Master’s in Learning Design and Technology

Make a Positive Impact on Learner Success

Develop, implement and evaluate multimedia instructional materials, and explore ways to bring instructional design to industries outside of the educational field. You’ll graduate ready to make a positive impact on each and every one of your learners in settings from nonprofits to government, and traditional classrooms to conference rooms.

Advance the Learning of Organizations, Adults, and Children

Maximize your learners’ potential by delivering effective instructional materials no matter where, or who, you’re teaching with Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology (MSEd in LDT).

Advance Employees’ Knowledge

Corporate trainers, instructional designers, e-learning managers and other corporate educators use the latest tools, strategies, processes, and practices to employ technology in corporate training and development. In doing so you become an important asset to any organization that values growth and productivity — which means job security and greater earning potential after graduation.

Elevate Traditional Classroom Learning

K–12 teachers, administrators and dedicated learning managers graduate ready to integrate technology and create optimal learning materials that help learners of all ages and abilities reach their full potential.

The online MSEd in Learning Design and Technology program prepares you to facilitate more effective learning in the classroom and become an invaluable asset to your school or district.

Program at a Glance

  • Delivery: Online
  • Credits: 32
  • Typical Course Length: 8 weeks
  • Time to Complete: 20 months
  • In-State Rate: $450/credit
  • Out-of-State Rate: $670/credit
  • Start Dates: Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer (May)

#10 Best Educational/Instructional Media Design Programs

U.S. News & World Report, 2024

View a Virtual Open House

Hear directly from our directors of admissions, program directors and faculty to learn more about the program’s objectives, what it’s like to learn online, the resources we have to assist you throughout your education, and career paths after graduation.

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Discover a Rigorous Curriculum

The curriculum of the online MSEd in Learning Design and Technology incorporates the latest research in learning theory, educational technology and instructional design principles and encourages students to use their work experience as a framework for study.

The program is not only taught, but was also designed by the same world-class faculty members that head our on-campus courses, alongside adjunct professors who bring years of experience and new ideas to the classroom. The only difference between the on-campus and online programs is the added flexibility to earn your masters when and where it’s most convenient for you.

View courses.

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Employment Trends for Learning Design and Technology

National employer demand trends suggest a strong need for program graduates from LDT. Employers posted over 67,000 relevant job postings in the last 12 months.1

Currently national employment is projected to increase faster than average in four of the top five occupations identified for LDT, signaling increasing opportunities for relevant professionals over the next decade. One of these top five occupations (Training and Development Specialists) houses relevant titles like Learning and Development Specialists, Learning Strategists, and Learning and Development Leads. Within this occupation, employers frequently request skills such as “instructional design” and “adult education.” These trends indicate a robust labor market with plentiful employment opportunities for program graduates.

Training and Development specialists earned a median annual salary of $61,570 while Training and Development Managers earned a median annual salary of $120,000 in 2021. Instructional Coordinators earned a median annual salary of $63,740 in 2021, with employment opportunities projected to grow 7 percent by 2031 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2

Explore Careers

1Based on a national labor market report by EAB and Lightcast.

2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Instructional Coordinators, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm (visited October 25, 2022).

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Show Your Skills

At Purdue, we give you the unique opportunity to show employers your new skills through a capstone portfolio that aligns with the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (IBSTPI) standards. These standards are known as the industry gold standard. Upon graduation, you will have created a viable portfolio as you work through the 20-month MSEd in LDT that immediately gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.

Students are also provided access to our technology badges as part of the LDT program. Technology badges allow you to display your knowledge of distinct instructional tools, with many showcasing skills highly desired by employers. For example, included in our listing of technology badges are Camtasia (Video Production) and Articulate (e-Learning authoring tool), both of which are in high demand with employers. The technology badges are available outside of coursework although some badges may be required as part of a particular course curriculum. Moreover, with these badges, you can show employers that Purdue has certified your competence in a particular technology without having to wait until you finish the entire program. These skills will allow you to stand out in the job market.

Learn more about technology badges.

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Admissions Requirements

Admissions decisions are based on individual experience and the applicant’s fit with the program.

We recommend that all applicants speak to an enrollment counselor to verify eligibility and document accuracy in applying for the program. Candidates must submit a completed application as well as the following items:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • An updated resume
  • Two Statements
  • Official transcripts from all universities attended, including transfer credits*
  • (3) personal reference contacts
  • An application fee of $60 ($75 for international students)

*Coursework used to satisfy the requirements of a conferred master’s degree from an institution other than Purdue may not be used as transfer credit.

