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)
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.
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.
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
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).
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.
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
- Academic Statement of Purpose – View Prompts & Requirements
- Personal History Statement – View Prompts & Requirements
- 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.
International Students
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
- TOEFL test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
How to Apply
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
Cost
| Current Tuition Rates and Fees* | In-State | Out-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 Hours | 32 | 32 |
| 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.
Faculty
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
Instructors
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
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.
Do you offer financial aid?
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.
How many credit hours can be transferred into the online Learning Design and Technology MS degree program?
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.
Does this program lead to licensure?
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.
- For current information regarding out-of-state licensing, please visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) website.
- To learn more about each state’s requirements for licensing, please contact the Department of Education in your desired state or visit the United States Department of Education website for license requirements and application procedures.
- Additional information regarding licensing can be found here.
- Additional Accreditation, Standards, and Program Recognition information can be found here.
Is this a computer technology degree?
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.
Do I need a background in education to qualify for admission?
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.
Who is on the faculty?
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.
How do online classes work? Do I have to be at my computer at a specific time?
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.
Do I have to complete a thesis?
No. Instead of a thesis, you will complete a portfolio project, which can have practical applications to your current place of work.
How many total credits are required?
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.
How much time should I plan to spend on the program each week?
The academic experience varies by student; however, we recommend that students plan to spend 15-25 hours per week for each course they take.
Is an in-person residency required?
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.
Is support available to all students?
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.
How are the online programs different from the on-campus programs?
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.
Will my diploma look different from the on-campus programs?
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.
Can I visit campus?
Yes. Students are always encouraged to visit campus and experience all that Purdue has to offer. For visitor information, visit www.purdue.edu/visit.
What are the technology badges?
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.
Are the technology badges offered for credit?
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.