MS in Learning Design & Technology

The Master of Science in Learning Design & Technology (LDT) is a 30-unit graduate degree that prepares students to become leaders and innovators in the rapidly changing world of education and workforce training. As technology and emerging media reshape how people learn—whether in PreK–12 schools, universities, workplaces, or online environments—there is a growing need for professionals who can design experiences that are effective, inclusive, and grounded in research.

Rooted in learning science, instructional design, and equity-centered practices, the Master of Science in Learning Design & Technology equips students with the knowledge and skills to create meaningful learning opportunities for diverse audiences. It emphasizes the responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR), ensuring that innovation benefits all learners.

The Master of Science in Learning Design & Technology stands out for its hands-on, applied focus. Students engage in real-world projects from the start, collaborating with faculty mentors, peers, and industry partners while building a professional digital portfolio that showcases their expertise. By the time they graduate, students will be prepared to meet the needs of PreK–12 schools, higher education institutions, production companies, corporations, and EdTech organizations, ready to shape the future of learning both locally and globally.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the Master of Science in Learning Design & Technology are prepared for a wide range of roles, including:

• Instructional designer
• Curriculum developer
• Technology integration specialist
• Instructional technologist
• Faculty development specialist
• Program manager for learning initiatives
• Learning experience (LX) designer
• Corporate trainer
• Organizational learning strategist
• Educational technology consultant
• UX designer for learning platforms
• Developer of AI- or XR-based learning tools

This degree also provides a pathway for career changers from fields such as UX design, communications, and project management who are seeking to apply their skills to the growing and evolving field of learning design. With strong connections to industry partners and hands-on experience, graduates are prepared to lead innovation and create impactful, accessible learning solutions across diverse contexts.

Global Opportunities

The Master of Science in Learning Design & Technology prepares students to design and deliver learning experiences for diverse audiences worldwide. Coursework emphasizes culturally responsive practices, multilingual design, and strategies for adapting instructional materials to different cultural and regional contexts.

Students have opportunities to collaborate virtually with international organizations, NGOs, and global industry partners, gaining firsthand experience in addressing cross-border education and workforce development challenges. These experiences equip graduates with the skills to create learning solutions that have local impact and global relevance.

Research & External Collaboration

Collaboration is a core feature of the Master of Science in Learning Design & Technology. Through the Learning Innovation Studio, students work closely with peers, faculty mentors, and industry partners to design innovative solutions for authentic, real-world challenges.

The culminating experience, Learning Design in Action, connects students directly with PreK–12 districts, universities, or corporate learning teams to co-create and design solutions for stakeholders. These partnerships provide valuable networking opportunities and professional experience.

Students may also participate in faculty-led research projects that explore topics such as AI ethics, accessibility, emerging technologies, and equity-centered instructional design. These research opportunities allow students to contribute to the advancement of the field while building a professional portfolio that demonstrates both expertise and innovation.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science in Learning Design & Technology program will be able to:

• Apply learning science and human development principles to design effective, research-based instructional strategies and experiences across diverse contexts.
• Design inclusive and accessible learning experiences using culturally responsive pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and strategies that promote equity, diversity, and belonging.
• Create data-informed learning solutions by developing authentic assessments, analyzing learning analytics, and using evidence to evaluate and improve instructional design.
• Integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), and simulation-based tools to create innovative and ethical learning environments.
• Demonstrate expertise in learning experience (LX) design by developing engaging, technology-rich, and interactive solutions for PreK–12 education, higher education, and corporate training settings.
• Collaborate with peers and industry partners to design and implement solutions for real-world learning challenges, demonstrating professional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Develop and present a comprehensive digital portfolio that showcases their ability to ideate, prototype, and evaluate learning designs using agile and iterative workflows.
• Engage in ethical decisionmaking related to data privacy, emerging technologies, and equitable access to learning opportunities.

Course Requirements

Students complete a total of 30 units distributed across three core pillars.

There are no prerequisite courses required for admission or program entry.

Pillar 1: Foundations of Learning and Design (8 units)

• WED LD 560 Learning Sciences and Human Development (4 units)
• WED LD 570 Principles of Curriculum Development and Learning Design (4 units)

Pillar 2: Learner-Centered Design for Engagement and Impact (12 units)

• WED LD 610 Designing for Diverse Learners (4 units)
• WED LD 615 Learning Experience (LX) and Engagement Design (4 units)
• WED LD 620 Assessment, Evaluation, and Data-Informed Design (4 units)

Pillar 3: Technology, Media, and Learning Ecosystems (10 units)

• WED LD 625 Instructional Technologies and Emerging Tools (4 units)
• WED LD 701 Learning Innovation Studio I (1 unit)
• WED LD 702 Learning Innovation Studio II (1 unit)
• WED LD 703 Learning Innovation Studio III (2 units)
• WED LD 800 Learning Design in Action (2 units)

Concentrations/Specializations

The Master of Science in Learning Design & Technology does not currently offer formal concentrations or specializations. However, through projects and various industry partner work, students may tailor their experience toward PreK–12 education, higher education, corporate learning and development, or EdTech.

Internship/Fieldwork Requirements

Fieldwork is integrated into the program through Learning Design in Action, a culminating team-based consulting project, where students:

• Collaborate directly with external partners from PreK–12 schools, higher education institutions, or corporate organizations.
• Engage with stakeholders, conduct needs assessments, design prototypes, and formally present solutions to industry partners for feedback.

This experience provides students with authentic, real-world application of their skills and valuable professional networking opportunities.

Average Time to Completion

The Master of Science in Learning Design & Technology is designed for working professionals and is typically completed in three terms (fall, spring, summer). For students seeking an accelerated pathway, the degree may also be completed in two terms.

Admissions Information

Please visit the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development website for additional information about admission to the program.