Purdue University Online MS in Education: Learning Design and Technology

Purdue University offers an online MS in Education in Learning Design and Technology (MSEd in LDT) through the College of Education. This is a competency-based program through which students earn Competency Badges for mastery of skills relevant to the industry. There are 20 badges that incorporate 39 challenges throughout the program.

Technology Badges are also available, demonstrating that students have mastered particular digital tools that can be incorporated into elementary, secondary, and adult instruction. Each badge is equivalent to a mini-course and can be earned for credit through an elective course. The badges can be shared with current employers to show mastery in new skills and concepts. Collectively the badges form a portfolio that can be shared with future employers.

The MSEd in LDT is not a computer technology degree, nor does it lead to licensure. Should students desire licensure, an additional program would need to be completed to satisfy state licensing requirements. Instead of a thesis, students complete a portfolio project to verify content mastery.

The online Learning Design and Technology program comprises 35 credits and can be completed in 20 months. Students may begin in the fall, spring, or summer. Coursework is primarily online, with an LDT practicum in which students design a project and carry it through to completion, applying it in a professional setting for a client. No campus visits are required.

Purdue University uses Canvas as its online Learning Management System (LMS). Courses are mostly asynchronous and may include assignments, exams, discussion boards, email, chat, case studies, and more. Online student services include new student orientation, academic advising, a student services coordinator, faculty office hours, career counseling, and technical support.

Core MSEd in LDT courses include Foundations of Learning Design and Technology; Human Performance Technology; Learning Theory and Instructional Design; Introduction to E-Learning; Learning Systems Design; Learning Design and Technology Practicum; Strategic Assessment and Evaluation; and Advanced Practices in Learning Systems Design.

Students choose one Technology Selective Course from Computer and Video Game Design for Education; Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning; Integration and Management of Technology for Learning; Educational Applications of Multimedia; and Using Articulate 360 to Develop Engaging and Interactive Learning Experiences.

One general elective must also be taken, either from the Technology Selective course list or from Foundations of Distance Education; Motivation and Instructional Design; Instructional Design Project Management; and Introduction to Educational Research. Finally, Demonstrating Competency in LDT – Badge Series courses are Introduction to Demonstrating Professional Competencies in LDT; Demonstrating Professional Competencies in LDT, and LDT Professional Competencies Portfolio.

Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online MSEd: Learning Design and Technology program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).