Frequently Asked Questions
The following represents a list of frequently asked questions and responses related to the MS Instructional Design and Technology Program and the ID Certificate Programs. If you have questions, please email msidt@fullerton.edu
What are the requirements for international students?
Please visit the website http://international.fullerton.edu/students/ 
to review the requirements for international students.
If I live outside of California, can I apply to an MS degree program?
Many students live outside of California and attend our program. However, the answer to this question depends on which state you reside in at the time you apply. Please review the list of approved states:
How do I participate in the courses?
All courses are offered online through a learning management system. Students log in to a secure course to access the courses. Participation is available through video conferencing, discussion board forums, chats, videos, and other digital formats.
What is the application process?
The application process consists of two steps.
STEP 1
Complete a formal online application to the university by due date indicated on the CAL STATE APPLY site
https://www2.calstate.edu/apply
indicating your interest in the MSIDT Program at CSU Fullerton for each fall semester. You will then receive a username and ID from the University and can manage your own application process primarily the submission and evaluation of your official transcripts. As per the information you will receive through your CAL STATE APPLY site, you will send your transcripts directly to the CSUF Admissions Office (P.O. Box 6900, Fullerton, CA 92834-6900). Note that it usually takes 3-4 months for your transcripts to be submitted and evaluated. In the meantime, you’ll need to continue on to STEP 2 in the MSIDT program application process.
STEP 2
Submit an essay and resume to the MSIDT Program and participate in a department phone interview. Please send your essay and resume as email attachments to msidt@fullerton.edu for MSIDT Program review.
After your essay and resume have been received, a member of the department staff will contact you by e-mail to schedule an appointment for a telephone interview. This interview is related to the information on both your essay and resume.
What is the minimum GPA required to apply to the MSIDT Program?
Please note that there is a minimum GPA requirement for admission to the university of 2.50 cumulative undergraduate GPA resulting in a BA/BS degree from an accredited institution and a 3.0 GPA department requirement. (GPA within 2.5 and 3.0 could be conditionally accepted based on review of resume, essay and interview). Remember, the GRE is not a requirement, and references are not required. You will be able to see what is required at the university level by Admissions and Records when you apply through the CAL STATE APPLY site for graduate admissions.
QUESTIONS: Please direct all program questions to msidt@fullerton.edu or to the MSIDT Program Office at (657) 278-2842. All questions concerning the online application and transcripts to the CSUF Admissions Help Line at (657) 278-7601.
What is the structure of the MSIDT Program?
This is a cohort program consisting of 10 courses. The program duration is 5 semesters. Students enroll in 2 courses that link together each semester. The summer semester is a requirement for this program. As a cohort program, students will start the program with a specific cohort. The cohort model supports the development of an online learning community. New cohorts begin in fall and spring semesters.
What are the required orientation meetings?
Required meetings: There are 2 mandatory Saturday meetings with additional fees. The fees are non-refundable and paid during the first semester of the program. The meetings are offered face-to-face and by video conference. Attendance and participation in the meetings is a graduation requirement for this degree. The program fees are listed here
https://sbs.fullerton.edu/services/fees/ListOfAllStudentFees.php
When is Boot Up Orientation?
The Boot Up Orientation is scheduled prior to the start of the first semester. The Boot Up Orientation consists of a variety of workshops and experiences acclimating students to the overall program requirements, faculty and support staff, program technology requirements, library database resources, course management system, final project and practicum expectations, Titan Card, and software purchases. During the orientation, students will spend time meeting classmates and getting to know one another. We begin to establish the online community of learners during the orientation.
When is the Midpoint Symposium?
During the fourth semester of the program, students participate in a required Midpoint Symposium. At the Midpoint Symposium, students will review progress to date, revisit their professional goals and learning outcomes, confirm their final research project and practicum activities, and work with a program advisor.
The required meetings have been approved by the Chancellor with a specific Executive Order that includes current fees of $345 for the boot-up camp and $228 for the midpoint symposium. Note that these fees are nonrefundable, subject to change, and will be assessed at the same time that students take the first semester courses of IDT 505 and IDT 510. These fees are listed on the following webpage
https://sbs.fullerton.edu/services/fees/ListOfAllStudentFees.php
What is the culminating research project?
Since the culminating research project and practicum are essential program components students should decide on a research focus early in the program. The research project should link to students overall professional goals and learning expectation. New applicatns should have some preliminary ideas about both of these. Students should expect to continue to refine and expand these ideas during the Boot Up Orientation and throughout the program courses. During the Midpoint Symposium students will finalize their research questions and focus of their interactive digital learning product.
Does the MSIDT Program have an Alumni Chapter?
We have an officially sanctioned and outstanding alumni organization. Alumni members provide mentoring opportunities to students throughout the program, as well as, professional development, webinars and networking events. Please check the MSIDT Alumni Association at https://www.facebook.com/groups/msidtaa/.
What are the online course fees and orientation fees?
You can check the campus website https://sbs.fullerton.edu/services/fees/ListOfAllStudentFees.php for information about fees for the current academic year. Fees for courses beginning fall semester will be forthcoming and will be at least 10% higher than current spring semester fees.
Online Course Fees: This program is 6 units each semester (2 courses of 3 units each) and there are 5 semesters total. As of 2017, there is an additional $198/semester or $99/course for the Chancellor’s Office approved distance fee support for this program.
Please note that there are specific technology requirements in terms of hardware and software that are essential for this program. These will be discussed during your phone interview and can also be found on the MSIDT Program website.
Orientation Meeting Fees: Mandatory orientation meetings have been approved by the Chancellor with a specific Executive Order that includes current fees of $345 for the boot-up camp and $228 for the midpoint symposium. Note that these fees are nonrefundable, subject to change, and will be assessed at the same time that you take the first semester courses of IDT 505 and IDT 510. These orientation fees have been the same amount since 2002. These fees are listed on the following webpage https://sbs.fullerton.edu/services/fees/ListOfAllStudentFees.php
Can I earn a Certificate in Instructional Design?
Yes, we offer two different certificate programs. Please visit this page http://ed.fullerton.edu/msidt/future-students/certificate-program/
to find out more information about the ID Certificate Programs.
