to take each semester. While most students live in greater Houston, students living in other states are able to enroll. The program is especially advantageous to students who may move elsewhere before completing the program. Online courses enable students to finish even after they move.

Our Certification Programs

If you want to build skills outside the Master's program, consider earning an UHCL Instructional Technology program certificate. The program offers certification in on-line distance education or in performance technology. If you are a Texas-certified teacher and want to teach technology, you can reach your career goals by earning a Texas add-on certificate. Each of four certificate programs prepares teachers (who are currently certified in Texas) to pass the state examination for an add-on technology certificate .

The On-line Distance Educator Professional Development Certificate is a nine hour course of study. It enables students to prepare effective, interactive, on-line instructional activities. Topics include systematic design of instruction, writing measurable objectives, creating and designing interactive instructional strategies for distance learners, creating courses using the course management system Moodle, and selecting appropriate delivery systems

The Performance Technology certificate consists of 12 hours of courses. The good news is that you may apply all 12 hours to a Master's of Science in Instructional Technology. Completing the coursework for the certificate enables you to:

• Analyze human work performance problems and outcomes.
• Identify instructional and non-instructional solutions for improving human work performance.
• Select performance solutions from HR tools such as training, electronic performance support systems, job aids, knowledge management, change management, job restructuring, and recruitment and selection policies.
• Identify the most appropriate and feasible assessment measure for a given learning objective.

Certificates for Texas Certified Teachers

• Master Technology Teacher
• EC-12 Technology Applications
• EC-8 Technology Applications