Education, Learning Design and Technology Concentration, M.Ed.

The Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in Education with a concentration in Learning Design and Technology serves students who work in or intend to pursue careers in PK-12 and higher education, non-profit, business, industry, government, and consulting. The program provides candidates with opportunities to explore and research emerging technologies for learning using AECT and/or ISTE standards as a guide to development in the profession. Candidates in the program will discover effective ways to integrate these technologies in their chosen professional settings. Graduates will possess a broad and deep understanding of the practice of educational design and technology.

Admission Criteria

All criteria are considered when reviewing candidates for admission to the Learning Design and Technology M.Ed. degree concentration. However, no one criterion will be the sole reason for lack of admission to the program. Candidates should meet the following criteria to be considered for admission:

• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. If a 2.5 to 2.9 instead, conditional admittance will be considered.
• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university (official transcripts required).
• Professional resume.
• Two professional letters of reference.
• Work experience is preferred. 
• Written statement: Describe your professional background, the educational issues you would like to address in the master's program, and your long-term professional goals. Two-pages, double-spaced.
• Work samples: Share two or three examples that show how you have used technology creatively (and preferably) for learning.
• Video: Briefly describe your short-term professional interests and long-term goals. Explain what drew you to the JMU LDT program and how you see the program aligning with your interest goals. Describe the purpose, audience, objectives and outcomes of one of your work samples. No longer than 5 minutes.
• Application fee: $60.

Outcomes

Candidates will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions to:

• Apply foundational knowledge and skills to the collaborative design and use of content, pedagogy and instructional technologies.
• Create conditions for learning by applying theories to authentic scenarios involving diverse populations.
• Use technologies and techniques to design and develop learning materials, media, and environments.
• Use methods of inquiry to make data-driven decisions that inform practice in the discipline.
• Initiate, lead, facilitate and advocate for positive change and innovation.
• Engage in and reflect upon one's own professional development, dispositions and growth in the discipline.
• Explore emerging ideas in learning design and technology and their potential implications.
• Engage in ethical reasoning and decision-making by applying frameworks, policies and professional standards.

Degree Requirements

To complete a Master of Education in Education degree with a concentration in Learning Design and Technology, the candidate will complete a minimum of 30 hours of course work and include the learning design and technology foundational, core, advanced, and capstone courses. In addition to course work, candidates must successfully complete the ePortfolio comprehensive assessment.