In addition to the admission requirements noted on the first tab, international students must also provide the following information.

  • Official transcripts from all universities attended in the original language as well as English translation for transcripts and diplomas not in English.
  • Non-native English speakers must also submit the following.
    • TOEFL test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
      • Minimum Overall: 80
      • Writing: 18
      • Speaking: 18
      • Listening: 14
      • Reading: 19
    • IELTS test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
      • Minimum Overall: 6.5
      • Writing: 6.5
      • Speaking: 6.0
      • Listening: 6.0
      • Reading: 5.5
    • Duolingo test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
      • Total score of 115 and 115 on each subscore

Get started today by completing the online application.

If you have questions on eligibility or the documents required for your application, please call 877-497-5851 to speak with an admissions advisor.

Send All Other Application Materials To:

Purdue University Online Programs Admissions Processing Center
851 Trafalgar Court, Suite 420
West Maitland, FL 32751

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Cost

Current Tuition Rates and Fees*In-StateOut-of-State
Tuition Rate$381.20$601.20
PO Infrastructure Fee (per credit hour)$18.80$18.80
Digital Education Fee (per credit hour)$50.00$50.00
Total Cost Per Credit Hour**$450.00$670.00
Total Credit Hours3232
Total Program Cost$14,400.00$21,400.00

*Tuition and fees are charged on a per credit hour basis and are subject to annual increases. Annual increases may change the total program cost. Purdue faculty and staff fee remissions may not be available to the online MSEd in Learning Design and Technology program.

**The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.

Learn From the Experts

Explore how Purdue’s faculty for the online MS in Education in Learning Design and Technology can prepare you for leadership and advancement.

Peg Ertmer, Professor Emerita

Marisa Exter, Associate Professor

Wanju Huang, Clinical Associate Professor

Adrie Koehler, Associate Professor

James Lehman, Professor Emeritus

Victoria Lowell, Clinical Professor

Timothy Newby, Professor

Jennifer Richardson, Professor

Sunnie Watson, Professor

William Watson, Professor

Erin Besser, Instructor

Mary Bonhomme, Instructor

George Hanshaw, Instructor

Carole Hruskocy, Instructor

Nilufer Korkmaz, Instructor

Jennifer Lee, Instructor

Judith Lewandowski, Instructor

Christopher Mong, Instructor

David Paredes, Instructor

Dana Ruggiero, Instructor

Valerie Schmitz, Instructor

Shaun Scott, Instructor

Heidi Watson-Held, Instructor

MaryShannon Williams, Instructor

Testimonials

Kristen Newton

Instructional Designer

“The LDT program supported my transition from classroom teaching to corporate instructional design. I learned skills and tools that made me a competitive applicant when making a career change.”

Jenna Lane

Leadership Solutions Designer

“Every single course and project in the LDT program was extremely valuable and immediately relevant to the roles I was in throughout the program. The faculty were amazing – supportive, communicative, and very knowledgeable. I have truly enjoyed my time in this program and credit my confidence and success in transitioning from teaching to instructional design to this experience!”

Rachel Resendes

Instructional Designer

“I chose Purdue’s LDT program over others because most programs pigeonholed practitioners to either K-12/higher ed or corporate/government/nonprofit career tracks. Purdue’s program allowed me to explore different avenues in the instructional design field and was customizable so I could tailor my degree to my goals. Because of this approach, my classmates were very diverse and came from all professional backgrounds. I learned just as much from them as I did from the faculty, which is saying a lot because the faculty is amazing.”

Joseph Warner

2nd Grade Teacher

“I entered this program because I was bored with the regular PD that was offered by schools. I wanted a program that would push my skills as a teacher and with technology. I could not be more satisfied and happy with the LDT program. The program went above and beyond my expectations. Everything I wanted from obtaining my master’s and professional development, was met through the LDT program. While I do not intend to leave the classroom at this moment, I have acquired better skills and resources that have made me a better teacher. The faculty and student collaboration of the program pushed me to think deeper and become a better educator and learning designer.”

Elizabeth Zorn

Elementary Teacher

“This program helped facilitate me to develop critical design skills that has helped improve my teaching. The program is built to accommodate my work life as well as my interest in growing professionally.”

