Degree Requirements

The IDT program is available on both a full-time (9 credit hours or more) and part-time (less than 9 credit hours) basis.  Full-time students can complete the program within a 24 month period.  Part-time completion will vary based on the total number of credits taken each term. The MS in Information Design and Technology consists of 33 credit hours as follows: IDT Core Courses (12 credit hours)

  1. IDT 501 Social Information Theory
  2. IDT 507 Information Technology
  3. IDT 534 Information Design
  4. In order to fulfill the research methods requirement, students may choose from: IDT 530 IDT Research Methods, IDT 539 Digital Ethnography, IDT 569 Visual Research Methods, IDT 551 Evaluating Technology, or with permission, a Research Methods course in another graduate program. At least one methods course will be offered every year.

Important: Important: IDT 501, 507, and 534 are offered on a rotating basis. It is recommended that students take these core courses during the first three semesters that they are in the program

IDT 503
User Experience Design
IDT 521 Global Communication
IDT 523 Digital Narratives
IDT 535
Typographic Design and Communication
IDT 536 Graphic Design
IDT 539 Digital Ethnography
IDT 541
Instructional Design
IDT 545
Informational Technology and Organizational Change
IDT 548 
Contemporary Trends in Data Visualization
IDT 551 Evaluating Technology
IDT 553
Principles and Projects in New Media
IDT 554
Web Development and Design
IDT 555
Ethical and Legal Issues of the Information Age
IDT 560 
Digital Photography
IDT 569
Visual Research Methods
IDT 575
Designing and Writing Interactive Texts
IDT 585
Seminar in Emerging Technologies
IDT 590
Topics in Information Design and Technology*
IDT 591
Independent Study
IDT 592 Internship

*Students may take additional sections of IDT 590 as long as the topics covered are not the same. Unrestricted Electives (6 credit hours) In consultation with an adviser, students choose two additional graduate-level electives or an internship and one elective. Thesis/Project (3 credit hours)

IDT 599
IDT Capstone (formerly called IDT thesis/project)

Working with faculty member teaching the course, or an adviser, students either write a thesis or complete a project for the program. Special Program Notes * Students must receive a "B" (3.0) or better in all core courses. * Unless otherwise noted, all graduate courses are 3 credit hours. * Over the course of their studies, students can only apply two "C" grades in courses taken toward the degree. * All students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to graduate. * Students may transfer up to six credit hours, if applicable, from another graduate program. * Students must maintain continuous registration, equal to or greater than one credit while working on their final thesis or project.  MS IDT students can do this by registering for CMT 600-Continuous Registration.

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