MA in Learning Technology and Experience Design
Program Overview
MA in Learning Technology and Experience Design
The Master of Arts Program in Learning Technology Experience and Design (LTXD) is a 30–36 credit program that prepares students to create, use, and evaluate media and technology for learning, ranging from software and websites to video and mobile phone applications. Students will leverage theoretical training, hands-on practice, and real-world experience to launch a career in fields like UX, instructional design, educational technology, and more.
Core Course Sequence
Students will explore principles and theoretical perspectives from the learning sciences, cognitive sciences, and human-computer interaction design, learning to create, use, and evaluate media and technology for learning. They will then apply these concepts to create impactful learning experiences using technologies such as emerging media (AR/VR/MR), web-based tools, social media, games and simulations, mobile devices, tangibles, AI, learning analytics, and more. The program culminates in a capstone thesis, which might include design and development projects, research studies, or scholarly inquiry papers.
Specialization Sequence
Students will have the opportunity to select optional areas of specialization: User Experience Design, Transformative Learning Design, Learning Analytics and Data Science, or Games for Learning. They will work with their advisor to select a specialization or create a personalized specialization that fits their professional goals and interests.
Curricular Requirements
- Program Requirements:
- Course List:
- Major Requirements:
- Learning Foundation:
- EDCT-GE 2174: Foundations of Cognitive Sciences (3 credits)
- EDCT-GE 2175: Foundations of the Learning Sciences (3 credits)
- Design Foundation:
- EDCT-GE 2158: Design Process for Learning Experiences (3 credits)
- EDCT-GE 2015: User Experience Design (3 credits)
- Learning Foundation:
- Electives: 12-18 credits (students may take up to 6 additional credits for a program maximum of 36 credits)
- Thesis Capstone Project:
- EDCT-GE 2095: Capstone Thesis 1 (6 credits, taken over two semesters)
- Major Requirements:
- Total Credits: 30-36
- Course List:
Optional Concentration
Games for Learning
The Games for Learning concentration requires 3 of the 4 following courses:
- EDCT-GE 2500: Games and Play in Education
- EDCT-GE 2505: Designing Simulations/Games for Learning
- EDCT-GE 2510: Narrative, Digital Media, and Learning
- EDCT-GE 2520: User Research Methods
Sample Plan of Study
- 1st Semester/Term:
- EDCT-GE 2174: Foundations of Cognitive Sciences (3 credits)
- EDCT-GE 2175: Foundations of the Learning Sciences (3 credits)
- EDCT-GE 2015: User Experience Design (3 credits)
- Total Credits: 9
- 2nd Semester/Term:
- EDCT-GE 2158: Design Process for Learning Experiences (3 credits)
- Elective Course (3 credits)
- Elective Course (3 credits)
- Total Credits: 9
- 3rd Semester/Term:
- EDCT-GE 2095: Capstone Thesis (3 credits)
- Internship (3 credits)
- Elective Course (3 credits)
- Total Credits: 9
- 4th Semester/Term:
- EDCT-GE 2095: Capstone Thesis (3 credits)
- Elective Course (3 credits)
- Elective Course (3 credits)
- Total Credits: 9
- Total Credits: 36
Additional Information
Thesis Capstone Project
The thesis capstone is a culminating project for which students are expected to integrate and apply what they have learned through previous academic work and field experiences, with faculty supervision. Thesis capstone projects include the design and development of technology-based learning environments, scholarly critical inquiry papers, and small-scale research projects.
Residency
Of the 36 credits required for the Master of Arts degree, students are required to take 24 credits in residency, defined as courses taken at NYU.
Transfer Credit
On recommendation of the adviser, credit for graduate coursework completed at an accredited graduate institution, not applied to another degree, and not more than 10 years old, may be granted to a maximum of 30% of the 36-credit requirement if a grade of "B" or better was earned for any such coursework.
Scholastic Average
Master of Arts students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in LTXD courses and in their overall academic record.
Matriculation
The Steinhardt School requires students to complete requirements for the Master of Arts degree within six (6) years of matriculation, defined as the first semester of enrollment for courses leading to the degree. The clock stops only during official leaves of absence. This applies to both full-time and to part-time students. Regardless of matriculation, the validity of courses towards a degree expire after 10 years.
Maintenance of Matriculation
To maintain matriculation, a candidate must complete at least 3 units on the second (2) level or above at New York University, under the auspices of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, each academic year (fall and spring) or, in lieu of such completion, must pay a maintenance fee, plus the nonreturnable registration and services fees each term. Students must maintain "active status" throughout their studies, beginning with the first semester of matriculation and including the semester in which they intend to graduate. To do so, Master of Arts students must complete at least three (3) credits at the 2000-level (or higher) each fall and spring semester (not summer). If students cannot enroll in course work in a given fall or spring semester, they must register for Maintaining Matriculation (MAINT-GE 4747), for which they pay a non-credit–bearing maintenance of matriculation fee.