Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology
Curriculum
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Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology
Learn Instructional Design Skills Sought by Employers in All Industries
The University of San Diego’s online Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology (LDT) program is a one-of-a-kind experience for degree candidates who are motivated to work as learning designers and instructional designers — career roles that are in high demand amid the widespread shift to online education.
The need for learning designers increased dramatically with the start of COVID-19. The public health crisis accelerated an ongoing trend toward educational institutions pivoting to online learning and toward companies of all types and sizes investing in online training.
Designed with working professionals in mind, the program’s flexible online format allows students to balance their studies with full-time jobs, enabling them to apply what they learn in real-time. As a result, a number of graduates have transitioned into new positions as early as their first term, using projects from the program to advance their careers.
Innovative Curriculum Tailored to the Needs of Learning Designers
The Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology is a 30-unit, project-based program offered 100% online using the Canvas learning management system. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the science of how people learn, as well as proficiency in the leading technology tools currently used in instructional and learning design.
To prepare students for the requirements of the profession, most courses will include practical application of theoretical concepts, with students producing learning artifacts such as eLearning modules, program plans or online courses that they can add to their portfolio.
Designed to be completed in 20 months over five terms, the program requires students to take two seven-week-long courses each term, including a Capstone course that synthesizes the topics covered in the preceding courses. In the Capstone project, students build a peer-evaluated portfolio that showcases their technology and design skills and can be shared with prospective employers. Some LDT graduates have used these portfolios to secure new positions or promotions.
In addition to accessing instruction through the Canvas LMS, students are exposed to various educational technologies that become part of their technology toolbox for career development opportunities. For example, students will explore rapid eLearning software such as Articulate 360 (including Storyline 360), gaining hands-on experience with tools commonly used by professionals in the field.
20
Number of months it takes to graduate from the program
15–20
Average number of hours of coursework to expect each week
ONLINE COURSE CURRICULUM
Students take two courses each semester, focusing intensively on one seven-week course at a time. The curriculum is enhanced by a focus on student-centered education including topics such as:
- Learning experience design
- Digital literacy skills
- Emerging technologies
- Leadership
- Facilitating high-impact teaching practices in digital environments
- Implementing best practices in learning design
The courses offered in the Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology include:
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
This course focuses on the field of instructional and learning design. Topics include the history of instructional design and the evolving l… |
3 |
|
This course introduces students to research-based principles of effective multimedia design and creating original media that conforms to tho… |
3 |
|
This course examines advanced topics in instructional design, including needs assessment, learner characteristics, alignment of learning obj… |
3 |
|
This course explores the artistic and technical aspects of creating engaging and accessible digital media to relay information and addresses… |
3 |
|
This course focuses on digital asset and artifact curation within instructional systems design. Students explore laws applicable to educatio… |
3 |
|
This course establishes foundations for ethical leadership in digital learning. It focuses on leadership skills, key functions and decisions… |
3 |
|
This course focuses on using evidence-based research and data to inform program and instructional design decisions. Students will conduct a … |
3 |
|
This course examines theories and techniques for evaluating educational and training programs. Students apply methodologies to identify need… |
3 |
|
This course explores the current landscape of learning technologies and evaluates the value and use of these tools in creating learning acti… |
3 |
|
This culminating course synthesizes topics discussed in all program courses. Students demonstrate achievement of all program learning outcom… |
3 |
Degree plan
Degree candidates are admitted throughout the year to begin their program during one of three terms (spring, summer, or fall). Students will take two courses during each 14-week term, focusing on one seven-week course at a time. This master’s degree program can be completed, on average, in five terms (20 months). The streamlined course structure supports the demands of working professionals without compromising academic rigor.
Download a PDF of your degree plan that corresponds with your start term.
Important dates for your starting term will be found in the degree plan. Important dates for subsequent terms can be found in your student success center after acceptance.
Program Goals and Learner Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, MS-LDT graduates will be able to:
- Integrate foundational models and professional practices in learning design and instructional technology. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge of adult learning theory, online pedagogy and andragogy and social justice principles to design, develop and deliver sound and equitable learning experiences and construct appropriate technology solutions in education and training contexts.
- Employ sound practices in program planning, data collection and data analysis. Graduates will be able to accurately and reliably assess the needs of diverse learner populations by applying ethical and objective data collection methods and employing appropriate data analysis techniques to use in learning design evaluation.
- Critically evaluate trends, issues, practices and methodologies that impact the field of instructional design. Graduates will recognize historical social disparities in education and training contexts and engage in discourse that challenges the current perspectives in learning design to drive the discipline forward.
- Critically examine educational technology trends and apply empirical rationale in the development of instructional multimedia that supports the needs of a diverse audience, enhances cultural understanding and increases global awareness. Graduates will employ principles of media design in the creation of end-to-end learning objects to deepen learning and reduce elements that impede cognitive processing. Students will be well-versed in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies and be able to utilize digital tools that integrate with adaptive and assistive technologies.
- Engage learning project stakeholders in achieving the optimal student experience and meeting organizational goals. Graduates will be able to effectively oversee the development of a learning project by applying project management techniques and frameworks. Graduates will recognize and exhibit high ethical standards in project leadership, consultation, negotiation, collaboration and management.
- Ensure quality of instructional design and technology implementation. Graduates will be able to define and apply information literacy and ethical use of content, and discuss the implications of quality management in educational product design and evaluation of learning technologies.
The Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology program has been developed in collaboration with a world-class faculty team that possesses expertise in teaching, training, curriculum design, learner experience design, digital media and graphics design, educational technology and corporate training, as well as leadership in a variety of educational settings. This team provides practical guidance and mentorship, helping students apply their learning to real-world projects that support success in their current roles or open new career opportunities.
Graduates often credit the program’s project-based approach for equipping them with tangible skills and work samples that have been crucial in securing promotions or transitioning into new roles.
The program has been excellent. I appreciate every professor, and everyone’s been so helpful. I can immediately apply the information I’m learning in class in my work environment. The program has boosted my confidence, so much so that I’ve started applying for instructional designer positions and I’ve had a few successful interviews. I can’t say enough good things about the program. It has truly been life-changing.
As a lifelong learner with a thirst for L&D and a hunger for personal growth, I am grateful to USD for the thoughtful design of its MS-LDT program. The structure provided short, targeted classes tuned to the needs of working adults. With my transfer credits from UC Irvine’s eLearning Certificate program, I was able to complete the entire MS-LDT program in just over a year! Each course integrated seamlessly with prior courses, building my proficiency by leaps and bounds. With an emphasis on real-world applications, I created projects that were meaningful to me and my style while receiving individualized feedback and quality suggestions from my professors. I particularly respect the weight given to ethical design practices; from respecting copyright to accessibility, the theme of responsible course design was woven into every aspect of the program. By graduation, I had developed my personal brand and produced a portfolio to be proud of!
USD’s MS-LDT program is a bold, innovative, and fulfilling environment that fosters lively exchange between the world of academia and the demands of corporate learning. Dr. Evans is a true champion of change who inspires you to step out into the Learning space, empowered. Her support and teaching presence is admirably dynamic even amidst an asynchronous program. Your growth is her only focus.
I enrolled in the MSLDT program because I wanted to start a new career as an instructional designer. This program is amazing because within the first semester I already felt like I had gained invaluable foundational knowledge and skills in the field. It gave me the confidence to apply for an instructional design job with a large consulting firm, and I was offered the position! The interviewers specifically said I had an impressive fundamental understanding of the instructional design process. This is all thanks to the immersive and purposeful design of the courses in this program.
