MS in Learning Technologies and Design
About
The Master of Science in Learning Technologies and Design prepares students to create effective, engaging learning experiences for broad audiences. Students master best practices for designing learning systems and gain the technical skills to develop learning technologies used in K–12 schools, higher education, corporate training, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, the military and educational technology companies. The program is available entirely online.
The School of Information Science and Learning Technologies (SISLT) is a proud member of iSchools, an international coalition of leading information schools.
Degree Requirements
The program consists of 30 credit hours: 10 hours of required core courses, 9-12 hours of courses focused on the design of learning technologies and systems, and 9-12 hours of courses focused on the development of learning technologies and systems. Must include 15 credit hours of 9000-level courses.
| Core Required Courses (10 credit hours) | ||
| IS_LT 9471 | Instructional Systems Design | 3 |
| IS_LT 9474 | Front End Analysis of Systems | 3 |
| IS_LT 9450 | Research Methods in Information Science and Learning Technologies | 3 |
| IS_LT 7378 | Technology in Schools and Learning Technology Portfolio Development | 1 |
| Design Courses (9-12 credit hours). Subject to advisor approval. Sample Courses. | ||
| IS_LT 7384 | Designing Games for Learning | 3 |
| IS_LT 7888 | Intro to VR-enabled Instructional Design | 3 |
| IS_LT 9485 | Designing Online Learning | 3 |
| IS_LT 9455 | Design Thinking and Evaluation | 3 |
| Development Courses (9-12 credit hours) Subject to advisor approval. Sample courses. | ||
| IS_LT 7355 | Web Design and Development | 3 |
| IS_LT 7361 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3 |
| IS_LT 7383 | Rapid Prototyping for Learning and Information Systems | 3 |
| IS_LT 9466 | Data Storytelling | 3 |
Classes are 100% online, but 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.
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 assessment is the ePortfolio. ePortfolios support students’ ability to demonstrate thoughtful reflection on their time in the Program and what they learned. Students will include artifacts created as part of their coursework during the program and reflect on how each relates to their understanding of the program outcomes. Students enroll in IS_LT 7378 in their last semester to develop their ePortfolio.
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.