Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master's in Learning Design and Technology is a 100% online program offered by George Mason University. The program duration is 18 months, and it requires 30 total credits. The cost per credit is $805, and the degree is accredited by the SACSCOC. The College of Education and Human Development is responsible for the program.

Program Description

The online MS in Learning Design and Technology program prepares students to design and implement learning experiences that help people improve their performance with new knowledge, skills, and abilities. The core curriculum includes the basic competencies set forth by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI), as well as advanced and managerial competencies that prepare students for more senior roles.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can work as learning or instructional designers, e-Learning developers, and UX designers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the training and development specialists position is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average of all occupations. The largest employers of training development specialists are in the following sectors:

• Professional, scientific, and technical services: 13%
• Health care and social assistance: 12%
• Educational services: 11%
• Finance and insurance: 11%
• Administrative and support services: 7%

Application Details

The online MS in Learning Design and Technology program accepts applications two times per year, with deadlines on August 1 for the fall semester and December 4 for the spring semester. Applicants must have earned a U.S.-equivalent bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The application materials include:

• Graduate application
• Transcripts
• Resume
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Application fee

Courses

The program requirements for the online master's in learning design program at Mason are subject to change. The required courses include:

• EDIT 526 Web Accessibility and Design | 2 credit hours
• EDIT 575 e-Learning Design Applications | 2 credit hours
• EDIT 611 Innovations in e-Learning | 3 credit hours
• EDIT 702: Exploring Trends and Professional Identity in the Learning Design and Technology (LDT) Field | 2 credit hours
• EDIT 704 Instructional Technology Foundations and Theories of Learning | 3 credit hours
• EDIT 705 Instructional Design | 3 credit hours
• EDIT 706 Business of Learning Design and Technology | 3 credit hours
• EDIT 710 Online Teaching Essentials | 1 credit hour
• EDIT 732 Analyzing the User Experience in Learning Design and Technology | 3 credit hours
• EDIT 751 Perspectives on Learning Analytics | 3 credit hours
• EDIT 752 Designing and Evaluating the User Experience in Learning Design and Technology | 3 credit hours
• EDIT 772 Virtual Worlds, Augmented Reality, and Gaming Applications | 2 credit hours

Tuition and Financial Aid

The tuition is priced at $805 per credit hour, with an additional charge of $35 per credit hour for a Distance Learning fee. For information on grants, scholarships, and loans, students can visit the Office of Student Financial Aid.

What Makes the Program Unique

The program offers an optional e-Learning Graduate Certificate built into the program, a part-time online format that provides flexibility and accessibility for working professionals, and competitive tuition that makes the top-rated education available to more students. The School of Education is ranked No. 67 out of 456 education schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I take courses without applying? Only students who are admitted to the online MS in Learning Design and Technology program or the Learning Technologies Certificate with a Concentration in e-Learning may take classes in the program.
• How long does it take to complete the program? The online MS in Learning Design and Technology program is 30 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 18 months.
• When are classes held? Classes for online students are offered in an asynchronous format, meaning they can be viewed interactively at the student's convenience.
• What are the credit requirements? The program requires 30 credit hours.