The online Certificate in Learning Design and Technology equips graduates with the tools and expertise they need to build effective, inclusive, and accessible digital learning experiences across a variety of industries. The 12-credit hour certificate can be completed in as little as 4 months, or up to 8 months if students take one course at a time.

The Certificate in Learning Design and Technology is a standalone program. Students admitted to the certificate program may later choose to transition into the M.S. in Learning Design and Technology (MS LDT) program. However, students may only be awarded the Certificate in Learning Design and Technology or the Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology degree —not both.

Admissions Requirements

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.

Requirements for the Certificate in Learning Design and Technology

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
12 semester credit hours, including the following:
Required Courses
LDT 5301	Applied Learning Design in Professional Contexts	3
LDT 5302	Learning Development: Design Thinking for Human Flourishing	3
LDT 5310	Learning Design and Emerging Technologies	3
LDT 5311	Learning Design and Applied Multimedia Production	3
Total Hours		12

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.