Online MS in Education in Learning Design and Technology — FAQs

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.

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.

• For current information regarding out-of-state licensing, please visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) website.
• To learn more about each state’s requirements for licensing, please contact the Department of Education in your desired state or visit the United States Department of Education website for license requirements and application procedures.
• Additional information regarding licensing can be found here.
• Additional information regarding Accreditation, Standards, and Program Recognition can be found here.

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.

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.

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.

Most of the coursework 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.

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

The online MSED in Learning Design and Technology at Purdue University requires a total of 35 credit hours, including 29 credit hours of required courses and six credit hours or electives.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Technology badges show that you have mastered specific digital tools you can incorporate into instruction. While you are a student in the program, you have access to a system where you can learn more than 30 badges at your discretion and as needed — and we are adding new ones all the time. Each badge is like a “mini-course” with levels and challenges. You earn the badge when you have successfully completed all of the challenges.

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.

The competency badges are a unique feature of Purdue’s online MSEd program. By completing the badges, you illustrate your mastery of various in-demand skills in the field. These badges will demonstrate to employers your ability to design, implement, and evaluate instruction and training programs that address specific learning needs. You will build up a portfolio that will provide you with a competitive edge in the job market.

We have 20 badges that consist of 39 challenges as of Summer 2017.

You will explore and earn badges in Passport, a learning and e-portfolio system. You can display the badges you have earned through your public Passport profile in Mozilla Backpack, LinkedIn and Facebook. Even after you graduate, you will still have access to your profile and these badges will still be available and visible.

The competency badges are a program requirement. You will be taking a series of courses throughout the program where you will focus on completing a set number of these badges each semester. The technology badges are optional and can be completed on your own time.

The projects you work on in your courses may not completely align with the competency you are trying to demonstrate. By going through the review process with your peers and revisiting your work after the course, you are able to reexamine your understanding of competencies and make sure you address any gaps in your knowledge. In essence, this is your opportunity to modify evidence to ensure it is not only your best work but also embodies the concepts of the challenge you are submitting.

You can take any challenge in any order. We do provide documentation that helps guide you through the challenges based on the courses you take in the program. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to complete the badges in the order in which you feel most confident.