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MA Learning Design and Technology

Blend innovative instructional design principles, cutting-edge tech, and deep knowledge of learner psychology through CU Denver’s MA in Learning Design and Technology.

MA Learning Design and Technology

Blend innovative instructional design principles, cutting-edge tech, and deep knowledge of learner psychology through CU Denver’s MA in Learning Design and Technology.

Instructional Design Online Master's Degree Program

The online Master of Arts in Learning Design and Technology program is designed to flexibly address various professional roles and settings. We offer a program that allows for customization as you gain skills in critical digital pedagogy and design for your P-20 classroom, school, public, or academic library or organizational setting. In the program, you'll experience interactive learning, hands-on projects, and collaborative teamwork — all highly marketable skills. Take classes at your own pace as they fit your scheduling needs with outstanding faculty who are dedicated to your academic and professional growth. The LDT program may also be completed for an added Teacher Librarian (K-12) endorsement or Instructional Technology Specialist (K12) endorsement from the Colorado Department of Education.

As an MA in Learning Design and Technology student, you'll choose up to two certificates from five options:

  • Digital Pedagogy and New Literacies
  • Leadership in Learning Design and Technology
  • Digital Teacher Librarian
  • Learner-Centered Instructional Design
  • Online Teaching and Learning
A degree from the University of Colorado is a world-class education.

Program at a Glance

Degree Program:

Master of Arts in Learning Design and Technology

Offered By:

School of Education and Human Development

Tuition:

Cost Per Credit:

$464*

See Graduate Student Tuition and Fees page for graduate tuition disclaimer.

Cost Per Credit:

$557*

See Graduate Student Tuition and Fees page for graduate tuition disclaimer.

Application Deadline:

Credit Hours:

30

Program Details

This is an exciting time for instructional design and professionals facilitating in online, remote, or blended learning environments. There is a growing demand for professionals with digital pedagogy and learner-centered instructional design experience. The learning design and technology master's program will give you the skills you need to take on a number of careers in P-12 classrooms and district leadership; post-secondary teaching and learner-centered design; educational services in school, public or academic libraries; or training and instructional design in corporate, healthcare or non-profit organizations. 

The MA in Learning Design and Technology program applies adult learning principles throughout the program. The program emphasizes interactive learning and provides you with opportunities to solve real-world problems. The fully online degree option allows you to fit your schedule and your lifestyle and gain new knowledge, regardless of your location. 

Learn more about the Learning Design and Technology degree programs below:

Digital Pedagogy and New Literacies

CU Denver’s Digital Pedagogy and New Literacies certificate is an “entry” into the fields of digital teaching and learning and provides a strong foundation in technique and practice with digital literacies to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion for all learners.

Leadership in Learning Design and Technology

CU Denver’s Leadership for Learning Design and Technology certificate focuses on transformative change, culture, and initiative for modern learning organizations; with distinct themes of vision building, culture shifting, innovation nurturing, business modeling, and knowledge management.

Digital Teacher Librarian

CU Denver’s Digital Teacher Librarian certificate will prepare you with the media literacy, pedagogy, and leadership skills you need to help learners of all ages succeed and adapt to the demands of today’s world of information and technology.

Learner-Centered Instructional Design

CU Denver’s Learner-Centered Instructional Design certificate is designed for professionals in an adult workplace setting (corporate, community, government), or professional-learning providers in a school or university setting (P-20). It is focused on the design of powerful learning experiences drawing on principles of learner agency and human-centered design.

Online Teaching and Learning

The Online Teaching and Learning certificate program is designed for educators in K-12 settings, higher education settings, and adult workplace settings (corporate, community, government). This certificate is focused on designing online courses and learning resources using learning management systems, digital media, and technology tools and resources; and on the use of pedagogical strategies to facilitate online courses and learning opportunities for learners.

General Track

Customize your degree program based on your own specific career goals by choosing from a selection of elective courses.

 

Timeline

These programs are offered fully online. Successful completion of the MA degree requires a minimum of 30 graduate semester hours. The time to completion varies, but many students finish the master's program in two years. 

Admissions

Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a transfer student or an international student. 

Learn more about the admissions process by filling out the form above or contacting our Enrollment Team today.

Career Outlook

The need for eLearning professionals is growing, not only in K12 and higher education but in corporate settings too. Students who complete the Learning Design and Technology program go into a broad spectrum of work and a variety of settings, including: 

  • Instructional Designer
  • eLearning Designer
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Instructional Technology Specialist
  • Professional Learning Coordinator
  • Instructional Coach
  • Teacher Librarian
  • Young Adult or Children's Librarian

Courses

Courses at CU Denver are offered three times a year — fall, spring and summer. Not all courses are available every semester.

Example Courses

INTE 5000 — Maker Studio
The maker studio is a collaborative practicum within the context of makerculture, project based learning, and learning experience design. The course focuses on the practical translation of learning design theory to learning design reality, presenting learners with challenges to be resolved with creative solutions.

INTE 5200 — Designing Online Experiences
This course helps educators transition to teaching online. Create online learning activities, assessments, and resources. Learn how to establish a strong online teaching presence. Explore blended learning environments, use of set curriculum, open educational resources (OER), family support, communication strategies, digital citizenship, and accessibility concerns.

INTE 5360 — Critical Digital Pedagogy
Critical Digital Pedagogy is a practical overview of the intersections between digital learning and technology and the approach of critical pedagogy. The course focuses on theory, practical application in planning and design, leadership in digital learning, equity, access, and open education, and collaboration with the larger community of educators concerned with critical digital pedagogy.

INTE 7110 — Mentoring, Coaching and Training
In this course, students examine best practices for design and facilitation of professional learning (PL) programs in K12 education, post-secondary and workplace settings. Projects and activities address coaching, mentoring, and adult learning including how to measure for impact.