Mason Online

Learning Design and Technology (MS)

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Program Description

Graduate from the online MS in Learning Design and Technology at George Mason University ready to design and implement learning experiences that help people improve their performance with new knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Unlike other degree programs, our core curriculum includes not only the basic competencies set forth by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI), but also the advanced and managerial competencies that prepare you for more senior roles.

You can step into new roles like learning or instructional designer, e-learning developer, and UX designer with your new abilities to:

  • Analyze and evaluate learning technologies, programs, and trends
  • Collaborate with business leaders and subject matter experts
  • Design and implement new learning solutions
  • Manage projects through their entire life cycle

3 Program Options

Learning design is a rapidly growing industry that applies to all sectors of business. Mason offers three graduate program options so you can match your academic needs to your career goals:

  • MS in Learning Design & Technology
  • MS in Learning Design & Technology with Learning Technologies Certificate with a Concentration in E-Learning
  • Learning Technologies Certificate with a Concentration in E-Learning

All 15 credits form the Learning Technologies Certificate with a Concentration in e-Learning may be applied to the online Master’s in Learning Design and Technology.

Application Deadline

The online MS in Learning Design and Technology program accepts applications two times per year. The application deadlines are as follows:

  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: January 4

Applicants for the online program should apply here.

Virtual Open House

The George Mason University faculty dedicates time throughout the year to hold interactive sessions online for those who want to learn more about the programs we offer. If you would like to find out more about what you can expect from an online MS in Learning Design and Technology, visit our pre-recorded Virtual Open House and watch at your convenience. For information on upcoming sessions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Program Summary

100 Percent Online

Program: Learning Design and Technology (MS)

Degree: MS

College/School: College of Education and Human Development

Credits: 30 total

Who Should Apply?

The online MS in Learning Design and Technology is for professionals who want to learn the best ways to create learning solutions that help others build their skill sets and levels of expertise.

Though you don’t need to hold a specific undergraduate degree to succeed in the program, applicants tend to have degrees in the behavioral, informational, or social sciences, business administration, or education.

Why Choose Mason?

  • Optional E-Learning Graduate Certificate built into the program
  • Part-time online format provides flexibility and accessibility for working professionals anywhere
  • Our School of Education is ranked No. 67 out of 456 education schools by U.S. News & World Report
  • Competitive tuition makes our top-rated education available to more students

Program requirements for the online master’s in learning design program at Mason are subject to change.

Requirements: 30 Credit Hours

Courses for Mason’s online MS in Learning Design and Technology program are offered in a convenient, part-time asynchronous format. An optional Learning Technologies Certificate with a Concentration in E-Learning is also be built into the curriculum.

MS in Learning Design & Technology

Required Courses

  • EDIT 705 Instructional Design
  • EDIT 704 Instructional Technology Foundations and Theories of Learning
  • EDIT 706 Business of Learning Design and Technology
  • EDIT 730 Advanced Instructional Design
  • EDIT 732 Analyzing the User Experience in Learning Design and Technology
  • EDIT 752 Designing and Evaluating the User Experience in Learning Design and Technology
  • EDIT 751 Perspectives on Learning Analytics
  • EDIT 601 Exploring Trends and Identify in the Learning Design and Technology Field
  • EDIT 701 Exploring Career Opportunities in the Learning Design and Technology Field

Elective Options

  • EDIT 526 Web Accessibility and Design
  • EDIT 530 Scripting and Programming
  • EDIT 571 Visual Design and Applications
  • EDIT 573 Project Management
  • EDIT 574 Social Media and Digital Applications
  • EDIT 575 e-Learning Design Applications
  • EDIT 576 Mobile Learning and Applications
  • EDIT 590 Educational Research in Technology
  • EDIT 611 Innovations in e-Learning
  • EDIT 710 Online Teaching Essentials
  • EDIT 772 Virtual Worlds, Augmented Reality, and Gaming Applications

MS in Learning Design & Technology with Learning Technologies Certificate with a Concentration in E-Learning

Required Courses

  • EDIT 705 Instructional Design
  • EDIT 704 Instructional Technology Foundations and Theories of Learning
  • EDIT 706 Business of Learning Design and Technology
  • EDIT 730 Advanced Instructional Design
  • EDIT 732 Analyzing the User Experience in Learning Design and Technology
  • EDIT 752 Designing and Evaluating the User Experience in Learning Design and Technology
  • EDIT 751 Perspectives on Learning Analytics
  • EDIT 601 Exploring Trends and Identify in the Learning Design and Technology Field
  • EDIT 611 Innovations in e-Learning
  • EDIT 701 Exploring Career Opportunities in the Learning Design and Technology Field

Elective Options

  • EDIT 526 Web Accessibility and Design
  • EDIT 530 Scripting and Programming
  • EDIT 571 Visual Design and Applications
  • EDIT 573 Project Management
  • EDIT 574 Social Media and Digital Applications
  • EDIT 575 e-Learning Design Applications
  • EDIT 576 Mobile Learning and Applications
  • EDIT 590 Educational Research in Technology
  • EDIT 611 Innovations in e-Learning
  • EDIT 710 Online Teaching Essentials
  • EDIT 772 Virtual Worlds, Augmented Reality, and Gaming Applications

Learning Technologies Certificate

Gain specialized knowledge in learning or instructional design and e-learning practices using current technologies and theories. Complete the certificate within a year and apply all 15 credits to the online MS in Learning Design and Technology degree, and you will need only 17 additional credits to earn your master’s.

Required Courses

  • EDIT 611 Innovations in e-Learning | 3 credit hours
  • EDIT 705 Instructional Design | 3 credit hours
  • EDIT 706 Business of Learning Design and Technology | 3 credit hours

Elective Options

  • EDIT 526 Web Accessibility and Design
  • EDIT 530 Scripting and Programming
  • EDIT 571 Visual Design and Applications
  • EDIT 573 Project Management
  • EDIT 574 Social Media and Digital Applications
  • EDIT 575 e-Learning Design Applications
  • EDIT 576 Mobile Learning and Applications
  • EDIT 590 Educational Research in Technology
  • EDIT 611 Innovations in e-Learning
  • EDIT 710 Online Teaching Essentials
  • EDIT 772 Virtual Worlds, Augmented Reality, and Gaming Applications

Tuition & Fees (2023-2024)

Tuition is priced at $805 per credit hour. An additional charge of $35 per credit hour applies for a Distance Learning fee.

Financial Aid

For information on grants, scholarships, and loans, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the training and development specialists position is projected to grow 9% from 2018-2028 — faster than the average of all occupations.

As a graduate of the MS in Learning Design and Technology program, you’ll be prepared to work as a UX designer, e-learning developer, or a learning designer in any industry.

According to the BLS, 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%

Sign up for our listserv to receive updates on job opportunities.

If you are unable to find the answers to your questions, submit a Request For Information form or contact our admissions representative via the contact information below.

Phone: 703-348-5006
Email: online2@gmu.edu

How Do I Apply?

In order to apply, 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.

Application Materials

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

Click here to apply today.

Admissions FAQs

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 2 years.

When are classes held?

Classes for online students are offered in an asynchronous format, meaning they can be viewed interactively at your convenience. However, all courses are instructor facilitated and students still must meet all study deliverable requirements and deadlines.

What accreditation does Mason hold?

George Mason University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees.

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