The Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology is an online program tailored for working professionals, offering theoretical foundations and practical skills to create and implement digital learning experiences across corporate, K–12, and higher education environments. The program addresses the growing demand for digital learning in various sectors, with promising job market growth. Students who earn the MS in Learning Design and Technology will also earn a credit-bearing certificate in Online Teaching and Learning at no additional cost.

In this program, students learn to assess the need for digital learning, consider audience and context, and produce real-world projects culminating in an E-portfolio. The curriculum integrates educational theory and emerging technologies (such as generative artificial intelligence), preparing graduates to navigate complex organizational landscapes and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Courses blend asynchronous activities with virtual synchronous sessions, paired with technology labs to build robust digital learning experiences.

The M.S. in Learning Design and Technology is a 30-credit program that is designed to be completed within 18 months, with students taking one 3-credit hour course every 7 weeks (corresponding with the first and second part of the trimester), which will be paired with a one 1-credit hour technology lab every 15 weeks. The accelerated trimester curriculum path allows students to complete their coursework in as little as one year should they elect to take two 3-credit hour courses every 7 weeks, which will be paired with one 1-credit hour lab every 15 weeks. 

Admission 

Applicants must have an earned 4-year degree from an accredited institution (3.0 GPA required). To be considered for this program, applicants must submit a Baylor University Graduate School Application, an Application Letter, a Professional Resume, complete transcripts for all prior higher education coursework, and the contact information for two references. Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must meet the Baylor University Graduate School Requirements for English Language Proficiency.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Policy

Purpose: To recognize and credit the knowledge and skills students have acquired outside of a traditional academic environment through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).

Definition: Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a term to describe the assessment of learning gained outside a traditional academic environment. By issuing PLA for credit, the MS in Learning Design and Technology program may assess students' prior learning that has occurred outside of the traditional academic environment. In essence, it allows students with substantive work experience to demonstrate that they already have the knowledge and skills taught in a selected course.

Policy:

1. Courses Eligible for PLA Credit
   1. LDT 5301: Applied Learning Design in Professional Contexts
   2. EDC 6372: Teaching and Learning in Online Environments
   3. LDT 5310: Learning Design and Emerging Technologies
   4. LDT 5311: Learning Design and Applied Multimedia Production
   5. LDT 5313: Project Management in Learning Design
2. Student Eligibility for PLA:
   1. Students may receive up to 6 credits toward the MS in Learning Design and Technology by way of PLA.
   2. Admitted students seeking PLA should notify their Graduate Academic Advisor when they enroll in the program.
   3. The Graduate Academic Advisor will assist students in registering to take the PLA assessment(s).
   4. Students have 5 weeks to complete all requirements to receive PLA credit. Students will receive notification of whether they receive credit within 2 weeks of submitting their final PLA requirement. 
   5. Students may seek PLA up until the first day of the term before they enroll in LDT 5320: Learning Design and Technology Capstone Course.
3. Application Process:
   1. Students must pay a non-refundable $200 fee per PLA application.
   2. To receive PLA, students must demonstrate their knowledge in three ways:
   3. Portfolio Project: Submitting a portfolio project that meets the criteria of the course for which they seek PLA and aligns with the course’s learning outcomes, and
   4. Written Narrative: Students will write a narrative essay that describes how the portfolio project demonstrates their mastery of the course learning objectives, and
   5. Presentation: Presenting their project to a panel of faculty who will ask the student questions about the processes, systems, and software used to develop the project and how the project reflects the content knowledge from the course.
4. Assessment and Awarding of Credit:
   1. A panel of faculty will evaluate the student's exam, portfolio project, and presentation.
   2. All PLA credits are awarded on a Credit/No Credit basis.
   3. If the student meets the criteria, the PLA credits will be recorded on the student's transcript and will count towards the completion of the MS in Learning Design and Technology program.

Best Candidates for PLA are those who:

• Have flexibility in their degree plans,
• Have at least 4-5 years of professional experience in an area that aligns with one of the PLA eligible courses, and
• Are comfortable taking a content area exam, creating a portfolio project showcasing skills from the course, and meeting with faculty for an oral examination about the project.

Requirements for the M.S. in Learning Design and Technology

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
30 semester hours including the following:
Required Courses
LDT 5301	Applied Learning Design in Professional Contexts	3
EDP 5333	Psychology of Learning, Cognition, and Affect	3
LDT 5302	Learning Development: Design Thinking for Human Flourishing	3
EDC 6372	Teaching and Learning in Online Environments	3
LDT 5310	Learning Design and Emerging Technologies	3
LDT 5311	Learning Design and Applied Multimedia Production	3
EDP 5321	Data Driven Decision Making	3
LDT 5313	Learning Design and Technologies Capstone Course	3
LDT 5320	Project Management in Learning Design	3
Required Labs
LDT 5101	Technology Lab 1: Learning Management Systems	1
LDT 5102	Technology Lab 2: E-Learning Authoring Tools	1
LDT 5103	Technology Lab 3: Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies	1
Total Hours		30

Successful graduates will complete the nine 3-credit hour courses for the MS in Learning Design and Technology degree; three 1-credit hour technology labs; and a capstone project demonstrating their learning design skills and technical capabilities.