We're here to guide you through each step of the application process. Create an account and start your application at the application website. See below for ITLS department-specific requirements. The graduate school website can be challenging to navigate. jenny.kearl@usu.edu is happy to answer your questions.
Application Deadlines
We accept master's students twice a year and PhD students once a year. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis only. Bachelor's students can apply at any time.
| Program Level | Application Frequency | Typical Deadlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Once a year | Fall: January 15 | Space-limited; early application encouraged |
| Master's | Twice a year | Fall: April 15 Spring: October 15 |
Full consideration if submitted by deadline |
| Bachelor's | Rolling admission | N/A | Can apply any time |
**If you want to pursue the School Library Media Administration certificate, you may apply as a non-matriculated student. Contact Kelli Munns at kelli.munns@usu.edu to learn more.
Tuition and Funding
The Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences department understands that tuition can be one of the biggest concerns when looking into a degree in higher education. We do all that we can to provide clear information on tuition and different financial aids to help our students avoid as much financial debt as possible. The Human Experience Design and Interaction (HEDI) undergraduate degree focuses on areas such as instructional design, video game design, product design, and multimedia design. All coursework emphasizes human-centered approaches and applies design thinking principles to create meaningful user experiences. For more information, feel free to contact our program administrator, Jenny Kearl, at jenny.kearl@usu.edu. She’d be happy to answer any of your questions! Our PhD, Education Specialist, and master’s programs prepare students for careers in instructional design and development, while also deepening their understanding of how to effectively integrate technology in roles such as classroom teachers, educators, school librarians, and administrators. Which program is right for you? Our program administrators would love to talk with you and answer any questions you may have:
Learn More
Graduate studies requirement
General Requirements
- A bachelor's or master's degree before the program starts
- GPA: 3.0 or higher for your most recent credits (the last 60 credits for semester-based programs or 90 credits for quarter-based programs)
- Three letters of recommendation
- In recognition of the high cost and low predictive validity of admissions tests ITLS no longer requires the GRE or MAT
TOEFL or IELTS (for international students only)
- International students may replace this requirement with two years’ attendance at an English-speaking college or university (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand or Australia).
- Passing TOEFL: Internet based - 79; Computer based - 214; Paper based - 550
- Passing IETLS: Overall score - 6; Subscale scores - 5
Writing sample
- PhD: A writing sample is no longer required
- MS: Choose a writing sample that cites references and demonstrates your academic writing skills, such as a research paper, honors thesis, or theory paper. Writing samples that include a research design, data collection, and analysis with presentation of results or findings are ideal, though not required.
- MA, MEd and EdS: Choose a writing sample that demonstrates your skill or potential in academic writing. Ideal samples include academic papers, lesson plans, design documents, evaluation reports, or other professional documents.
Statement of Purpose
- For the PhD: You’ll be asked to submit a 2-3 page structured statement of purpose.
- For all other degrees: Include your statement of purpose with your graduate school application. We don’t require a specific word count. Please take the time to thoughtfully describe why you wish to seek this degree at USU.
CV
- For the PhD you will be asked to submit a CV
Interview
- Promising PhD applicants will be asked to complete an interview with faculty members via zoom. Questions will be supplied in advance. Applicants should reserve time slots in their schedules (January 22nd – February 6th) for these meetings.
Multimedia Development Minor
This minor, which can be paired with any major at USU, is designed for students interested in multimedia production or design, especially computer-based instructional media.
To apply, fill out and sign our Multimedia Development Minor Planning Sheet and Information Form. Turn it in at the Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, room 215.
For more information, see the Multimedia Development Minor page.
VIEW FILE
School Library Media Administration Minor
This program is available as an undergraduate minor or graduate endorsement. Students will do all the required course work and practicum experiences to apply for the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) library media K-12 endorsement. To seek the endorsement, students must have or be working toward a Utah teaching license.
To apply to this program, you must be admitted to USU. Start with the undergraduate online application process or the graduate online application process.
If you are curious about the program and have any questions, feel free to reach out to the program advisor, Kelli Munns
Only the Endorsement
If you have a degree and only want the USBE endorsement, apply to USU as an undergraduate. On the application, choose the certificate/endorsement as your reason for applying. Your application fee will be waived.
Once you are a USU student, you'll work with your program advisor to complete the appropriate course work. For more information, see the SLMA page.
Undergraduate Application Graduate Application
ITLS Orientation
This one credit online asynchronous course is offered each semester and is required of all graduate students. You will learn how to be successful in the program and in your future careers while getting to know other students and faculty.
International students should check with the office of global engagement for additional requirements at the start of their programs.
ITLS Graduate Program Application Fee Waiver
*Application fee waivers are for ITLS graduate program students only*
Application fee waivers are available only to students applying to an ITLS graduate degree program who demonstrate financial need, are first-generation students, identify as a member of a racial, ethnic, LGBTQ+, or other community or group historically underrepresented in our field, or have served or are serving as members of the U.S. military. Our overall goal as a department is to ensure the application fee is not a barrier of entry to our programs, so please reach out if it is. Fee waivers are confidential and are not disclosed to admissions committees.
Please contact our graduate coordinator Janet Blad before you submit an application, if you would like to be considered for a fee waiver. We are unable to refund any applications fees paid.
Again, please note this does not apply for applications to graduate programs outside of the ITLS department.
CONTACT JENNY KEARL