Ana Ryders Smith

Professional Development Specialist

“The Purdue LDT program enabled me to pursue my degree while working full-time. Working with students from diverse professional backgrounds and engaging in work beyond my current field allowed me to investigate opportunities for my career.”

Zac Leghorn

Instructional Designer

“Purdue’s LDT program was the most flexible and the most rigorous program of those I explored. It enabled me to develop a skill-based portfolio that got my foot in the door when applying for instructional design positions.”

Shannon Brown

Early Childhood Educator

“Each course in the LDT program provided ample opportunities to both give and receive meaningful feedback. This has made me a much more confident learning designer now having deep practice in adjusting and shifting my solutions using feedback.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Please find answers to the most popular questions for the online MSEd in Learning Design and Technology program asked by many of our new online students.

Yes, if you are a degree-seeking student and meet the financial aid citizen requirements, you may be eligible for the Stafford and/or Graduate PLUS loan programs.

A maximum of 9 credit hours may be transferred from other institutions toward the online MSEd in Learning Design and Technology. Transfer credits must be graduate level courses with a grade of B or higher and cannot come from another conferred degree. Students should discuss any potential transfer credit with their enrollment counselor as soon as possible during the admissions process. A final decision on eligibility of transfer credit is made after review by program faculty.

No, the MSEd in Learning Design and Technology program DOES NOT lead to licensure. If you are interested in more information regarding licensure, please visit the below links.

No. While computers and other new technology are often used as instructional tools, and their use and integration in learning and teaching is an important aspect of this program, the focus of the MSEd in Learning Design and Technology is on the systemic design, development, implementation, and assessment of the teaching and learning process, with a goal to promote more effective learning.

No. Learning design and technology has a wide variety of applications, not just in education. Our students come from all different educational and professional backgrounds. We do require students to hold a bachelor’s degree in order to be considered for admission.

The faculty of the MSEd in Learning Design and Technology at Purdue all hold doctoral degrees and contribute to ongoing research in the field of educational technology and learning design. You can learn more about them by viewing the faculty here.

Coursework in the LDT Online Program is asynchronous, meaning that there are not specific times that you need to be in the course. However, interaction with your instructor and peers is a major component of our classes. As an online student at Purdue University, you’ll log into a virtual online classroom interface that includes areas for assignments, discussion boards, e-mail, and more. Just like in a traditional classroom, you’ll complete coursework and exams and interact with your instructor and classmates, but it will all be online. You can access and work on your coursework at any time—you just need to complete your assignments according to the schedule posted by your professor.

No. Instead of a thesis, you will complete a portfolio project, which can have practical applications to your current place of work.

The online MSED in Learning Design and Technology at Purdue University requires a total of 32 credit hours, including 26 credit hours of required courses and 6 credit hours of electives.

The academic experience varies by student; however, we recommend that students plan to spend 15-25 hours per week for each course they take.

No. Purdue University does not require an on-site residency. That means you can earn the MSED in Learning Design and Technology degree from anywhere in the United States or around the world without temporarily relocating to complete a residency program.

As an online student, you will have access to a multitude of support resources when you need help or guidance, starting with new student orientation to familiarize yourself with the online learning environment. Other services include a help desk for technical issues, a student services coordinator, financial aid advisers and more.

Purdue University’s online programs are just as rigorous and challenging as their on-campus counterparts. The main difference is the online format, which allows you greater convenience as to when and where you learn.

No. Both on-campus and online programs earn the same diploma. Online students are also invited to participate in the graduation ceremony on campus upon program completion.

Yes. Students are always encouraged to visit campus and experience all that Purdue has to offer. For visitor information, visit www.purdue.edu/visit.

While you are a student in the program, you have access to a system where you can earn a number of badges related to instructional technologies. For example, we offer a technology badge for Camtasia (Video Production) and Articulate (e-Learning authoring tool), both of which are in high demand with employers.

Learn more about technology badges.

You can earn technology badges for credit through the elective course EDCI 56000, which has been designed to be entirely completed through the acquisition of various digital badges. If you have already earned badges before entering the course, those will count toward the required number to complete the class.

You do not have to earn badges for credit—you can earn badges at any time in self-paced modules for your own professional development. You may also choose not to earn any badges and simply review the content of the badges.

Learn more about technology badges.

Start Your Giant Leap with One Small Step

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