Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology

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.

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!

My experience in USD’s LDT program has been deeply positive. I chose it for the blend of research based practice and real world application, and it delivered! Some weeks stretched me, but with clear resources, supportive faculty, and thoughtful peer discussions, I always had what I needed to push through. The curriculum moves intentionally (from learning science and evaluation to UDL and accessibility) so assignments became authentic artifacts I used on the job in real life. As a working instructional designer, I loved bringing live project questions into class and pressure testing solutions with classmates who care about this field. The online format was organized, humane, and accessible, which made balancing work and school doable. I entered a loud champion for DEI and accessibility and I’m leaving with a stronger, more structured practice. Would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you want to design learning that’s effective, equitable, and human, this program will help you do the work.

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.