Wayne State
University Instructional Technology
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions asked by many prospective and incoming students. Click on one of the following questions to see the answer, or just scroll down to read the entire page.
What computer skills will I need for this program?
Will I need to own a computer?
Should I take courses in any particular order?
What is a Plan of Work? When do I need to have one completed?
How long will it take me to complete my degree?
Can I transfer credits from another institution or program?
Can I get credit for life/work experience?
Where can I find the upcoming schedule of classes?
How do I register for classes?
What are the deadlines for class registration?
Where is the Education building? Where’s the best place to park? Places to eat? The bookstore?
Are courses offered anywhere other than the Main Campus?
Are there any scholarships available? Or financial aid?
Is there someone I could speak or meet to learn more about the program?
What computer skills will I need for this program?
Because you will be doing a great deal of writing and producing documents, we strongly recommend that you be comfortable using word processing software such as Microsoft® Word.
Some basic knowledge of presentation software, such as Microsoft® PowerPoint, will come in handy for making class presentations, but is not required.
Programming skills are not required. Our program focuses more on the ability to design for media than on teaching the tools themselves. Mastering the authoring tools requires basic knowledge associated with using a computer's operating system, including file management, working in multiple windows, cutting and pasting, etc.
E-mail will also come in very handy for communicating with instructors and fellow students for group projects. The university provides all incoming students with a free e-mail account and dial-up Internet access; for more information, visit the University’s Computing and Information Technology page.
Will I need to own a computer?
It’s not a requirement, but you will find it helpful to at least have access to a computer. There are labs with computers available for use here, but obviously you would need to travel to campus every time you want to use them.
This is as good place as any to point out that as a student, you qualify for academic pricing on many software packages. Visit the campus bookstore to see what is available, or search the Web.
Should I take courses in any particular order?
While most IT courses can be taken in almost any order, some are designed to be taken at the very beginning or end of your studies:
- As its
name implies, the Introductory Graduate Seminar in Instructional Technology
(IT 7100) should be taken early.
- Fundamentals
of Instructional Systems Design (IT 6110) is a prerequisite for almost
all other IT courses. We strongly recommend that it be either your first
or second (after IT 7100) course.
- If you
are pursuing a M.Ed., the Master’s Project (ED 7999) should be
taken last, as it is intended as a way for you to demonstrate what you
have learned.
The best advice we can give you is to speak with an advisor.
What is a Plan of Work? When do I need to have one completed?
A Plan of Work is a University form that documents your strategy to complete the degree requirements. It is usually created during IT 7100. Your Plan of Work must be approved by your advisor and submitted to Academic Services on the fourth floor of the College of Education prior to completing 12 credit hours.
You can download the form (in MS Word format) by going to Graduate Programs, and selecting the appropriate degree and emphasis. Or go to Program Resources and do the same.
How long will it take me to complete my degree?
Most IT students are part-time; they work during the day and attend class at night. Students typically take one or two classes per term, and attend year-round.
As a result, Master's and Education Specialist students typically complete their degree requirements in two years. (University policy allows six years for completion.)
Doctoral students tend to take three years to complete their coursework and qualifying exams; the time required for dissertation preparation may vary, but typically takes one year.
Can I transfer credits from another institution or program?
Yes. For the Master's Degree and Education Specialist Certificate, the College of Education may accept a maximum of six credits of graduate work from an accredited university. Certain conditions may apply. Transfer of credit to the Doctoral program varies based upon previous graduate work. In all cases, a Request for Transfer of Credit form must be completed and approved. Consult an advisor for specific issues in transfering credit and for the request form (see the last question).
Can I get credit for life/work experience?
No. Although some schools have begun awarding credit for relevant life/work experience, Wayne State does not do so. However, those who enter the IT program with extensive design experience may have some degree requirements replaced with more useful course work.
Where can I find the upcoming schedule of classes?
The university publishes a schedule of classes three times a year (for the Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer terms). These books are available on campus. You can also find the schedule online, along with the current Graduate Bulletin.
How do I register for classes?
There are two ways:
- Via the web at http://pipeline.wayne.edu (you will need your WSU AccessID and password)
- Via phone by calling (313) 577-EASY (3279).
Instructions can be found in the printed Schedule of Classes or here. Note that during Priority Registration, scheduled days and times vary according to the first letter of your last name.
What are the deadlines for class registration?
Check http://www.classschedule.wayne.edu for current information. You can also check the upcoming academic calendar.
Where is the Education building? Where’s the best place to park? Places to eat? The bookstore?
The Education building is on the Main Campus, on the Gullen Mall between the Ferry and Reuther Malls.
Parking Structures 1, 2 and 5 are the most convenient for the Education building. There is a small fee for parking; visitors can pay cash at some lots, but students can use WSU's One Card system.
There is fast food available in the Student Center, directly south of Education; other places to eat are available around the campus perimeter.
The campus bookstore is located at 82 West Warren, between Woodward and Cass. (Some instructors prefer to make textbooks available through the Marwil Bookstore, located at 4870 Cass, at the intersection with West Warren.)
Here is an interactive campus map, part of the university's online directory. For other general information, visit the WSU Home Page or search the entire WSU web site.
Are courses offered anywhere other than the Main Campus?
Most courses are offered on the Main Campus due to equipment requirements and access to other University resources. Some IT courses are offered at the Oakland Center in Farmington Hills, and at the Harper Woods Center. You can find maps, addresses and telephone numbers for these off-campus sites here.
Check this page at the Office of the Registrar.
Are there any scholarships available? Or financial aid?
Yes. Check this page for links to current information.
Is there someone I could speak or meet to learn more about the program?
Contact the IT department secretary, Michele Norris, at (313) 577-1728 or mnorris@wayne.edu, and she will be able to set up an appointment with a faculty member.
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