Online MS in Education in Learning Design and Technology — FAQs

A Good Education Starts With Questions

Get Answers

Please find answers to the most popular questions for the online MSEd in Learning Design and Technology program asked by many of our new online students.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do you offer financial aid?

    Yes, if you are a degree seeking student and meet the financial aid citizen requirements, you may be eligible for the Stafford and/or Graduate PLUS loan programs.

  • How many credit hours can be transferred into the online Learning Design & Technology MS degree program?

    A maximum of 9 credit hours may be transferred from other institutions toward the online MSEd in Learning Design & Technology. Transfer credits must be graduate level courses with a grade of B or higher and cannot come from another conferred degree. Students should discuss any potential transfer credit with their enrollment counselor as soon as possible during the admissions process. A final decision on eligibility of transfer credit is made after review by program faculty.

  • Does this program lead to licensure?

    No, the MSEd in Learning Design and Technology program DOES NOT lead to licensure. If you are interested in more information regarding licensure, please visit the below links.

  • Is this a computer technology degree?

    No. While computers and other new technology are often used as instructional tools, and their use and integration in learning and teaching is an important aspect of this program, the focus of the MSEd in Learning Design and Technology is on the systemic design, development, implementation, and assessment of the teaching and learning process, with a goal to promote more effective learning.

  • Do I need a background in education to qualify for admission?

    No. Learning design and technology has a wide variety of applications, not just in education. Our students come from all different educational and professional backgrounds. We do require students to hold a bachelor’s degree in order to be considered for admission. Learn more about application requirements visit the program overview page.

  • Who is on the faculty?

    The faculty of the MSEd in Learning Design and Technology at Purdue all hold doctoral degrees and contribute to ongoing research in the field of educational technology and learning design. You can learn more about them by visiting the faculty page.

  • How do online classes work? Do I have to be at my computer at a specific time?

    Coursework in the LDT Online Program is asynchronous, meaning that there are not specific times that you need to be in the course. However, interaction with your instructor and peers is a major component of our classes. As an online student at Purdue University, you’ll log into a virtual online classroom interface that includes areas for assignments, discussion boards, e-mail, and more. Just like in a traditional classroom, you’ll complete coursework and exams and interact with your instructor and classmates, but it will all be online. You can access and work on your coursework at any time—you just need to complete your assignments according to the schedule posted by your professor.

  • Do I have to complete a thesis?

    No. Instead of a thesis, you will complete a portfolio project, which can have practical applications to your current place of work.

  • How many total credits are required?

    The online MSED in Learning Design and Technology at Purdue University requires a total of 32 credit hours, including 26 credit hours of required courses and 6 credit hours or electives.

  • How much time should I plan to spend on the program each week?

    The academic experience varies by student; however, we recommend that students plan to spend 15-25 hours per week for each course they take.

  • Is an in-person residency required?

    No. Purdue University does not require an on-site residency. That means you can earn the MSED in Learning Design and Technology degree from anywhere in the United States or around the world without temporarily relocating to complete a residency program.

  • Is support available to all students?

    As an online student, you will have access to a multitude of support resources when you need help or guidance, starting with new student orientation to familiarize yourself with the online learning environment. Other services include a help desk for technical issues, a student services coordinator, financial aid advisers and more.

  • How are the online programs different from the on-campus programs?

    Purdue University’s online programs are just as rigorous and challenging as their on-campus counterparts. The main difference is the online format, which allows you greater convenience as to when and where you learn.

  • Will my diploma look different from the on-campus programs?

    No. Both on-campus and online programs earn the same diploma. Online students are also invited to participate in the graduation ceremony on campus upon program completion.

  • Can I visit campus?

    Yes. Students are always encouraged to visit campus and experience all that Purdue has to offer. For visitor information, visit www.purdue.edu/visit

  • What are the technology badges?

    While you are a student in the program, you have access to a system where you can earn a number of badges related to instructional technologies. For example, we offer a technology badge for Camtasia (Video Production) and Articulate (e-Learning authoring tool), both of which are in high demand with employers.

  • Are the technology badges offered for credit?

    You can earn technology badges for credit through the elective course EDCI 56000, which has been designed to be entirely completed through the acquisition of various digital badges. If you have already earned badges before entering the course, those will count toward the required number to complete the class.

    You do not have to earn badges for credit—you can earn badges at any time in self-paced modules for your own professional development. You may also choose not to earn any badges and simply review the content of the badges.

Get Answers.

Ask more questions about the online Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University: Complete the form or call us at 877-497-5851 to speak to an admissions advisor.