MS in Learning Technologies and Design with Emphasis in Online Education
From K-12 and college education to corporate training, learning online is increasingly commonplace. The Master of Science in Learning Technologies and Design with an emphasis in Online Education is meant to help educators meet the increased demand for this style of learning. The online master's program is tailored for current educators looking to deepen their understanding and utilization of online learning tools and best practices. The Online Education emphasis area prepares students to design, develop, and facilitate effective online learning experiences in a variety of settings.
This fully online master's degree is offered through the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies (SISLT), a proud member of iSchools, an international coalition of leading information schools.
Degree Requirements
The program consists of 30 credit hours: 20 hours of required core courses and 10 hours of advisor-approved electives. Must include 15 credit hours of 9000-level courses.
| IS_LT 7374 | Exploring Canvas | 1 |
| or IS_LT 7373 | Exploring Moodle | |
| IS_LT 7361 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3 |
| IS_LT 9450 | Research Methods in Information Science and Learning Technologies | 3 |
| IS_LT 9471 | Instructional Systems Design | 3 |
| IS_LT 9474 | Front End Analysis of Systems | 3 |
| or IS_LT 9455 | Design Thinking and Evaluation | |
| IS_LT 9484 | Teaching Online Courses | 3 |
| IS_LT 9485 | Designing Online Learning | 3 |
| IS_LT 9483 | Capstone: Online Education Emphasis Area | 1 |
| Elective Courses (10 credit hours) Subject to advisor approval. Must be SISLT courses. | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
For additional information about planning your Program of Study, see the Online Education (MS) and IS_LT courses pages. Classes are 100% online; some classes have a synchronous (real-time interaction) component. Course registration materials will indicate whether a course has synchronous sessions and, if so, the meeting times.
Sample Plan of Study
A student's own plan of study will vary depending on their pace in the program and individual choices. A full-time graduate student takes 9 hours per semester, and part-time students may take 3 or 6 hours. Recommended first classes include IS_LT 9471 Instructional Systems Design and IS_LT 9450 Research Methods in Information Science and Learning Technologies, followed by other required courses. Some courses are offered biannually, so we recommend that students work with their advisor to create a plan of study that meets their expectations. The Learning Technologies Tentative Course Rotation document indicates when each class will be offered. Program of Study (M-1) forms are available on the Learning Technologies Forms page.
Thesis/Non-Thesis Requirements
No thesis is required for the MS in Learning Technologies and Design with an Online Education Emphasis.
Comprehensive Examination Process
Prior to graduation, all students must complete a Graduate Examination requiring them to demonstrate mastery of the Learning Technologies Program Outcomes. The capstone project serves as the culminating experience for the Online Education (OE) Emphasis Area in the Learning Technologies and Design MS and EdSp degrees. It requires students to synthesize their learning and demonstrate mastery of the competencies associated with the program. Students enroll in the one credit-hour IS_LT 9483 Capstone: Online Education in their last semester to complete their capstone project.
Admissions
For inquiries about the program or admissions process, contact our Student Services Office: 303 Townsend Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. Email: sislt@missouri.edu Phone: 877-747-5868 or 573-882-4546.
Admission Requirements
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher (A=4.0) on the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work
- English language proficiency (international applicants only): TOEFL score of 4.5, IELTS score of 6.5, or equivalent score on an equivalent test accepted by the University of Missouri Graduate School. Please consult with the Graduate School’s Exemptions list to see whether you might be eligible for a waiver.
- GRE testing is not required
- If you don’t meet these standards, you might be admitted on probation status, where you would have to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 during your first 12 hours of graduate course work, with no grade lower than a B.
How to Apply
- Prepare electronic versions of your resume, statement of purpose (what you hope your degree will do for you), two letters of recommendation, and an official copy of your transcript.
- Apply using MU’s online Graduate Application system. Follow the instructions and upload the requested files.
Deadlines
- May 1 for summer admission.
- July 1 for fall admission.
- September 1 for second 8-week fall courses.
- December 1 for spring admission.
- February 1 for second 8-week spring courses.
Admission Decisions
Once all your application materials are complete, we will review them and notify you of the decision. Most decisions are made within 1-2 months of the admissions deadline.