University of Kentucky®
Masters Degree (MS) in
Learning Design & Technology
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 30
CREDENTIALS MS Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$753.00
Program Alert
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Masters Degrees
- Learning Design & Technology (MS)
About this Program
Become an expert in designing and delivering online, hybrid, and in-person learning by earning a master's degree in Learning, Design and Technology. The program prepares you to create compelling learning experiences that reflect evidence-based best practices and improve performance at schools, companies, and organizations. Our graduates work in the training and education sectors across K-12 and higher education, business, industry, and medical and military services.
This program offers rank change and endorsement opportunities to Kentucky teachers (Rank I, Rank II, and Instructional Computer Technology endorsement).
Designed For
This program is ideal for individuals passionate about enhancing educational experiences through innovative use of technology and instructional design principles. Prospective students come from diverse educational backgrounds, aiming to develop skills in designing and implementing effective learning environments and digital learning materials.
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What You’ll Learn
- Conduct needs assessments to identify the training needs of an organization targeting at improving performance.
- Identify instructional goals tailored to address organizational needs, and develop evidence-based instructional and evaluation strategies.
- Analyze performance data and employ data-driven techniques to evaluate existing learning solutions.
- Develop engaging e-learning content using industry standard computer programs like Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate and Creative Cloud, Camtasia, and game-based learning applications.
- Complete projects that will enhance your portfolio by working closely with esteemed faculty who guide students on both research and practice.
Students have the option to complete a graduate certificate in Distance Education, which can be embedded as part of their degree's program of study.
Students will be required to attend scheduled live class meetings online, bi-weekly or as scheduled.
Career Stats
Course Examples
- EDC 547 Technology in Instructional Practice
- EDC 607 Instructional Design I
- EDC 608 Instructional Design II
- EDC 543 Digital Game-based Learning
- EDC 548 Instructional Technology Leadership
- EDC 605 Distance Learning Research and Design
- EDC 611 Authoring Applications for E-learning
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from the Learning Design & Technology program to talk about your unique situation.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- You do NOT have to be a teacher or hold a degree in education to study Learning Design & Technology
- Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
- Resume
- A personal statement: What is your background? What do you hope to gain from this program? How will it support your career aspirations?
- Three (3) professional recommendations (Only an email address is required. Our system will ask them to upload their letter.)
- Official transcripts
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2026
Summer 2025
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Join an upcoming information session to learn more about the program, curriculum and faculty
The program at UK was manageable with a fully online program, even while working full-time. Before graduation, I accepted a role with MetroNet as their first Instructional Designer and now my life is completely different.
Krystal SmockWhy UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Save money by paying for only 9 standard credit hours per semester, even if you take more.
Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
Is there a tuition cap?
Yes! For graduate students who enroll full-time (9+ credit hours) exclusively in a distance education program, will receive a capped tuition rate. To see the current term’s capped tuition rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses -- full-time.” This is the per semester rate you will pay when enrolled for 9 or more credit hours. Please note, this rate only applies to programs using the standard graduate tuition rate.
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Online Learning
Should I enroll as a full-time graduate student?
This depends on each student and their ability to manage the heavy course load of enrolling full-time, which is 9 credit hours (typically, 3 classes) per semester. Students who enroll full-time may find it difficult to keep even a part-time job. Students who are able to manage a full-time courseload can take advantage of our Graduate Tuition Cap and save on tuition, which offers a flat tuition rate per semester when enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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